4.5 stars out of 5
Among the downers related to my extended hospitalization and rehabilitation was that I didn’t get to see Rogue One in the theaters. Since age 8, I’d seen every Star Wars movie on the big screen, as the good Lord intended. I eventually rationalized to myself that Rogue One was a Star Wars story but not an official, you know, Episode. So my streak is intact! And I’m glad, because this is one of the best Star Wars movies yet.
“Wait, what? But I read in such-and-such article that…” Feh, I don’t read any of the articles. Forget it, Jake, it’s Star Wars. You’re either on-board or you’re not. Me, I’m all in, baby. Now, where were we? The Empire did some bad stuff, and the Resistance resisted. The Force Awakens was a thrilling rejuvenation of the series, and a true joy for us dorks of a certain age. Yet as I looked back on it, the film felt more and more like an exercise in nostalgia and a re-telling of A New Hope for the younger set out there. But, no complaints, as it was so entertaining and uplifting.
The Last Jedi, on the other hand, has to almost completely rely on its own merits and storytelling — and pretty much succeeds spectacularly. Characters introduced in Awakens continue to grow and flourish: kickass Rey who the Force is strong in, Poe the rebellious rebel pilot, Finn the reformed Stormtrooper, and Kylo Ren who had some real daddy issues last time around. Inner conflict reigns supreme in this installment. Rey and Ren are both torn between the twin sides of the Force, while Finn wavers between cowardice and heroism.
OK, they did bring in a real nostalgic ringer with Luke Skywalker. But he too is conflicted — chilling on the island or returning to his long-shirked Jedi responsibilities. Will he play Yoda to youthful Rey?
The movie isn’t perfect. Early on, I worried about the series’ Disneyfication, as Finn’s storyline felt entirely too video-game-ready. But the film got better and better as it went on, with larger issues taking precedence. When all is said and done, The Last Jedi has it all — thrilling action, enough heart, and even some positive lessons for the kiddies. It’s a fitting farewell for Princess Leia and definitely gave me a new hope for future episodes.
I dunno mang, that film kind of sucked some deep Wookie ass cavity, across the board. The throne room fight was cool and all but what a painful experience it was trying to get through that pile of bantha fodder. Such a wasted opportunity.
The new characters are for the most part, pointless and lame, the cgi characters too over the top and video game looking….. that whole casino scene is complete throw away filler content of the worst order. They did a total disservice to the Skywalker character/legacy. It’s a painful flick to get through, perhaps just a peg above the prequel nightmare. In a way, the throne room fight was like the Darth Maul scene in that first train wreck revival. A spark of what could have been. Is this really the best film these hacks can deliver? Last Jedi was such a bummer that I didn’t even bother with Solo.