Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Ends With a Sizzle

Kylo Ren vs Rey

There's something about the title in a Star Wars movie that gives it its mythic and mystical identity without being too overt (A New Hope, Revenge of the Sith, The Last Jedi, etc.) When the title for Episode IX was revealed as The Rise of Skywalker, it sounded pompous and obvious. True, the saga has been mostly about the Skywalker lineage but did it have to be flaunted this way?

After Rian Johnson's The Last Jedi divided the fanbase than ever before, J.J. Abrams, who revived the franchise with The Force Awakens, is brought back to finish it. Rey (Daisy Ridley) continues her Jedi training, under the mentorship of Leia Skywalker (Carrie Fisher), while Finn (John Boyega) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Issac) lead the Resistance in gathering more allies against the First Order lead by Supreme Leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), who in turn makes a startling revelation. Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), the ancient Sith Lord and long-time enemy of the Jedi is revealed to be alive; ready to take command the newly-revived Emperor makes an offer to a hesitant Kylo Ren and a secret concerning Rey's past.

Since the day I was introduced to the original movies starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, I've been a Star Wars fanboy ever since. I even the enjoy the prequels as it adds to the world building of the universe along with both incarnations of the Clone Wars TV show and the spin-off films with Rogue One and Solo. The Force Awakens rejuvenated my excitement to see what direction this new story would take. I'm sad to report that it didn't end on a high note.

Much like The Matrix, X-Men and The Dark Knight trilogy, Disney's Star Wars trilogy started with promise with its first and middle chapter, only to fumble on the last one. Abrams once again relies on nostalgia to hit those high notes and while it may have worked in The Force Awakens it doesn't have the same effect here. As shown with Mary Poppins Returns, there is so much nostalgia can do but hide a weak story. Rise even tries to appease fans who weren't pleased with The Last Jedi and while that movie may have been flawed Rise makes it more frustrating by leaving more unanswered questions. The worst mistake is having Rose Tico (Kelly Ann Tran) horribly sidelined; I may have not enjoyed her side mission with Finn in the last film but I still liked the potential that her character presented and couldn't wait to see what more she could do like when she first meets Rey. I found Disney's lack of faith in her character disturbing along with the negative backlash.

That's the best way to describe this movie, so much potential but prefers to it play it safe by sticking with with something more familiar. Force Awakens may have borrowed alot from A New Hope but it balanced it with new character and storylines while reuniting with the familiar friends. The Last Jedi subverted many story elements that sometimes worked and sometimes didn't, but I respect it for being daring. The Rise of Skywalker feels contrived in its storytelling and as mentioned relies too much on nostaliga. At least with The Force Awakens, I didn't notice the similarities with A New Hope on the first viewing but Rise of Skywalker, I couldn't ignore the fact that on how many times it hastily recreated shots and plot points of Return of the Jedi.

Confronting Palpatine.

Whether bringing back Palpatine was Abrams' idea or not, his presence creates a double-edge sword scenario. On one hand, it's fitting to see him return, like Voldemort he seeks to achieve immortality no matter the extent or physical cost. On the other hand, his return adds to the film's problem of retreading familiar territory.

BB-8 and D-O
The real stars of Star Wars.

But what about our heroes? Do they make a lasting impression as with the classic roster of Star Wars heroes? Only when it comes to veterans like Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), not so much with the rest. The movie expects us to buy the camaraderie of Rey, Finn and Poe but nothing has been established between the trio. We've seen the chemistry when it's just the two of them like Rey and Finn or Poe and Finn but this is the first time we see the three of them working together onscreen. The heroes in the other trilogies had at least one movie to establish a bond whether it be Luke, Han and Leia or Anakin, Obi-Wan and Padme. I like the new characters but it's a shame that this is the movie that send's them off. The same goes for the long list of other new characters who we barely get to know. Maybe a tie-in novel or TV show will help elaborate. As Mel Brooks said "Merchandising Merchandising!"

Zorri Bliss (Keri Russell)

There are redeeming qualities, from Kylo Ren's arc, Rey's destiny while not greatly executed I can see what they were aiming for. Leia's departure being well-handled following Carrie Fisher's death, and Zorri Bliss (Keri Russell) an old acquaintance of Poe.

The Rise of Skywalker isn't bad, it's just disappointing. Like Dark Phoenix, it's an average movie on its own but makes for a weak conclusion for the iconic franchise.

Final Verdict: C