[9.2/10] Throw away the past. The rap on The Force Awakens was that it was too derivative, too indebted to A New Hope and the blueprint that had started the franchise. There was a sense that the new trilogy needed to break new ground, that having established the new setting, the new characters, and the new conflicts and mysteries, it was time to break from what had come before.
You could be forgiven for thinking that the film’s main characters share that sentiment. Kylo Ren states it explicitly. He pushes Rey to do the same while she labors under the weight of her unknown parentage. And Luke Skywalker himself, the Jedi Master who won the day in those lodestone films that forever emblazoned Star Wars into the annals of culture, has written off his past deeds, and with them, the Jedi as a whole, as a legacy of failure that needs to simply end.
But it cannot, and should not. Where The Force Awakens featured new heroes reliving the past, The Last Jedi features them remaking it. It is a film devoted to embracing the power of that legacy, good and bad, without being beholden to it. Episode 8 a film that is of a piece with its forebears, but also so full of its own life, character, feeling, and awe.
The fear among the fandom is that, as the second installment in the new trilogy, The Last Jedi would be a mirror image of The Empire Strikes Back. (Though, as with the complaints of borrowing from A New Hope, there are worse sources to crib from!). There’s some of that here. As with Episode V, The Last Jedi splits up its heroes, leaving one of them in training with an old Jedi master on a distant planet, and the other on the run from the bad guys, until everyone is united in the end. There’s offers to rule the galaxy and reveals of who the protagonist’s true parents are and a less-than-savory character who seem like friends and then sell our heroes out.
But Episode VIII echoes the whole of the Original Trilogy in moving, thought provoking ways, not just the middle chapter of it. The film meditates (nigh-literally) on the most iconic image of the original Star Wars film -- Luke gazing off at the horizon in search of adventure. It features our light side hero being lured into the throne room of the Big Bad in the hopes of turning the black hat with the twinge of a conscience still remaining, just as Return of the Jedi did with Luke, Palpatine, and Vader. From blue milk to adorable forest-dwelling creatures to wizened masters passing into their next lives and leaving their robes behind, The Last Jedi is not so much reinterpreting The Empire Strikes Back as it is ruminating on all of Star Wars at once.
And yet what’s so striking about the film is that it’s so much more than a recapitulation of those films. It is, a celebration of them, a reflection on them, and an exploration of them, that advances and subverts those ideas and themes as much as it reintroduces them.
It takes the trigger-happy flyboy, the Han Solo-esque roguish type who, true to that lineage, shoots first and asks questions later, and tempers him with the reveal that the calm, measured leadership was a product of careful and clever planning rather than cowardice. It takes the Big Bad, the mysterious power behind the black-clad dragon who can shoot lightning and bark evil monologues, and kills him off suddenly halfway through the film rather than making him the final obstacle to be overcome.
And it takes the biggest mystery of this new trilogy, the question of who Rey’s parents are, that so many diehards and casual fans alike have been buzzing over, and delivers the most inspired subversion. Rather than Luke’s lost daughter or the Emperor’s scion or Kylo Ren’s forgotten twin, she is the product of nobodies, who sold her for drinking money. It’s a truth that deep down she always knew, but couldn’t accept, because like the audience, she assumed that for someone to have fate on their side, to be able to live a life with meaning, they must come from somewhere, from someone.
But that idea is, despite the Skywalker-mad connections of everything that followed, antithetical to the animating beginnings of Star Wars. Before it was decided that Luke was the son of Darth Vader, he was simply the son of some other guy named Anakin Skywalker. He was a nondescript moisture farmer on a backwater planet who was the last guy you’d expect to take down The Empire’s greatest weapon.
That’s what made his journey so powerful. He wasn’t The Chosen One in A New Hope. He was just a kid with unrealized potential who, with the right guidance and the right chance, could save the day. The Last Jedi returns its chosen one to those roots, to providence shining down on the common, that the savior of the galaxy can come from nothing.
It’s a reversion that’s anchored by the character dead set on rejecting his own longstanding anointment. Mark Hamill is a revelation here. Gone is the naive farm boy who whined about picking up power converters, and gone is the seasoned master who saved the world and redeemed his enemy, and in their place is haunted cynic, convinced he’s caused as many problems as he’s ever solved. There’s a caustic quality to the character here, one that makes him gruff and dismissive of Rey, fatalistic about the Jedi, and unquestionably angry at himself.
Where there was an cornbread innocence to the Luke we met on tatooine, The Last Jedi introduces his echo, a man who looks upon his accomplishments that have ascended into legend as false fables of failure, and the current blight sweeping the galaxy as a fault of his own that he cannot elide or escape. He’s done seeing the battle between the dark and the light, and instead sees the continuum between the two, the yin-yang like symbols that dot his surroundings and the film as a whole, the balance that leads light to breed darkness and darkness to breed light.
That sense of balance is at the heart of The Last Jedi. It comes between Rey and Kylo Ren, who feel a force-forged connection between the two of them that lets each see the other beyond the monolithic figures who stand in opposition to one another. It comes in Leia, who tries to find the midpoint between striking the blows necessary to stay in the fight and not losing too many of her compatriots in the process. And it comes in DJ, the Lando-like figure who rejects the good guy/bad guy dichotomy and sees the struggle between The Resistance and The First Order as the changing of the tides he’s unwilling to be swept up in.
It’s there that The Last Jedi feels the most reflective, even political, in ways deeper than the four-color civics parable told by The Prequels. It asks who benefits from these conflicts, who profits from them, and whether who’s on the right side and who’s on the wrong side can be so clear cut when Republics beget Empires, conquerors beget resistance, and slaughterers beget saviors who train yet more slaughterers. In all of the mythic good vs. evil that’s so much in the bones of Star Wars, Episode VIII steps back and dares to consider that conflict, that never ending cycle, as part of some larger, indifferent system rather than an epic journey toward salvation.
It also restores a sense of utter awe to the franchise. Johnson and cinematographer Steve Yedlin create thrilling, jaw-dropping sequences that rarely lose a sense of continuity, instead allowing even the more firework-heavy sequence to progress organically and tell a story rather than simply providing raw but empty splendor. When Leia glides through space to return to her ship, or Rey and Kylo Ren fight hand-to-hand with the Red Guards (who actually get to do something for once!), when our heroes and villains meet in crimson-dusted splendor in the final frame, Johnson and Yeldin show a virtuosity with big spectacle filmmaking to match the thematic and emotional resonance of the rest of their film.
But that spectacle never detracts from the feeling imbued into the film. Episode VIII is not merely a political tract. It’s not a heap of pretty but hollow action. It’s not even just a deconstruction and reconstruction of the films from whence it sprung. It’s a story populated by characters who love and hurt and feel.
There is power in the moment when Rey and Kylo Ren’s hands touch across light years not just as the meeting of lightness and the dark, but as a human connection between two struggling individuals on either side of the same crisis of self. There is meaning when Rose jams Finn out of the path of his suicide mission, not just for the thrill of the moment, but for Finn’s nobility in trying to live the most potent opposite of running away, and Rose’s attachment in saving him, rather than stopping him. And when Luke kisses Leia on the top of her head, it’s not just imbued with the impact of an on-screen goodbye having to stand-in for an offscreen one; it’s imbued with the poignancy of a film that builds the place in one another’s lives each occupies long before they’re face-to-face for the final time.
Because in a way, they both have to move on. Luke has to let go of his failures, cast off his guilt, to do as a delightfully, once again impish Yoda suggests and let his pupils outgrow him. Rey has to let go of her belief that her family is waiting for her, and find the new family who’s sustained her to this point. And even as he seeks the means to rule the galaxy, Ben Solo cannot let go of the masters who’ve failed him, of the feelings that rage inside him, and of the parents who cannot help needing, no matter how much he may want to.
But moving on doesn’t have to mean throwing things away. It can mean giving something back. It can mean sacrificing yourself, ending something, so that something else can be born anew in its place. It can mean preserving the tiniest spark of rebellion, the brave men and women and quirky droids who can start a conflagration to spread across the galaxy. It can mean doing great deeds, that will be bent and twisted and have consequences you never imagined five steps down the line, but also inspire the next nobody on a nothing planet to gaze up at the sky and wonder what adventure may lie there.
The Last Jedi moves on from its predecessors without discarding them, and moves forward enough to leave plenty of room for its successors, both literal and figurative. It moves on from the George Lucas originals, and even from its immediate, J.J. Abrams-helmed predecessor. But it embraces the spirit of these things, an aims to recreate that feelings, that core, that sense of wonder, for a new generation.
In that, Star Wars itself is like The Force as Luke describes it. It does not belong to Lucas or Abrams or Johnson or even our continually growing overlords at the Disney Corporation. It belongs to all of them and none of them, and to us. Like The Force, like the Rebellion, Star Wars is as much an idea as it is a franchise, and just as Lucas himself reimagined those ideas from Kurosawa films and Flash Gordon serials, Johnson posits himself as doing the same, and instilling the hope that one day, kids will look to these bits of awe and wonder and be moved to look out past the horizon and tell their own stories just as he was.
So don’t throw away the past. Remember it. Embrace it. It informs what we do and who we are and who we will one day be. But don’t be bound by it. Be inspired by it. As cheesy as that sounds, The Last Jedi makes good on all the inspiration thirty years of Star Wars has provided. And just as Luke, Leia, Rey, Ben, and the rest of the conflicted figures who populate the film do, Johnson reaches out in the hopes of not just vindicating that legacy, but extending it to whatever, and whoever comes next, no matter who they are or where they come from.
