‘Star Wars The Last Jedi’ pushes the franchise story forward with twists, humor and tons of action
Star Wars fans can rejoice as a new chapter in the Skywalker saga arrives with Star Wars: The Last Jedi, a new film written and directed by Rian Johnson. Holdovers from the original trilogy, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher take center stage to pass the baton to the franchise’s new stars: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac.
Picking up after The Force Awakens, as the First Order’s power is growing, the Resistance is struggling to avoid massive losses and even extinction. Rey (Ridley) has located Luke Skywalker on a remote island across the galaxy and begins pleading for his help in the campaign. Tensions rise on all fronts as Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) clashes with General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) to meet deadlines on eliminating the Resistance as Snoke ridicules and manipulates the emotional Kylo Ren (Driver).
Skywalker’s absence has been felt across the universe and the reclusive Jedi Knight is hesitant to train Rey, let alone step back into the limelight and battle the evil First Order. Meanwhile, Finn (Boyega) has recovered from his injuries from his lightsaber dual against Kylo Ren and seeks to help the Resistance to ultimately reunite with Rey. Finn befriends a young, idealistic rebel fighter named Rose, played by Kelly Marie Tran, to go on a secret mission with BB-8 while Poe (Isaac) attempts to keep the Resistance forces safe.
The action moves in several different directions, teasing the audience thirsty for Luke’s return to action and eager to learn details on Rey’s parents. Rey seeks her own answers and begins to discover the powerful uses of the Force.
Luke is more Bear Gryllis than the powerful hero last seen in Return of the Jedi. Carrie Fisher’s untimely death looms in the minds of moviegoers and fans will feel impatient as The Last Jedi seemingly plods along.
Johnson weaves action around very important bread crumbs, wrapping up one loose end while tugging on the fabric of the Star Wars truths fans love and hold dear.
There are plot holes and some weird scenes, but The Last Jedi moves the franchise forward much like The Empire Strikes Back. The journey is different, full of hope, void of the overwhelming darkness and despair felt at the end of Empire.
The twists and surprises continue and never cease to surprise as Johnson proves to be very talented at duping the audience.
While avoiding spoilers is recommended (and difficult at times), to get the full impact of Last Jedi, it’s best to stay clear of trailers and get yourself in a theater as soon as possible. Fans on Monday will not be able to stay silent about the events in the film and you’ll regret hearing the details ahead of time.
Do fans learn about Rey’s parents? Yes. Does Luke return to action? Yes. Does (insert major character) die? Well, yes, major characters do die.
Overall Star Wars: The Last Jedi receives 4 stars out of 5 stars, easily being the best Star Wars film since Empire, without becoming a re-tread of the classic film. Casual fans and kids will love the film and don’t worry, those Porgs teased in the promotional footage never become a new irritating version of the Ewoks.
Expect box office records to be at risk as Disney will easily draw $1 billion globally as fans will enjoy re-watching The Last Jedi over and over again, particularly over the Christmas break.
Dispatch review by Debbie Sage – CLICK HERE
Saw the first Star wars twice on opening weekend in 1977. And all of them since. But the Last Jedi seemed forced to grind through familiar themes and dragged on much too long. Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher were flat and most of the others just ok. Kylo Ren was a bright spot but could not save this movie. Too much warfare for special effects sake and little depth to the characters. Did not care for it. Neither did my wife.
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