Star Wars: The Last Review (Not)

The force has awakened and the Resistance scored a major victory over the First Order, but the war is far from over. The stakes are higher as Rian Johnson (Brick & Looper) writes and directs the second chapter in a galaxy far, far, away in Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi.

Like the Empire long ago, the First Order retaliates with such ferocity leaving the Resistance, under the command of Leia (Carrie Fisher in her final performance) insufficient in numbers. The spark of hope lies on heroes both old and new. On the Jedi spectrum Rey (Daisy Ridley) has located Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the legendary hero of the galaxy who has followed Obi-Wan's later life as a hermit living in exile. As Rey tries to comprehend her force abilities, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) isn't far behind sensing her presence; a connection that Snoke (Andy Serkis), Kylo"s master who swayed him the dark side, seems to be aware of.  Meanwhile, Finn (John Boyega) awakens to see the Resistance under attack; with the help of Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) and BB-8 (Himself), a plan involving the casino planet Canto Bright is set to give the Resistance a winning edge.  

Rey and Luke Skywalker

Similar to how The Force Awakens was compared to A New Hope, The Last Jedi has moments that are reminiscent of The Empire Strikes Back. From the villains who suffered a major defeat only to strike back will full force, our heroes been separated for a majority of the film, a Jedi in-training learning the ways of the force from a Jedi Master, and a David and Goliath space fight on land.

General Leia, BB-8, Poe Dameron, Finn, Rose Tico

The movie functions as a good middle chapter. I enjoyed the characters with Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill being the stellar stand-outs. The porgs are simply adorable; they may not serve a purpose plot-wise but they aren't annoying in any way. Going in I knew this was the longest of the Star Wars movies clocking at two hours and thirty-two minutes. The Lord of the Rings have the same run-time and I didn't complain, but here I could feel the pace dragging

 Amilyn Holdo and DJ

The film is the Attack of the Clones of the saga. I enjoy the prequels but will admit that Episode II is the weakest of the trilogy being more dialogue driven and less-action-packed; not a problem if it wasn't boring at times and nowhere does it show than with Finn's story line especially the forced romance between him and Rose (and fans complained the love story between Anakin and Padme). His friendship with Rey provided the film's strongest moments that can't be replaced; its like if Simba became Timon's new friend, not bad but it's not the same. I understand it's essential to the plot but on second viewing I'll be fast-forwarding to the good stuff.  Speaking of which, the action in these new films just get better and better. The opening space fight mirrors the opening to Revenge of the Sith and Battle of Crait is evocative of the Battle of Hoth.

Genral Hux, Kylo Ren, and Captain Phasma

Johnson's previous film Looper was an action film of a different kind with moments that are hard to swallow or even unacceptable but you understand why. The Last Jedi is no different, with themes of uneasiness among allies like Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo (Laura Dern) and DJ (Benicio del Toro) a topic brought from Rogue One, redemption, and moving on. Luke is a battered man not sure what to do. Is he any better then Jedi of the prequels? Is it time to go out with the old ways of the Jedi? How can one confront someone like Kylo Ren and Snoke?

Chewbacca and a Porg

One reads stories of the past and marvel how they conquer the darkness, but now that they live it what's one supposed do? What is the right way? Moments like this may make it hard to sit through than any of the Star Wars films and that's understandable.

As The Last Jedi came to a close it ended on a note that only Star Wars can pull off with a metaphorical theme that echoes this day in age. Things may get worse or drastically change, we may not like it or have any choice in that matter but it's not the end, just the beginning. It may may seem hopeless but even if the meter is at 1% like in Revenge of the Sith hope remains alive and one day ready to rise. I knew Star Wars could be philosophic but I never thought it would get this deep. In hindsight The Last Jedi may not be as good as the The Force Awakens but like Attack of Clones it still delivers Star Wars fun. There are unnecessary detours but by the the end it goes right on track.

Final Verdict: B-

Theatrical Poster