After the hugely entertaining Force Awakens, Johnson is more keen to explore new territory than tread down familiar paths and what makes The Last Jedi so successful is not just that he is willing to subvert expectations that come with a Star Wars film, but also that he has a singular focus on developing all the central characters and it is this that makes this film so emotionally involving and gripping to watch. Johnson has picked up on the key story threads from the last entry, but unlike Episode VII which relied heavily on nostalgia and familiar scenarios, he has chosen to use his legacy characters to create a rich and thematically compelling entry into the saga that doesn’t simply rely on the audience’s nostalgia for previous films. It is to his credit that he has challenged not just the new characters but also the old, none more so than Luke, whose past and our awareness of it allows the filmmaker to contrast the nature of myth and legend with the reality of flawed character and all too human failure. Indeed, much of The Last Jedi’s central theme revolves around not just failure, but how each central character deals with it. Everyone from Luke to Hux experiences failure on some level during the film and Johnson is keen to explore each character’s central flaw, from Rey’s loneliness and need for a father figure/companion to Poe’s hot-headedness, and emphasise how each character develops as their flaw is exposed and challenged in some way. It makes for a fascinating film and for the first time since The Empire Strikes Back, there is palpable sense of tension that comes from a story moving into unfamiliar territory for every single character.
The performances across the board are strong and both Hamill and Fisher do some of their best work as Luke and Leia, without ever overshadowing the new characters. Indeed, every moment with Leia is tinged with sadness, given the cold reality of real life, but one of the many tragedies is that Fisher is no longer here to earn the plaudits for her performance that would have made her presence in Episode IX such an exciting prospect. Unfortunately it is not to be, but this is a wonderful note to go out on.
Like Force Awakens, there are some minor flaws - it’s one of the funniest Star Wars films, but the humour occasionally feels oddly anachronistic with the setting and classical nature of the series. Whilst the adventures of Finn and Rose on Canto Bight serve a purpose to expand on the themes of the film, they do feel extraneous and affect the pacing.
Perhaps the greatest flaw however that has been exposed by this film is in fact the central flaw of the entire sequel trilogy - the audience’s understandable desire to see Luke, Han and Leia again has ensured their happy ending from Return of the Jedi was inevitably going to be challenged and perhaps all of them would have been better utilised as legends to inspire the new. It is to the credit of both Abrams and Johnson that their inclusion has never felt wasted or betrayed, but as the saga inevitably moves beyond the past and embraces new characters, one can’t help feeling regret and sadness that the fairy tale nature of a happy ending has been exposed by age and inevitable death.
But that shouldn’t detract from a film that delivers everything one would hope for in a Star Wars film. It is the balance of old and new elements that Johnson has got spectacularly right, delivering the requisite moments of adventure, fun and spectacle, but at the same time delving into new territory that leaves the saga at an interesting turning point. As the film closes with an indelible image that will surely speak to every fan who grew up with a childhood dominated by the series, the mysteries of Episode VII may have largely been answered, but Episode IX is wide open and it’s anyone’s guess where the films will go. That is an exciting prospect.
My oldest son, as well as myself of course, wanted to watch this movie already before Christmas when it went up Geneva but it was pretty much sold out (unless you wanted to sit at the very edge of the theatre). I manage to book tickets for yesterday though so…here’s my ramblings about the movie.
As usual with these kind of movies, where there is a large following of fans, there is also many dissenting voices. Some people apparently are going as far as to want this movie to be undone. Well, my take on that is that these people need to grow up or let go or both. Luke is no longer a young farm boy running around saving the universe. The Star Wars universe and its characters are evolving and that is the way it should be and the way it is. Time for the next generation to pick up the torch.
Both me and my son really liked this movie. After the abysmal episodes I to III (Jar Jar Binks still haunts me in my dreams) I have really enjoyed the Star Wars movies.
I quite liked The Force Awakens but it is true that it felt a bit like a rehash of A New Hope. Not only does this one not feel like it is reusing old material (too much) but it also feels like it is opening a new chapter in the Star Wars universe.
The FX is as good as you have the right to expect from a Star Wars movie. The story is fresh and well developed. It will not win any Oscars of course but I liked it. It makes things evolve while at the same time giving enough room for action and a wee bit of humor.
The characters are almost all good and well played. I am looking forward to seeing more of most of them, especially, Rey and Poe. I’m not 100% convinced about Finn and Rose but I can live with them. Kylo Ren do not yet fill up the shoes of Darth Vader but he is showing promise. Contrary to Snoke I do feel he should put on a mask though.
The two characters I did not really like was General Hux and DJ. The first one was just incompetent. I’m not sure if he was supposed to be a bit of comical relief or not but, as far as I am concerned, we can do without him. DJ, well I guess he was supposed to not be liked so he did a good job of that but these kinds of assholes just frustrate me to no end. We never saw him actually meet his demise in this movie so if he is brought back I hope it will be for the sole purpose of rectifying that oversight…as violently and painfully as possible.
Of course, we saw a few new ships as well and as usual with the Empire bigger is better…or maybe not. Not sure what to say about these new designs. At least they did not look like a enlarged (except for the bridge) Star Destroyer like Darth Vader’s Super Star Destroyer.
One thing that really bugged me in the first battle though was the rebels’ so called “bombers”. What kind of bloody moron designed those? They were just so wrong in so many ways. The design itself was just silly looking. They were slower than a flee on a patch of tar. Seriously, a space bomber that crawls along? Actually, why make a “bomber” in space at all? That brings us to the biggest gripe of them all with this ludicrous design…dropping bombs vertically? In space? How the fuck do they fall?
Sure they looked somewhat cool when they dropped their bombs…if your knowledge of physics is on the level of your average politician (and obviously a few Hollywood employees as well).
Anyway, on the whole me and my son had two and a half hours of great fun watching The Last Jedi. I hope the next movie expands on the threads this one started. I have to say that I was a bit sorry about the feeble state of the resistance at the end, so I do hope the next writer will not let this drag on. One way to ruin Star Wars for me would be to turn Star Wars into some Battlestar Galactica variant with resistance survivors on constant run from the empire. Now it is time for the resistance to strike back, and for Rey to evolve her Jedi powers.
I'm old enough to proudly state that I saw the original 'Star Wars' movie six times when it opened in theaters when I was 13 years old. I also saw 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi' during their original runs. I remember the excitement of seeing them being pretty incredible. 'Star Wars' was especially big.
Even as I grew through my teenage years with the series, I didn't think of it any differently than other franchises like 'Indiana Jones' or 'Alien'. I don't consider myself a "fanboy" even though I have been with 'Star Wars' since the beginning and I certainly don't think they should get some kind of special pass because they are Star Wars movies. Nostalgia didn't cloud my lack of enthusiasm for say...'Kingdom of the Crystal Skull', so it's gloves-off if necessary for 'The Last Jedi', no matter how much I like the originals.
I was just okay with the prequels. Actually, I liked them more when I saw them the first time in the theaters. 'The Force Awakens' and 'Rogue One' scored high with me when I saw them too, and they've held up with me.
However, 'The Last Jedi' is the first of the series that has left me cold after my initial viewing. The whole thing seems like a jumbled mess of unneccesary characters and scenes. It feels a lot like a TV show that has run its course and is limping along based solely on past glories (or ad sales). The Star Wars series has always been about adventure, comraderie and exploring new worlds. 'The Last Jedi' tries but fails to extend that sense of wonder. It's full of forced attempts at humor, pointless or odd story beats (casino, Rose & Finn, Vice Admiral Holdo), and a drawn out finale.
I really think a fresh approach was a good idea and I like when characters do unexpected things. I also thought the film looked great and the sound was amazing. But overall, the clumsy attempts at humor and disjointed story had me squirming in my seat. I really couldn't wait for it to end.
Luke Skywalker takes center stage, returning to the screen (and the rebellion) after what seems like a lengthy hibernation in his family saga's long-awaited eighth episode. Of course, it's a creative wonderland, as all Star Wars movies are. Loaded with brilliant new settings, refreshing spins on old ones, wild unseen alien races and explosive action scenes, it retains its roots in an artistic sense. One particular scene, a lightsaber melee in Snoke's deep crimson throne room, sticks with me as one of the best-directed fights in the series.
But there's much more to this picture than mere aesthetics. The Last Jedi constantly defies expectation, seemingly delighting in the chance to throw passionate fans off the scent. From character actions to fake-out non-revelations to the plot's relatively small scale, none of it is quite what I expected. More than once, I caught myself holding my breath, ready to be let down by a decision that seemed inevitable, and each time the film bucked me in a direction I hadn't considered. Sometimes that works to its benefit and sometimes it doesn't. It's a slower, more contemplative take on the franchise, particularly in the first act, which leads to a longer running time (longest of the entire series) without feeling too strung out or overly indulgent.
Unlike The Force Awakens, Episode VIII uses its front-and-center returning cast to enrich and enhance the newer faces. Where Han Solo thoroughly dominated the screen, Luke and Leia use two very different methods to help Rey and Poe grow into heroes worthy of taking the spotlight. That's of crucial importance, and that it's missing from Finn's stalled character arc is a problem. Kylo Ren sees significant growth, too, successfully navigating a very delicate balancing act as his interactions with Rey, his light-side counterpart, gradually unfold.
Not every gamble pays off, and it's hardly a film without faults, but I appreciate how often it was able to surprise me and its ability to wrangle so many threads together into a cohesive narrative. My first impressions have it a hair above the preceding episode, and on equal footing with Return of the Jedi.
Time to nail my colours to the mast here. I am not a huge fan of Star Wars, so I always go into these movies with no expectations either way.
I felt the Force Awakens was just Star Wars a New Hope remade almost beat for beat and this film takes the story and the way the conflict and characters are portrayed in a different direction. It’s a direction I can see a lot of people not liking but considering it is 2017 and not 1977 everything has to move with the times. Why not Star Wars?
Clearly there is a sense of the passing of the guard about the proceedings with old favourites still on display but the newer, younger, generation is moving in. Stepping forward most decidedly is Daisy Ridley who has a captivating screen presence and assuredly has a big screen future. John Boyega another of the new generation is not give as much screen time, which seems a waste, as he is equally as charismatic but due to the story’s structure the way the threads are woven some characters were always going to be slightly pushed to side. This is not to say that the contributions are light or inconsequential but certainly they aren’t the centre of attention. In The Last Jedi Oscar Issac seems to take the lead male role playing hot-headed Poe and once more the new Star Wars movies have hit the payload. Another charismatic and solid actor.
