Runtime 2 hours 21 minutes
Capsule Review, minimal spoilers:
It’s finally here, Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise Of Skywalker The final chapter in George Lucas’ vision for the Star Wars universe. However, it’s not his anymore, since he sold it off to Disney. J.J. Abrams took over the reigns, who put together this story.
What story, you ask? Well, it’s THE story, the one that closes the chapter on the 9+ movies made during this ‘era’ of Star Wars, the one that’s supposed to tie up all the loose ends laid out in the previous 8 specific movies, the one that puts this story to rest.
Well, does it? That’s putting a lot of pressure onto this movie, and because it is a genre series that a lot of people grew up with, expectations are extremely high. The answer, in my not so humble opinion is, therefore, Kinda. This movie is in a weak position, in that it cannot please everyone (and, given the past movies), will irritate a few.
As for me, I liked it, however I had a few issues with it. No details, but it suffices to say that there were a lot of things thrown into the mix that came out underdeveloped and just accepted as they were. Some of them were important to the plot, and would’ve probably made for some great storytelling, but those bits were omitted, and the result was kept.
To quote Luke Skywalker from the The Last Jedi, “This is not gonna go the way you think!” I’d have to agree. With that said, I did like what I saw, for the most part, barring the shortcuts they took with some of the plotlines that I alluded to. I do recommend the film, if only for completeness in the Star Wars Saga. See the “end” for yourself, and make up your own mind. Hopefully, you will leave the theater, mostly satisfied for having seen it.
Spoiler Space
Spoiler Space
Spoiler Space
Spoiler Space
Standard Review, some spoilers:
I really hate it when trailers give away some of the best moments of a movie. Well, the trailers for Rise of Skywalker delivered, and played out what could have been my favorite moment of the film, had it not been spoiled. I can’t say more about that, except, maybe, thanks a lot! (note the sarcasm that’s not obvious in print).
The story picks up a short time after The Last Jedi. There are rumors that the Emperor is alive, and will be reasserting himself across the galaxy. The Resistance is trying to figure out the truth of it, but has also come across some very disconcerting news about the First Order, who are about to retake what they have lost. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is now leading the First Order, and he, too, is trying to find out the legitimacy of this signal the Emperor supposedly sent out. He, however, has a leg up on the Resistance, in that he’s found a way to track the origin of the signal. A small team, led by Rey (Daisy Ridley) begins their search, but the clock is ticking.
So goes the story, from there. This is the start of the plot jambalaya. So many things are set in motion, and only some of them are spelled out on the screen. If the movie were an hour or two longer, they could have been properly played out, but they weren’t. Things seemed a bit rushed, and it would seem there was something cut out of the story that could’ve explained a few events, but someone made a choice to omit it. Perhaps a second viewing will answer some of the questions I have, and perhaps, that was the plan all along. Lay it down, thick and heavy, and then it will all become clear after repeated viewings. If I’m really bothered by these things, I will go back, and line Disney’s pockets even more. Maybe that was the plan, all along.
In my opinion, some of the Star Wars fanboys savaged The Last Jedi, and were angered by it. To me, I had problems with some of the story, which unfurled in such a way that shouldn’t have happened, in particular, why didn’t General Organa or Vice Admiral Holdo tell anyone they were headed to a refuge? That was just bad storytelling, which forced an unnecessary mutiny, but that would have messed with the plot and, well, there’s …(other things). I digress. Yes, I’m a fanboy, or fanperson, and as dumb as that was, I was able to let it go. I feel almost the same way with Rise of Skywalker, but nothing was so specifically heinous that I can say it irritated me as much as some of the elements of The Last Jedi did. That movie definitely satisfied my Star Wars Fix.
The circle is now complete. Despite the flaws, I’ll say you should see Rise of Skywalker, if you like Star Wars. If your burning question of the last few movies is about Rey’s parents, you will have your answer. Will it satisfy you, overall? Will you be irritated beyond belief, or, will you fall somewhere in between? I don’t have an answer for you, because only you can say, for sure.