It would appear the makers have tried to drag the Star Wars formulae into the 21st century meaning that all genders and social demographics (amongst human characters at least) are given equal footing, screen-time and a real place in the imaginary universe they occupy.
The mercurial Adam Driver now occupies the space once occupied by the Green Cross Code Man and James Earl Jones and the film and story is no worse for that. Unlike his ‘inspiration’ in the story he is even given some motivation and some reason for being as evil as he is. He is even conflicted. Despite what many reviewers have since said I felt this wasn’t as deep as made out but it at least it stopped Kylo Ren being a one-dimensional baddy whose motivation was in the Steven Segal mode of ‘you’re evil’.
Yes, there are missteps in the film, the peripheral creatures are odd and distracting and a bit too cutesy and it probably is a tad too long, but one must remember what this film is, where it came from and what it is meant to be. It’s a space-war, adventure romp, in the style of the 1950s film serials. Don’t take it too seriously, don’t hark back to your past as a child and go with the changes, the sense of fun, which is even poking the uber-fans a bit, and just get lost in the adventure.
Who was Snoke, who are Rey’s parents? Is it important? So important it ruins your enjoyment? Not for me. Personally, I would have preferred a bit less gurning from some of the leads and a tiny bit more logic applied to some of the tense situations and perhaps the Force is becoming so all powerful and consuming does anyone really need spacecraft and weapons anymore, but it is all minor, nit picking quibbles.
I don’t get the backlash about the humour on display and I don’t understand the hate about love being shown by the Rebellion. Benicio Del Toro’s ‘DJ’ specifically made the point about goodies and baddies in the film and Boyega’s Finn was unheroic at one stage. I am hoping DJ shows up again, he was really interesting and refreshing. Couple this with Oscar Isaac’s Poe Dameron being heroic to a fault, hot-headed, unthinking and evening selfishly getting people killed and you have a fair attempt at dark and light and dare I say it again but nuance. Trying to get people to think beyond bang, flash, bang are all good in my book.
The idea must have been to stop making the dividing line black and white and have some grey. to my mind this has been done very successfully without showing any sympathy for the First Order, and we all know who they really are don’t we?
The Last Jedi might disappoint many fans, but these will just be the ones that want to see The Empire Strikes Back et al remade. Moving forward, changing and embracing that change is the way to go, sometimes this will backfire or not work correctly but how the heck are we going to make new films with interesting ideas to entertain millions if we did not push forward with new ideas and takes on themes? Makes sense to me, evidently not to others.
Summing up Star Wars: The Last Jedi is fun, exciting romp with explosions, fighting, humour and moves the story forward to the next instalment.
I would recommend it.
Oh and on a final note, apparently Disney are paying people to say good things about this Star Wars instalment so if they can DM me I’ll let them know my bank details for the big payment.
I love this movie more and more each time I watch it. I admit I was initially uncomfortable on my first viewing with how Luke was written, but that's what has made me love what Rian Johnson has done even more. He's using the characters in the movie to powerfully remind us how we build up people and things in our own minds (our "legends") and then are often disappointed when me meet them in person and they aren't everything we imagined them to be.
He essentially made Rey a stand-in for me, the lifelong Star Wars fan. I've been waiting 30 years since Return of the Jedi to meet Luke Skywalker again--I've built him up so much in my mind (and I suspect many others of my generation did as well) that if he didn't walk out with a laser sword and face down--and beat--the entire First Order in this movie, then I would have been disappointed. That's what I WANTED to see, I'm not ashamed to admit it. Rey also wanted Luke to come out and be the legend she'd heard about, so when he didn't we were BOTH disappointed.
That's why, when I watched it a second time and I made peace with where Luke was, the story really started growing on me. "The Last Jedi" isn't and never was going to be Luke's hero story, so if not that--how does Luke best serve the hero journey for Rey? Once I finally was able to get past saying in my own mind, "Luke Skywalker would NEVER do [fill in the blank]!" then I noticed a nuanced and thought-out story with very deep feelings embedded inside and was actually quite moved emotionally. It didn't happen on the initial viewing, but it's no longer too much of a stretch for me to believe that the same Luke who flew against the Death Star, and stood up to the Emperor and Darth Vader could also believe that because of his actions regarding his nephew, he may have left the Galaxy in worse shape by unleashing Kylo Ren. I LOVED LOVED LOVED Mark Hamill's performance and do feel that what he gave us on screen was everything I had waited decades to see. And even on first viewing, I was at peace with Luke's fate (much more so than I was with Han's fate the first time I saw "The Force Awakens")
I could go on defending, point by point, a bunch of things that fans have complained about and explain why they didn't bother me, but that won't change anyone's opinion. I don't have an issue with anyone who didn't like "The Last Jedi" and I won't argue that anyone should. However, I strongly disagree with those who say Johnson "ruined the franchise." He did not and I think this is a fine addition to the Skywalker story. I agree the movie does have some questionable plot moments--though the novelization of the movie by Jason Fry fills in a few of those apparent holes in the plot.
I have no problem putting "The Last Jedi" as my 2nd favorite in the franchise (behind "Empire Strikes Back").
"This is not going to go the way you think"
That's what kept happening to me. I thought one thing was going to happen and then something entirely different happens. I find that very entertaining. I really liked the way this was shot, the editing was fantastic. It was a little long. I really liked what Rian Johnson was able to expand on this universe while still focusing on a Skywalker story. I think the new Star Wars trilogy he is in charge of is in good hands.
I need a little more time to digest the movie and I would like to see it again before I give all my thoughts on the story. This felt like its own story and not a rehash at all. I think this is going into a very interesting direction. I look forward to seeing what J.J. Abrams can do.
EDIT:
After a second viewing I still really like this. I think it moves the story and universe forward. Not much happens directly happens between the First Order and the Resistance. A lot of resistance die and their base is blown up but that’s nothing new for them and they did blow up the First Order’s base in TFA. The main point of the movie is character development. Like Kylo Ren said, "Let the past die." I think that is what this movie does. And not just because Luke dies or Snoke dies but they aren't going to rely on the original trilogy for everything.
I think part of the reason this movie having some fan backlash is because this movie does its own thing. It takes what The Force Awakens sets up and just kills certain plot points people have been theorizing about for 2 years. If you just sit back and go with what the movie is trying to accomplish then you will have a better time then trying to fight everything this movie does.
Rey's Parents: Nobodies. Unexpected but I can totally buy i . Especially with the last shot on the orphan kid with force powers. The Force was trying to balance itself matching Kylo Ren with Rey. I know people wanted her to be a Kenobi but I think this is more interesting.
Snoke's backstory: We got nothing. He is killed off without finding out anything about how he rose to power. Was he someone we would of known from before or are we just spoiled and expect him to be someone? Did Kylo Ren want his power or was he just trying to get away from him.
Luke training Rey: We all thought this was going to be like Yoda training Luke in Empire Strikes Back but it goes in an unexpected direction. There really wasn't any training. Rey has the Jedi books but will that help her? Maybe Luke will come back as a Force Ghost to coach her like Ben did for him.
Yoda coming back, as a puppet, was great to see. Luke and Leia's "reunion" was also nice to see. The Crait landscape was really cool with all the salt and red dirt. Crystal Critters and Porgs are specifically in here to sell toys. I totally thought they were going to be annoying but I was surprised and I actually really like Porgs.
There were some things I thought were a little stupid. Leia saving herself using the force to fly? I was genuinely shocked because I knew they weren't going kill her off after Carrie Fisher's unfortunate death but I thought maybe they would. Her having strong force powers I assumed but her never really using them and then all of a sudden flying to save her life was a little Deus Ex Machina.
Finn and Rose's story was my least favorite of the three main plot lines. It felt a little point less. Why did Finn call Maz too? He barley knows her. So they go find a code breaker, which happened to be played by Justin Theroux and I got super excited because I love The Leftovers TV show, but it just was a cameo. Benicio Del Toro's DJ was an interesting character. He is right, there are no good guys and bad guys, only people who are looking for personal gain whether it is ruling the Galaxy or more money. Is Phasma dead now? She fell into fire but I hope she can come back. She still really hasn't done much. It really is this plot line that expands the universe with weapon dealers and Force sensitive orphans and most of new creatures. I think this is what Rian Johnson's new trilogy could be the most like, more of a political drama with interesting new planets and creatures then a space epic. That might not be what people want from Star Wars but as a fan of Sci-fi I'm excited to see what he can do.
If The Force Awakens was about looking back and connecting it to the past, The Last Jedi was about looking forward and looking to the future.
This movie is right behind TFA for me. Here is a list of my personal rankings of all the Star Wars movies:
https://letterboxd.com/nmahoney416/list/star-wars-ranked/
This movie has the worst plot of all the saga, a lot of WTF moments, and corrupts one of the best characters of the star wars universe. In regards to the plot, the rebels are being chased by the first order's destroyers at light speed, so Admiral Holdo, the lady with pink hair (they don't even care to give her a proper background) is the highest rank on duty (at the time, Price Leia is in the infirmary). She has a plan but tells none. That makes the rest of the crew think she will destroy everything the rebellion worked for, sosome of them go rogue. The conflict the film is based on a communication problem...
Like i said, theres A LOT of absurd scenes that will most certainly make you facepalm, like the moment when the spaceship's bridge of the rebels is blown to pieces you see Leia dead floating in space, when she suddenly starts flying back to the ship; or when Snoke, the most powerful man in the First Order gets killed by Ren's dumb trick...
Finally, in my opinion, this chapter corrupted (and even destroyed) Luke's character. Once a legend, he is portaited as a coward that even tried to kill his own nephew. The film tries to redeem him at the end, but it doesn't quite do it. If you expect a fan service fiIm, you will be satified, since there's a ton of references, but if you expect something more, i suggest you save your money.
I put off watching this one for so damn long, but now it was time to face Disneys latest...well...I suppose it can be called a Star Wars movie. It had the logo and the music at least...
After two and a half hours of anti-white and anti-male feminist propaganda, I would like to give out some thanks...
First of all, I would like to thank Rian Johnson for writing and directing the biggest piece of garbage that has ever graced the silver screen.
Not only did you manage to ruin the biggest hero in the franchise, you also managed to turn the whole franchise into a feminists wet dream.
Second, I would like to thank Disney for ruining one of the biggest science fiction franchises. We certainly have enough of those, haven't we?
Third, and last, I would like to thank and congratulate Kathleen Kennedy. You finally did it. You managed to take everything that was great about Star Wars, and flush it down the toilet. You certainly changed the franchise in your own image...badly written feminist garbage.
To be honest, I don't mind strong female characters, nor do I really mind that the only white males in the movie were bad guys IF it suits the story, BUT when the story is written very poorly in the first place, and then the characters are written in and portrayed the way they are just to please a certain demographic of man and white hating feminists and SJWs, it really makes me question what the hell is going on at Disney.
I'm not going to give Disney any more of my money until they kick both Kennedy and Johnson to the kerb and give Star Wars the writers and directors the franchise deserves.
Don't bother with this shit unless you have to...certainly not if you have to pay for it.
Okay. So. Star Wars The Last Jedi. Late comment. This is sort of a mixed bag. It does feel like a film for kids/teens and fangirls (or their parents). A jumbled mess with dumb characters' decision.
But it is -way- better than Star Wars The Farce Awakens. I mean The Forced Awakens. The Force Awakens. Rian Johnson deserves more credits than Jar Jar Abrams.
First thing first: at the very least, TLJ dares to try something new where TFA couldn't. By "something new" I mean not the new MCU-flavored jokes and quips slipping everywhere but new formula and new themes.
The best thing from TLJ involves Luke a lot.
Among them is the idea of grey morality and Luke being "ordinary human" shrouded in myth. The take with Luke and Ben (Kylo Ren) relationship is nice. He is no all-powerful all-wise Jedi; he makes mistakes, he hesitates, he regrets. We didn't get enough build up to explain why Luke did what he did in the past, and Johnson resorted to the typical Kylo being "too powerful", but I guess it was decent.
The scenes where Luke dispels the myth of him being the legendary Jedi is also great. This might be relevant in this day and age of celebrity politicians when a divorce of one politician suddenly becomes everyone's concern.
And, of course, the most important thing in-universe is Luke's explanation about The Force being some sort of energy that surrounds us. Not innate power. This should correct the mistakes Jar Jar Abrams made in TFA and Gareth Edwards made in Rogue One.
There is also one good thing from Finn and Rose mischievous adventure. It feels like it attempts to bring up Prequel Trilogy serious tone concerning arms trade. Benicio del Toro also has one good moment when he explains about "good and evil" is not as simple as Finn might think. Though that two are the only good things from their adventure (we'll get back to this later).
Luke and Leia reunion is beautifully done. Great lighting, very timely moment (though things that lead into the moment is very questionable), and the hallmark score accompanying the scene is perfect. This is a great tribute to the Original Trilogy and to Carey Fisher.
One more thing: Vice Admiral Holdo last resort is quite a spectacle. The scene feels like I'm watching something from anime. The idea itself is brilliantly executed (for an action fantasy) and would make a good move if there would be another Star Wars game.
Now to the worst parts. It does feel like a jumbled mess with dumb characters' decision.
There is one scene where Leia comes back to life and fly. This is the weirdest thing to ever happen since Starkiller Base. No explanation at all (let's not pull Abrams-esque excuse "it's in the novels!" because you should not need secondary material to understand a film). Maybe it's a tribute to Carrie Fisher, or a plot point for other characters (Poe/Holdo) to shine, but even so there are better ways to do that. Maybe by not having Leia stay in bridge and affected by explosion.
And then there is Finn and Rose mischievous adventure. This might be the worst, really worst part. Messy subplot and dumb characters.
Their adventure to snatch a hacker to sneak into the Star Destroyer feels forced in the first place. Do they really have that much time to go to another planet while the Resistance fleet is being chased by First Order? The whole "we can't reach The Resistance because shields and distance" feels like a terrible excuse considering in previous materials a ship that huge would have enough firepower to destroy a shiled--and even if they didn't, they could've sent a group of bombers.
Finn and Rose adventure itself feels like they don't really know what they're supposed to do. They were tasked to snatch a hacker, but along the way they seemed to be comfortable to only take revenge to the rich arm traders and slavers that have hurt Rose in the past. Meanwhile The Resistance is in the brink of defeat. Where's the sense of urgency in their mission?
But the worst is in the climax of the film, when Rose thwarts Finn's suicidal plan in his heroic attempt to save The Resistance. The reason? Because killing people won't solve anything and love wins every time. Right--exactly after that cheesy line The Resistance defense got breached. Thanks Rose, I guess trying to imitate Oprah is the most strategical decision ever.
There seems like really no point in Finn and Rose subplot. Dumb characters and pointless quest. It only seems like a filler to meet the 2,5 hours quota. The best thing from their childish trip is Benicio del Toro's hacker character. When Finn was obsessed with the idea of "good" defeating "evil", del Toro's character explains things are not that simple in war. Just like with Luke, his brief yet impactful speech gives a nuance to the simplistic black-and-white tone Jar Jar Abrams developed in TFA.
However the writer appears to be so consistent in making almost everything in Finn & Rose quest a mess: as soon as First Order foiled their plan, it is revealed that del Toro's character is just an opportunist prick with a sweet tongue.
About the MCU jokes. Jokes in The Last Jedi is almost on par with The Phantom Menace. Even TPM feels tame.
TLJ does have very bad moments because of the MCU jokes, particularly in the very beginning of the film when Poe plays along with Hux in the middle of supposedly fricking surprise attack (do you really have that much time?), ruining the suspension of disbelief. In plenty opportunities MCU quips slip and I guess if you don't like Jar Jar in TPM, you wouldn't also like this too much jokes.
Fortunately though, aside from some scenes like with Poe-Hux, I don't think the jokes are -that- bad. It's not Avengers: Age of Ultron bad. It's irritating and pulls me away at times, but it doesn't ruin a supposedly well-developed character like Ultron.
Last: Rey and Kylo relationship. This is why I said this is a film for fangirls. The telepathy is a brilliant plot device to enable communication between two teenagers in opposing side, but do they -really- have to make them able to see each other?
The part when Kylo went nude and Rey's face turns red for seeing a naked guy--is this something from teen drama? There is also this scene when their hands touch each other and Luke barge in, sensing a forbidden love develops in our Romeo and Juliet.
The whole Rey-Kylo depiction is a true OTP bait. Well, I actually have a mixed feeling about it. This isn't exactly bad--it's okay for a teen drama and there's nothing contradicting the canon lore from this. But it does feel like some sort of Anakin-Padme 2.0.
I guess that's all.
It's not great, but it's not as bad as people made it to be. It's better than The Farce Awakens actually.
It's entertaining enough as long as you can glance over the dumb characters. It's still a mess though, so unless you really have nothing else to do it's better to watch something else.
I saw this at a fan release that played as a double feature with The Force Awakens in a sold out IMAX theatre. I have to confess right up front that it was an overwhelming experience for my post-stroke brain and I left the six hour experience exhausted. I should also mention that the friend I attended the event with was angered by the character arch of Luke Skywalker to the point she will never see another Star Wars movie. I however enjoyed the film. I felt the acting was great. Daisy Ridley is kick ass adorable. It was bittersweet to see Carrie Fisher in her last role (the film's shooting had wrapped just months before her death in December of 2016). Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleason, Kelly Marie Tran and Laura Dern's performances are all worthy of mention. The story arch was compelling, the tension between dark and light, despair and hope, the journey to find yourself in your world were all great themes, and some characters were significantly challenged (hence my friend's fury). The special effects were transporting in their beauty and complexity. John William's music elevated the performances to epic proportion. I give the movie an 8.5 (great) out of 10.
Where do I start? I am so excited to write this review. I probably should have brought something to write things down while watching the movie. There is so much happening in this and I want to discuss it all! I'm going to try to write this review spoiler free.
I felt like crying so many times during this film, not out of sadness but out of pure happiness. I wasn't planning on mentioning this to maintain a bit of "cool", but it is worth sharing to let you know how happy I felt about this new Star Wars movie.
The opening scene, it was brilliant. A great way to start a movie! You immediately get introduced to these immense ships, this beautiful environment, a few of the known and loved characters, it was action-filled and it was funny! The Last Jedi had me there and than and didn't let go till I had to pee (it's a very long movie), and when I returned it had me again till the very end. There is a progress in every character's storyline, it was fun to see them all grow in their own way. Especially Finn. I couldn't really place him in The Force Awakens, but in this movie, he really went out there to make a difference and to help his friends and allies. Rose Tico, she is a sweet and brave character. I enjoyed the part where she and Finn went to visit a planted I didn't know yet and she saved those beautiful creatures Yea, I really like her. Which brings me to a character I first didn't really like to be honest, and that is Vice Admiral Holdo. It felt like she wasn't doing anything, at all, and that frustrated me a bit. Now that I'm writing this, I think that Rian Johnson might have given her that kind of "mystery" with a reason. I mean, in the end, we all loved her, right? At least I did. Poe Dameron, I have loved this character in The Last Jedi and felt like he didn't have enough screen time. This movie makes up for it all, I think getting to know him a little better was one of my favourite things, character wise. And then, Luke Skywalker, what a champ. I really enjoyed hearing what he had been up to and what changed him into the man he was in this movie. Seeing him and Leia together was so good as well. I loved it. Rey has become quite a grown-up, serious character as well, hasn't she? She is such a strong female lead. The connection between her and Kylo Ren was so interesting to see. I didn't expect that to be there, and I think they are very alike. Their connection was very brief and very beautiful. I really look forward to what is going to happen next with those two. Kylo Ren always feels like the guy who just can't get it right, ever. A bit like General Hux, who thinks he's brilliant while he's actually not that brilliant, which makes him quite funny, which is also quite sad. Bringin me to the last character I want to discuss and that is the Supreme Leader. First, is it bad that I had no clue who he exactly is? If it is, and you want to explain it to me, feel free to do so because I like to know. Right now, I wasn't very impressed with him, to be honest.
There are a lot of beautiful new planets and fun new creatures. Especially on the island that Luke was staying at. The nuns who take care of the small village are so funny, and the Porgs. I mean, they are the cutest things. I hear that opinions about them are all over the place, but I cannot, not like them. I'm weak. The storyline was very well written and it really went somewhere, it had a purpose. Which makes this movie so much more interesting and indulging. Every single person who worked on this did one helluva job. It's brilliant.
I wish I could have discussed a bit more scenes but I can't do that without spoiling quite a bit. I tried to discuss the characters as spoiler free as possible, which I failed to do, but I feel like these spoilers aren't major. You can read them if you want. I want to end this review by saying I probably forgot to mention a lot of things, I miss Han, I'm a bit sad that almost the entire original cast is gone, I can't wait for the next one and I think this one is better than The Force Awakens aka GO WATCH IT
(James Corden, I saw you)
This movie was disappointing, I had very high expectations before seeing the film and they were crushed too easily. The pace of this movie is very slow, so slow that it gets boring and rarely do you get to see anything interesting. There were some good scenes but most of them were very bad, they had a big budget and they made very little of it, there are only 2 light saber sword fights and both are very short which was very disappointing to me. There was basically no character development, most of the leaders were women which made no sense. Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker was barely used in this movie. The movie's main villain which was so over hyped ended up being killed too easily in a one shot kill, I mean, they didn't even try to show a good lightsaber fight between Snoke and Rey which they definitely could have done because the lightsaber fights are the cheapest part of the movie to make but they could have used amazing choreography to make it look good but they didn't. I'd even go as far as saying the prequels were better made than this movie. I didn't hate the movie though as there were some scenes that did surprise me and were totally unexpected. In reality, I am a true fan of the franchise, having watched all the original ones and the prequels many times since I was a kid, I loved The Force Awakens and gave it a 10/10 because it was everything I had ever looked for in a Star Wars movie but this movie definitely wasn't anything like The Force Awakens.
I'll start with the good. The flight scenes are exhilarating. This sequel trilogy (so far) has had some of the best flight scenes I've ever seen in a blockbuster. The effects are, of course, excellent. Oscar Isaac as Poe stands head and shoulders above the rest of the cast. I'm very glad that my favorite character from the Force Awakens was featured much more heavily in this movie.
Everything else is mediocre at best. Most of the acting feels very cheesy. It's the kind of work you'd expect from primetime television, not a major blockbuster. Instead of naturally coming about, the relationships feel forced and come out of nowhere. As for the plot, it contains tons of subplots that go nowhere. Most of the questions that The Force Awakens raised are given unsatisfying answers, and its major mysteries amount to nothing. Old characters are handled very poorly and don't even interact with one another. Their actions seem very out of character (namely Luke). Leia is laughable, especially in a space sequence that she's in. I have no idea why some of the terrible new characters (like Hux) were what they decided to go with for these movies, but even they were not used well.
The movie's biggest problem was its length: it's excruciatingly long. The movie drags on and on for no discernable reason. Since the movie is little more than a glorified chase sequence, the extensions add nothing to the story. Much of it could have been cut and moved over to Episode IX. Where the last movie felt like an unnecessary remake, this movie feels pointless. Since these movies made everything in the original trilogy happen for no reason, I can't shake the feeling that this trilogy will go nowhere in the end too.
It’s without a doubt the most interesting Star Wars film conceptually. Most of these films are aiming to be pure fastfood, so it’s nice to see an auteur come in and try to do something that has layers, broad ideas and subtext, though one could question what the point of that is when the general takeaway of the average, illiterate film goer seems to be to simply forget about the past. Now, Rian Johnson makes some obvious mistakes with this film. Yes, his insistence on subverting the viewer’s expectations left and right lead to some unsatisfying moments, but there are also more than a few of those moments that I’m fine with. He’s also never been that great with the balancing of tone, and some of the comedy here is so silly (not to mention just poorly executed) that it conflicts with the darker, more dramatic stuff it’s trying to do simultaneously. I like the arcs that he gives to the previously established characters (yes, including Luke, I thought this was a great direction for the character), but the new characters don’t leave as much of an impression, or they’re just given really weird conclusions (Rose’s final speech is a bit cringe). There are some brilliant visual moments, but there are also lots of scenes that don’t pop, particularly the ones set inside spaceships. I think Star Wars films require a bit more flash than just bland grey and white backgrounds. He does bring it occasionally, such as during the action scenes, and all of those are excellent if you ask me. Sure, a lot has been written about the supposed bad choreography during the Kylo and Rey team up fight, but it’s the kind of stuff I don’t notice because there’s a lot going on visually and the shots are so well composed. Furthermore, I love the opening scene and climax, truly fantastic sequences. However, I’m not as much a fan of the Canto Bight and Benicio Del Toro subplot, that never went to an interesting place. In fact, you could take that stuff out and you wouldn’t lose much. All in all, kinda saved by the acting, main character arcs, bigger ideas and decent filmmaking for me, but simultaneously far from great. That being said, the amount of hate directed at people like Rian Johnson and Kelly Marie Tran because of this film is downright embarrassing, Star Wars should truly be ashamed of its toxic fanbase of emotionally immature manchildren. In that regard I’m kinda glad that we have a filmmaker at the helm here who’s willing to be as creatively bold as this ended up being, even with it being as imperfect as it is.
6/10
"This is not going to go the way you think"
That line right there basically sums it all. When you predicted everything that's going to happen, then suddenly get the carpet pulled underneath at the last minute. You either like or dislike Rian Johnson choices, but at least it's going in a new direction and not another remake.
As Kylo Ren put it: "Let the past die"
What I love about 'The Last Jedi' is how it doesn't care what you think about 'Star Wars. While not insulting you as the audience. Taking fan theories or the mystery 'Force Awakens' stet up, and shut it down completely. Instead, what we get is a bold message about are our places and where to find hope.
Rian Johnson absolutely kills it with his direction. Perfectly framed shots and the magnificent cinematography, made the overall experience something to remember for a long, long time. Even as I'm writing this, some of the imagery has implanted into my mind. Beautiful, yet menacing with the dark side creeping in.
Performance and characters all around are great. Oscar Isaac character (Poe) has such a fantastic character arc in this movie, that even he learns from his cocky attitude or quick thinking from deadly situations.
Both Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver are the main dynamics of the film. The scenes with Rey and Kylo are the most captivating elements of the story. A balance of light and darkness shown in their characters. Is Kylo Ren emo? yeah, if you like. Compelling villain? YES. You see good in him from Rey's point of view, but also darkness from Luke's.
This is the best I've seen from Mark Hamill. You'd think he will portray an old mentor in the shadow of Alec Guinness and Yoda. However, that isn't the case. You see Skywalker has given up on the force and wants nothing from it. Becoming a shadow of himself. Heck, he barley trains Rey, and that alone doesn't matter. Seeing him on screen gave me on all happinesses in the world.
Sound design, costumes, visual effects, and the lightsaber fights are all top notch. The biggest issue I've heard from people is the casino scene which didn't bother me. The film itself didn't drag, for me. As the runtime feels justified for something like this.
Now for problems: Some CGI scenes looked a bit unfinished, which is mostly green screen backgrounds. Other than that, the effects look pretty great.
I didn't buy the "love triangle", with Finn (John Boyega) and Rose (Kelly Marie Tran). Even Finn was just as surprised as me when this was suppose to be a thing. I rather see a relationship with Poe and Finn, than Rose. Or just be friends.
While I praise the film for taking bold choices, but it never fully goes for it. A lot of fake outs deaths that afterwards made me wish it actually happened.
It's tonal inconsistency. One minute it's funny, then the next it's dead serious. The humor isn't as awful as people have said. Unfortunately, it doesn't help that characters are jammed packed and didn't need to be there.
And Captain Phasma is still the most pointless character ever.
Overall rating: Despite it's flaws, the force is strong with this one.
RIP Carrie Fisher, Our Princess
While Rogue One proved that an epic Star Wars still can be made these days. EP8 can't match this, but it is still better than EP7 was.
There are some really bad scenes like Leia floating through space. Sorry absolutely not believable and senseless. It would have been the perfect ending for her. Instead they make a Marry Poppins scene out of it. Not the first of a kind tho, Leia was already wandering around in Vacuum without a space suit in the asteroid belt in EP5. That was already bad enough. Then the still pathetic bad guys. Snoke gone with still absolutely no back story, That lousy Imperial ginger general. Captain Phasma still without any remarkable performance.... suprisingly Kylo made much more sense this time. Last but not least, just like in EP7 too many scenes stolen from previous Star Wars movies Battle of Hoth, Throne room with rebels dying in the background, Millenium Falcon in the Cave/Deathstar2
There were also some scenes I loved Bomber Attack on dreadnaught at start, Fight with the red stormtroopers in the throne room, Chewie eating the penguins, Luke milking the cow thingy
All in all, not the best of all Star Wars, but definitely worth watching.
I really enjoyed The Force Awakens the first time I watched it. After thinking about it and re-watching it I started liking it a little bit less and less but I still think it was a great start for a new trilogy and got really excited for episode 8. The Last Jedi may be the opposite of TFA. I left the cinema completely disappointed and not at all excited for the next one. The story is about the Skywalkers and they just destroyed their legacy in this movie. It's quite sad to be honest.
Don't get me wrong, the movie was a great IMAX experience, visuals were stunning, the cast is perfect and present us with great performances, but the story... In my opinion is poor writing. It was less of a Star Wars movie and more of a Disney movie carried by the idea that Luke Skywalker would be back...
I even liked Kylo Ren but can't say the same for Rey. Comedy is out of place and cringy at times, at least 40 minutes of the movie is filler footage for the sake of showing the bad side of capitalism (Disney mocking capitalism... whaaat?), stuff that happens that makes no sense, and all the potential that the franchise had after TFA went to waste.
The movie itself is very well shot and beautiful but it has so much bad stuff in it that is hard not to focus on it. I think it is a bad episode 8 and killed all my excitement for the next installment. I enjoyed some parts, but in the end it was a disappointment. Thinking about voting with my wallet and not paying to watch the next one.
It's not a total copy like The force awakens was. It has a kinda original story. However there's only one action happening from beginning to end (+ 2 side adventures, but still), I always find this a lazy way of creating a false sense of urgency instead of building a real story.
It even plays with the way the previous one was a clone: the starting text and situation is exactly Empire strikes back. And the endin one too. With even a soldier emphasizing that it's salt. Like hey look at it, it's not snow, this is not Hoth, got you
Kylo and Rey interactions are a great thing. The most original and interesting part of the story. Some unexpected directions at some points, but ends up a little cliche. Rey was already a great character in the first one, here Kylo is more than just a little kid throwing a tantrum, huge improvment. Poe and Finn are uninteresting details, like in the first one.
Lots of humor and puns. Nice sometimes, but seems forced in the end. Specially with Leïa. This is definitely Carrie Fischer and not Leïa. Almost looks like they kept parts of gag reels. It's funny, but it does not fit the scenes.
But lots of bullshit:
1) Finn and Rose part: 100% useless
2) Leia playing Superman: wtf ? Plus it would have been a beautiful way for her to die even if it was not in the initial scenario.
3) The hyperspeed ship attack: why wouldn't they do that all the time if it worked ? Any X-Wing could destroy the death star this way.
4) Poe's mutiny: 100% useless
5) We've known for long that half training is a lot worth than no training. What is Luke doing with Rey ? It seems really dangerous.
6) So in the end Snoke was useless to the story.
7) All the new laser weapons: seriously ?
8) The last battle that does not happen in the end. What did they think to do with these old things. Just getting the salt in their face should be enough to kill them. And Finn ? The metal starts to melt with the heat but he's just sweating a little ?
9) Ain't that a stupid way to kill Luke ?
So several useless parts of plot, things that start and go nowhere. Several yes but no but yes situations too, a little childish in my opinion. As an independent movie, it's still enjoyable. But as for what it brings to the universe, I'd take 1 and 2 any day over 7 and 8.
That's too bad, because we've seen with Rogue One that it's still possible to make great things in the Star Wars universe.
This is a good movie, it's a bit slow and long, especially in the second act but that serves to explain about the Force. It takes several risks that are appreciated and at the same time leave you with more doubts to close in the next episode. The jokes, some out of place, are not something that get you out of the movie. The plot arcs of Kylo and Rey are well developed and give depth to the characters and you understand why they choose the path they chose. Luke's exile is understandable as is his renegade attitude. There are unexpected actions of Luke; but again, they go along with their attitude in this episode. Leia is the heart of resistance and offers hope for all. The supporting characters pass much to the background that are dispensable throughout the story. For the same reason, you miss the participation of Chewbacca and R2-D2. On the side of the new generation, Finn's subplot is completely irrelevant. In conclusion, it is a good film that lists everything for what we hope will be the final battle in the next episode. It's not perfect but it's very entertaining if you're a Star Wars fan. It does not have a spectacular ending like Rogue One and that leaves you with a bitter sweet taste. 7.5 / 10
First the bad, then the good. (Spoilers, obviously)
The rebel plotline was totally weak. Star Wars is usually pretty epic, and spending about 2/3 of the film on a very slow, uneventful chase was just not wise for a major Star Wars film entry. Felt like a side-story, not the middle of an epic trilogy.
Finn's plotline was probably the worst. It was like they just needed to give him SOMETHING to do. Out of all the myriads of cool plans devisable in the Star Wars universe, wasting a ton of time looking for a mysterious code-breaker is mediocre. And then he betrays them like the writers just gave up. So much potential with the character and Benicio's fantastic acting. Rose on the other hand... was like they were just looking for an excuse to stick an awkward girl from Tumblr in the film? To make it more relatable to Disney fans? Ug, no. The casino as a theory had potential and I don't dislike the poetic mirroring of the original films (and Jabba's Palace), but it just didn't work. The people who were running the creation of the film may have noticed it was like "new Star Wars" but no one asked "is it actually entertaining?"
Slapstick Star Wars... :sigh:... Star Wars has laughs but they are witty character moments, not cartoon peng-whales splatting on a window. I like Pixar but not in my Star Wars. Having them make nests in the Millenium Falcon I did like, but everything else was, like Finn, forcing Chewbacca to have something to do. No need for roasting them so they can make funny faces and make 5 year olds laugh.
So many great characters just got wasted. In addition to the backup codebreaker, Finn, etc. did you notice that Admiral Ackbar died without a word? They really just should have had him in the role of Holdo rather than making a new character.
Okay, now that we're past all the stuff I'm realizing, more and more, was pretty aweful...
The Jedi plotline was majestic. Excellently written, fantastic character development, great elaboration of the force, and fit genuinely as a blend of fresh and traditional in the Star Wars cannon. Kylo continued to be a captivating character. Luke and Kylo's situation was excellently written and equally executed. Luke really did work like a Sith when He tried to protect the force by his own power rather than letting it guide him. Yoda was great and totally pulled a mystical spiritual elder situation that's key to Star Wars (and Yoda). The Snoke throne room situation with Kylo and Rey was glorious. And the reveal for Rey's family was surprizingly satisfying for how much they built it up and then gave a brutally simple answer.
And my second favorite element: the visuals. I didn't know I could be so into Star Wars as a work of beauty in colors and cinematic angles. Where the innovation with slapstick failed, the innovation in visuals kicked butt. The fight in Snoke's chambers and the battle on Crait were beautiful works of art.
There was some terrible humor but also some really classic Star Wars humor, like Poe's dialogue and trashing of Hux at the beginning. I was happily reminiscing on Solo's style.
Honest to say, the GOOD was so good I didn't notice how terribly BAD the bad was until later. I can see why people are so polarized about this film because... it's a polarized film. I enjoyed the heck out of it and probably consider it my favorite of the new films (RO and TFA) but at the same time consider it the "worst" film objectively. I think adding a beginning arc and making the "rebel tracking" part of the film the middle rather than majority of the film could have improved it greatly. And doing almost ANYTHING other than the codebreaker plotline with Finn and Rose.
I am thankful that I have no idea what the next film will be about. They set up for a VERY epic scale tale and I hope they deliver.
I liked a lot about the film, especially the signature themes of good vs evil, the human complexity and struggles of picking a side. The Rey and Kylo against Snoke scene was one of my favorites. The Rey actress was great once more and it was refreshing to see the franchise embrace the idea of a strong woman at its core, even though it wasn't without flaws, like the fact that the final battle involved two men.
As a vegan, I also liked the animal rights moments, whether they were as deep as I see them or not. Chewie reconsidering eating an animal when facing one of their kind? The liberation of a horse-like animal?
As for the worse parts, a lot of the plot was also cliche and predictable through and through, with a ton of stupidity on the part of the decision-makers. Okay, I could take one "hero going against the leader" moment, but why follow the same pattern later in the film? Also, what's with Kylo being rather smart first, then being so shallow when attacking the mine? Is this the new all-powerful leader of the empire? Personally, I felt that the film should have ended shortly after the Rey and Kylo confrontation, as opposed to replaying itself with slight tweaks.
I liked a lot about the film, especially the signature themes of good vs evil, the human complexity and struggles of picking a side. The Rey and Kylo against Snoke scene was one of my favorites. The Rey actress was great once more and it was refreshing to see the franchise embrace the idea of a strong woman at its core, even though it wasn't without flaws, like the fact that the final battle involved two men.
As a vegan, I also liked the animal rights moments, whether they were as deep as I see them or not. Chewie reconsidering eating an animal when facing one of their kind? The liberation of a horse-like animal?
As for the worse parts, a lot of the plot was also cliche and predictable through and through, with a ton of stupidity on the part of the decision-makers. Okay, I could take one "hero going against the leader" moment, but why follow the same pattern later in the film? Also, what's with Kylo being rather smart first, then being so shallow when attacking the mine? Is this the new all-powerful leader of the empire? Personally, I felt that the film should have ended shortly after the Rey and Kylo confrontation, as opposed to replaying itself with slight tweaks.
I liked a lot about the film, especially the signature themes of good vs evil, the human complexity and struggles of picking a side. The Rey and Kylo against Snoke scene was one of my favorites. The Rey actress was great once more and it was refreshing to see the franchise embrace the idea of a strong woman at its core, even though it wasn't without flaws, like the fact that the final battle involved two men.
As a vegan, I also liked the animal rights moments, whether they were as deep as I see them or not. Chewie reconsidering eating an animal when facing one of their kind? The liberation of a horse-like animal?
As for the worse parts, a lot of the plot was also cliche and predictable through and through, with a ton of stupidity on the part of the decision-makers. Okay, I could take one "hero going against the leader" moment, but why follow the same pattern later in the film? Also, what's with Kylo being rather smart first, then being so shallow when attacking the mine? Is this the new all-powerful leader of the empire? Personally, I felt that the film should have ended shortly after the Rey and Kylo confrontation, as opposed to replaying itself with slight tweaks.
TLJ is, thankfully, a much better film than TFA, although that in itself isn't much of an achievement, given how awful TFA was. The brilliant review from @andrewbloom is virtually spot-on, but there were a few element to TLJ that let down an otherwise generally good return to form for a SW film.
Firstly, the whole scene where Leia Force-pulled herself back from the oblivion of space, having been on a command bridge that was totally obliterated by the First Order, leaving no survivors apart from (conveniently) her, was just insulting and ridiculous. Force-strong or not, she would almost certainly have been killed instantly, and if not, so severely injured that she wouldn't be in a strong enough state to suddenly call upon Force powers that she has apparently never used before, that would take a great deal of focus and energy, in order to save herself. Seeing her body floating away was a really strong, powerful moment that would have done true justice to both Leia and the then-recently-and-tragically deceased Carrie Fisher; an honourable hero's death as a freedom fighter. Instead, the whole scene is shattered by a ridiculous miraculous recovery for just long enough to get back to the ship.
Secondly, the humorous moments (esp Dameron toying with Hux) were just over-cooked and corny. They don't detract too much from the film overall, and I'm all for injecting some humour into what is otherwise a dark and sombre film (aka TESB), but what was there was just cheap and tacky.
Thirdly, everything about Snoke makes no sense (without any enlightenment from subsequent films/TV shows). Who/what is he, other than the Supreme leader of The First Order (again something about which we have learned little, from either TFA or TLJ). Where did he come from? For such an insightful, devious, powerful Force user, how could he not have sensed Ren's lightsaber deception when he was already probing his mind? Although that last point could be explained away by him being focused on Rey, but it just came across as to easy and convenient a way to dispose of such a powerful antagonist.
Fourthly, Disney again ruined what would have been a powerful scene by not having Finn (who was much less annoying than in TFA, but still an irritating, dumb grunt obsessed with "getting the girl") complete his suicide mission, and thus dying a hero (and killing off their weakest and most unlikable protagonist). Instead, there is - again - a silly and pointless love story thrown in between him and Rose that culminates in her senseless and meaningless death. This in no way added to the plot or the film as a whole; precisely the opposite, in fact. It is just another example of weak direction from Disney to try and add in the schmaltz that Americans seem to need to have in every action film that they produce.
"This is not going to go the way you think"
That line right there basically sums it all. When you predicted everything that's going to happen, then suddenly get the carpet pulled underneath at the last minute. You either like or dislike Rian Johnson choices, but at least it's going in a new direction and not another remake.
As Kylo Ren put it: "Let the past die"
What I love about 'The Last Jedi' is how it doesn't care what you think about 'Star Wars. While not insulting you as the audience. Taking fan theories or the mystery 'Force Awakens' stet up, and shut it down completely. Instead, what we get is a bold message about are our places and where to find hope.
Rian Johnson absolutely kills it with his direction. Perfectly framed shots and the magnificent cinematography, made the overall experience something to remember for a long, long time. Even as I'm writing this, some of the imagery has implanted into my mind. Beautiful, yet menacing with the dark side creeping in.
Performance and characters all around are great. Oscar Isaac character (Poe) has such a fantastic character arc in this movie, that even he learns from his cocky attitude or quick thinking from deadly situations.
Both Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver are the main dynamics of the film. The scenes with Rey and Kylo are the most captivating elements of the story. A balance of light and darkness shown in their characters. Is Kylo Ren emo? yeah, if you like. Compelling villain? YES. You see good in him from Rey's point of view, but also darkness from Luke's.
This is the best I've seen from Mark Hamill. You'd think he will portray an old mentor in the shadow of Alec Guinness and Yoda. However, that isn't the case. You see Skywalker has given up on the force and wants nothing from it. Becoming a shadow of himself. Heck, he barley trains Rey, and that alone doesn't matter. Seeing him on screen gave me on all happinesses in the world.
Sound design, costumes, visual effects, and the lightsaber fights are all top notch. The biggest issue I've heard from people is the casino scene which didn't bother me. The film itself didn't drag, for me. As the runtime feels justified for something like this.
Now for problems: Some CGI scenes looked a bit unfinished, which is mostly green screen backgrounds. Other than that, the effects look pretty great.
I didn't buy the "love triangle", with Finn (John Boyega) and Rose (Kelly Marie Tran). Even Finn was just as surprised as me when this was suppose to be a thing. I rather see a relationship with Poe and Finn, than Rose. Or just be friends.
While I praise the film for taking bold choices, but it never fully goes for it. A lot of fake outs deaths that afterwards made me wish it actually happened.
It's tonal inconsistency. One minute it's funny, then the next it's dead serious. The humor isn't as awful as people have said. Unfortunately, it doesn't help that characters are jammed packed and didn't need to be there. And Captain Phasma is still the most pointless character ever.
Overall rating: Despite it's flaws, the force is strong with this one.
RIP Carrie Fisher, Our Princess
Cinematography: 7/10 | Performances: 6/10 | Story : 3/10
Good cinematography and good acting can not make up for a film with such horrendous and dishonest writing and storytelling. Even if taken alone, rather than as the second installment in a soft reboot (cash-in) trilogy, the writing is typical of pretentious, pseudointellectual "controversy bait" by a severely mediocre intellect who has been told that they are clever, but merely aims to make as big of a mess as possible.
The problem here is that the writer(s) (I don't for one minute believe that this didn't have input from multiple people, unofficially, namely KK) neither understands the concept of subversion, nor the source material which they are trying to subvert, and ends up making a tonally disjointed film that, laughably, for anyone with at least two decades behind them, presents itself as serious cinema, but with character actions that make no sense, and are merely propelled by the will of the script to do whatever creates the most conflict or lukewarm goofiness in any given moment. To my consternation and frustration, adults are easily fooled by actors playing scenes dramatically, even when their actions are non sequitorial, and even directly contradict previous actions or established world building constants, or events from previous scenes in the same film! They see it and belive it, even if it makes no sense.
This film is composed almost entirely of these moments, even directly conflicting with the previous film in the saga in what can only be interpreted as a spiteful act of stubborn sabotage of characters and plot points. It's bewildering from a meta standpoint why a director would do this, unless of course the director's primary goal was to get people to argue about it. And the best way to get people to argue endlessly about something is to write it so it can't be rationally juxtaposed, due to it not making sense in the first place.
This is where we are with modern "serious" film and TV shows, at the end of this decade. This type of engineered conflict is the hallmark of mediocre minds that have no real story to tell, instead concocting endless petty squabbling.
An honest (and legitimate) way of getting people to engage in discussions (meaningful even!) is to present a challenging moral quandary, perhaps even one that aims to challenge, honestly, and for extropian goals, an existing social moor (pick an episode of Star Trek TOS, TNG, or DS9); or it could even be as self contained as pitting one character's motivations against another (Fletcher Christian vs. Captain Blithe, even Thanos vs the Avengers for a surprisingly compelling-- if intellectually one-sided --contemporary conflict from the same parent company).
TLJ does none of this. What it does do is virtue signal and pander, with no intention to create a meaningful discussion to create change. They mention war profiteering and animal abuse, yet their idea of "getting back" is spur of the moment temporary chaos and property damage. It's not even strategically the same as a protest, the goal of which is to raise awareness by disrupting the status quo. I'm all for destroying Dick Cheyney's house, but that isn't going to bring the public's attention to the fact that he's a war profiteer.
It all amounts to empty spectacle and impotent pandering, not to mention derailing the (granted, preposterous) main slow chase main plot with yet more ludicrously inconvenient/convenient plot contrivances and goofy alien moments.
Speaking of aliens... where the hell are the aliens in the real chacters in the world? Besides Chewie, who functions as Rey's chauffeur, you'd think the aliens in this film were meant to be caricatures for the sycophantic elite, instead of a large part of the rebellion and the galaxy at large. More evidence of careles mishandling of a franchise by an egoist who, by all accounts, hates Star Wars and has no care for anything that he himself didn't create.
But what about the rest of the characters? Glib charm, plank of wood, conflict post, stupid angery boi, platitude spouter, and non entity. That's it. There are no real chacters in this film. After TFA I don't really care about any of them, but I do feel that John Boyega really got the worst of the character disservice of JJ's characters, as he gets to do little more than chase after Rey whilst being stuck with a character most unfortunate (poor Kelly).
Mark Hamil, of course is the single person most wronged by the entire Disney malfeasance, and by RJ in particular. It was spiteful and incompetent character assassination, but even if one were to cast Luke in a bad light, it should be through character progression, meaningful events, hell, not that Disney would have gotten it right, but severe mental illness would have been a much better, and tragic explanation for Luke doing fuck all for no reason. Without knowing RJ's game of pretentious little boy wowzers plotting (see that tripe, Looper) beforehand, I was actually anticipating honery, anti-establishment, even somewhat nihilistic old Luke.... but you have to actually tell that story.
And here we come to the core issue with the type of storytelling common to both RJ and JJ: "Postmodernist Filmmaking"
What the fuck is that? Well, in filmmaking (which is its own term with its own specific meaning) it boils down to this:
Director: I want this stock scene, with these stock emotions, to elicit stock response in audience, BUT, I don't actually know how to write, or care about how stories are written, so I'm going to make this scene happen without actually earning it, narritively.
Leia passing Chewie without a word to hug Rey
Hux becoming a buffoon between 7 and 8
Rey's ability to ad hoc do anything the plot decides, at will
The entire, undxplaied setup for TFA, where all of the accomplishments of the heroes have been reset to zero just to force a retread of classic character moments and imagery (an extra kind of theft of ideas, due to corporate greed and unwillingness to take a risk on real creativity)
Holdo acting like a sleeper agent (or the most incompetent and abstented general-in-an-evening-gown ever) up until the very end where...
She performs a maneuver that destroys the whole dynamic of space battles, with an extra topping of forced character moment due to her needlessly sacrificing herself (instead of using a droid autopilot), as some kind of chacter aggrandisement (and redemption arc? It's hard to know how the script expects us to feel given the schizophrenic way Holdo's scenes play out, as if they are composed of conflicting scenes from separate and incompatible drafts of the script)
What is a true tragedy is what could have been. There are good stories that could have been told, and many of them were already written. Even satisfying things could have been done with the paper thin and silly rip off of A New Hope's characters, but they opted to go with a cheap copy with Mr. Imitation himself, JJ Abrams, and then continue a reboot trilogy with no outline, and an act of inter-saga and intra-saga sabotage is what resulted, and it led to the bankrupt default of the mess that was The Rise Of Skywalker's "Star Wars in a blender" story.
This is art by corporate committee.
The Five Faces of STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI
:heart_eyes:
The Last Jedi is easily the most colorful and visually stunning film in the series so far. The blend of CGI and practical effects work perfectly to form a realistic and lively universe.
It's lovely to see Leia take center stage for this film. Carrie Fisher (Star Wars, 1977) puts in all her heart in the performance and it's a joy to see her final role played with such warmth.
Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina, 2014) gets more to do as Poe Dameron and puts in a largely good performance.
The film keeps focus on the familiar characters from the first film, developing them further, while also giving us new characters to enjoy. Kelly Marie Tran's Rose brings some much needed diversity to the cast, while Laura Dern (Marriage Story, 2019) as Holdo adds some tension.
BB-8 continues to be one of the most clever, funny and cute new additions to the Star Wars mythos.
The fight in Snoke's chamber and the aftermath on the rebel base is quite possibly the most visually stunning battle sequence in the series so far.
:smiley:
Leia being sucked out into space after an explosion is a powerful moment, immediately ruined by the weirdest and possibly even stupidest moment in all of Star Wars.
Rey's training with Luke on the island present some interesting new sides for both characters and easily belong to the darker moments in the series.
Several obvious nods to the classic trilogy always warm the heart of a fan. While the story still mimics some elements from the classic trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) in particular, it's less profound when compared to The Force Awakens (2015).
There are some beautiful emotional moments that are among the finest in the saga.
Everything feels so big and epic in this film, so it's hard to imagine how Disney could top this in Rise of Skywalker (2019).
:neutral_face:
There's lots of silly humor in the dialogue and acting. It's the kind of humor that would suit perfectly in an MCU film, but feels terribly misplaced in a Star Wars film.
Adam Driver (Marriage Story) puts in another good performance as Kylo Ren, a character tailored for him. It's a pity the character himself is tragic, yet extremely annoying.
Something feels wrong with Mark Hamill's (Star Wars) return to his iconic role. There's no real joy to see him back, as it feels like he's only in for the money. He treats the character like a Yoda ripoff and a comedic shadow of his past self.
Rey and Kylo Ren communicating through the Force is a cringe-worthy idea, even if it's nicely edited.
The adventure on Canto Bight introduces a new sparkling setting, but also feels like filler material to extend the film's run-time. The main story is quite simple, but it has been stretched out to an extent.
Much like in The Force Awakens, it feels like there is a lot going on all the time and no real time to breathe and calm down between battles and explosions.
The Last Jedi strays further away from the logic and boundaries of the Force, paving way for new ways to use the power when deemed necessary. It weakens the ties to the original films.
Benicio del Toro (Sicario, 2015) is a hilarious and slimy, albeit totally unnecessary, new character.
There's a plethora of endings to this movie, and it feels like they try to cram way too much content into its runtime. They could have easily left some of the stuff for Rise of Skywalker.
The Luke/Kylo fight is pretty meh, even if it looks nice.
:frowning2:
General Hux (Domnhall Gleeson) was pretty useless in The Force Awakens, but at least he felt somewhat menacing. Here, he is made into a comic relief baddie for no reason.
After barely appearing in The Force Awakens and finally becoming interesting in The Last Jedi, Snoke (Andy Serkis) is disposed of like a bad joke. That is the biggest crime of this film.
Writer-director Rian Johnson (Knives Out, 2019) clearly scraps several story ideas set in motion by J. J. Abrams (Star Trek, 2009) and others in Episode VII to try and take the saga in another direction. Some of his decisions feel messy, particularly when taking into account the previous film. It's going to be a daunting task to write the story out of some of the corners it has landed in with this installment.
:face_vomiting:
//
The Final Face: :smiley: // Good
continues right where TFA left off, starts strong, albeit with some serious issues :
- bomb drops in space?
- imaginary danger when escape by ftl is possible at any time
- snoke in person is a joke
- introduces supporting characters only to throw them to the wolves, including snoke (basically begs for a prequel...)
- leia has superpowers now too... hell even better than a jedi.
completely runs off the rails after the 40min mark, basically nothing happening for the next 55mins(!)...
- except the kylo-rey discussions & yoda appearance
after we're sort off back in action, the issues continue...
- giving away cloaking info without ever obtaining said info...
- so mass destruction by lightspeed weaponization was possible all along? (no matter that in TFA the falcon did a lightspeed jump out of a cargobay without harming those in the bay, behind the drive) if lightspeed causes this much destruction, why the hell did sidius need a death star then? or the snoke a death planet??
- miraculously going faster than finn even though he goes as fast as possible & saving him... oh an no one fires on them, come on...
- bringing the lucky cubes even though he's just a projection...
- oh and why was there ever a need for jedi to teach & have apprentices? rey doesn't need to learn a thing, she can do it all without any effort.
seriously this film is rubbish unless it's watched back to back with TFA, then it's almost good - if you can forget about the glaring issues & the whole hour where almost nothing of consequence happens
after rogue one this is an utter disappointment
I liked this movie.
I'm not a huge fan of star wars so most of the nit picking stuff I did not care to do because I didn't mind it. The casino scenes that everyone didn't like I don't mind at all, along with some other scenes that I'm neutral on but can't remember at the time what they were.
Most of the comedy in the movie sucked. Wasn't funny and just took me out of the movie, and the stakes of the film. There were some jokes that we're fine or happened to aid the movie, like the one in the very beginning. Other than that it was just bad and cringe worthy.
All of the actors and actresses did a good job of portraying their characters. A few people I read said they have a problem with how Luke was portrayed but I don't see what was wrong. I know Disney (or JJ Abrams) said that Kylo Ren has a 3 movie story arc but I feel like he was still a bitch. He was a bigger bitch in The Force Awakens but he's still a bitch in this movie. Phasma was barely used in TFA and she was barely used in this movie, what a waste. I liked Snoke as the antagonist (along with Kylo) but I wish we had more information on his backstory and how he Rose to power and stuff like that. If that is explained in some random ass book somewhere let me know. I probably won't read it but yeah.
Overall I thought it was a fun time. Like I said I'm not really a fan of Star Wars in general so when I seen this movie it was a good time and didn't "divide" me like it did to a lot of other people / fans. Still going to watch the 9th one and probably Solo as well. Good time.
8/10
This movie takes a lot of risks, and for that to happen to a franchise and even the Star Wars franchise is something special. However I might admit that the first 1/3 (not including the first space battle scene) is extremely disappointing with some reveals that have extremely poor execution. Soon after the battle, some characters get sent on a mission which I’m pretty sure contained a countless amount of MacGuffins and some lacklustre world-building which is unlike anything Star Wars would ever do.
As I was watching these scenes on Canto Bight, I honestly thought they’ve messed this up so badly that it’s unsaveable. However, the last 1/3 is some of the most outstanding scenes that this franchise has to offer. The battle scenes are fantastic and tension is high throughout. The island scenes with Luke and Rey are also a highlight with some fantastic creature-effects as is to be expected with the franchise. There is also some great character development, especially of existing characters, which is helped by some fantastic acting (Luke, Rey and Kylo are stand-outs) and some superb direction by Rian Johnson which ties everything up really well. I could make the point that this stuff was so good that I was disappointed by everything else but it all has to be at the same level and it wasn’t. I think I’m nervous yet excited for Episode IX, it has the potential to be terrible or fantastic.
And the Porgs got really annoying really quickly.
Review by FinFanBlockedParentSpoilers2017-12-14T10:14:28Z
Contains major spoilers !!!!!
Huge and utterly dissapointing. After TFA I said this movie would make or break the story. For me it broke.
Where to begin? Let´s start with my biggest problem.
After that rebel cruisers bridge was hit and Leia was thrown into space we saw her drifting in the cold empty vacuum of space. This was a powerful scene and I had tears welling up in my eyes thinking that would be a great ending for the character dying how she always lived. Fighting. I did not realise, or care, that it would have been a huge coincidence had they written this scene at that point not knowing Carrie would pass away. But as I said powerful scene. And then she opens her eyes and floated back into the ship still beeing alive. At that point I was seriously considering leaving the cinema. It´s scifi but, please, without as much as a hint of an explanation that is just awful writing. It is Disney all over it. Anyway I stayed and watched the rest but in general I was done with the movie.
There are tons of other things I didn´t like.
way to much unnessesary and stupid humor. Most of the time it does not fit and just destroys scenes. Holding for General Hux - that might have been OK once but two or three times it just becomes goofy. And there is more of this througout the movie.
the writing was all over the place. So much things going on that do little to nothing for the general plot and just add playtime. Like that whole thing with the codebreaker, going to the casino. Just sugarcoating CGI.
and speaking of playtime - way too long. About five times towards the end I thought it was over. It could have ended when the reached the rebel base- no let´s add another battle. When they realised they where trapped. With Luke going out to face Kylo. At some point I would have been OK with the movie ending with the First Order defeating the rebels, everyone dying, and the franchise done with. But of course that is not happening and the movie ends.....no, just show us a kid with a broom looking at the stars and indicate he could be the hero of a future movie.
in many ways the continuation of storylines is not satisfiying. They introduce Snoke in the first movie without an explanation who he is, where he comes from and how he got there. Would have been OK, could have done later. So now he´s dead without so much as a fight and there are questions left to be answered.
what about Rey ? Are we really to believe her parents were some drunk and drifting scavengers that sold her for money like Ren said ? That would be very stupid because how in the universe could she master the Force in ways even the best Jedis or Sith couldn´t without as much as years of training. Another void in the storytelling.
too many, shall I call them, homage scenes ? A lot of times I felt I had already seen this movie. The scene in the throne room f.e. Snoke = Emperor, Rey = Luke, Ben = Vader, the destruction of the rebel fleet playing in the background and the Ben killing Snoke is like Vader killing the Emperor. I know that was said about TFA as well but I feel it´s much worse here. The Battle of Hoth reviseted would be another thing where they re-did some scenes to a T. All that was left was tow cables.
Those are just some examples of the things I disliked and maybe there could be satisfactory explanation later. There is a lot more but it would take too much time to write it down. But I doubt I will go to the cinema for the next one.
To be fair there where some positives in this movie.
I liked the scenes with Rey and Luke althought they did not really lead anywhere. But some nice insights into Lukes story after ROTJ.
The conversations between Kylo and Rey where very interesting and I thought there was really potential to steer the story to something new and exciting. Not happening.
So overall I was not satisfied. I really like TFA, it built some expectations that where all crushed with this. As far as I am concerned I am done with this new story. I am not not very eager to find out what else the canibalise and how they try to write themselves out of this. There is nothing left.
This is my view of the movie. If you liked it I´m happy for you.
May the Force be with us. Always.