Well, it’s been 2 years, 2 VERY long years since Force Awakens. We finally get to Episode 8, The Last Jedi. I had the opportunity to watch it opening night, and this my NON-SPOILER review.
HAN SOLO dies. HAHAHAHA I had to make sure you’re paying attention because this is important. First I’m going to start off by saying this is an unbiased review, the reason I’m pointing this out is because I’m an absolute fan-boy when it comes to Star Wars. So to be fair, I went in with a clean slate so that I can give the most honest review to you guys (See I’m a nice guy) with that said, lets begin!
Director Rian Johnson takes on the daunting task of a sequel that’s beloved my millions. I never knew who Rian Johnson was until this movie, after watching it, he quickly became a household name for me. As a whole, the movie was amazingly directed, the cinematography was spot on and I think Rian took the franchise into a whole new direction. It was a BIG risk and for the most part it paid off (more on this later).
The Last Jedi picks up almost immediately after the events of Force Awakens with a resistance that’s cracking, trying to hold itself together. Victorious, yet still feeling the loss of her husband, is General Organa (Carrie Fisher). Finn (John Boyega), is still recovering from his fight with Kylo Ren in a stasis pod, and Rey (Daisy Ridley), is on a cliff with the legendary Jedi master, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The movie picks up very quickly, as if not to miss a beat, and it feels like you have no time to catch up to the distress of the Resistance as they back peddle through tense situations.
The theme of this movie is “the past must die”. What that means is if Force awakens was an homage to the original, than The Last Jedi was a final farewell to it. Rian Johnson took a a BIG risk by changing what we know as a Star Wars story. He did it with grace and humility that by the time the credits rolled, I was appreciative of the past movies while simultaneously excited for the future.
Let’s talk about the low points for me, and to be honest, very few overall. The dynamic that goes on between Finn (John Boyega) and Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) is dry. Her introduction and the character is lovable enough, but when put together felt like the movie pumped its brakes. I knew this was going to be an extension of Finn’s character so I expected more out him and maybe there was but Rose’s character development might have slowed him down. The story arc that they share is very lack-luster, much like the chemistry that’s shared between them.
Also, Porgs…yes I know they’re cute, but absolutely unnecessary. Pivotal to nothing except merchandise and to Chewie, who has a unique “bond” with them. It seemed forced, as if Chewie had no interaction with any character because his best friend, Han Solo, the only person that understood the legendary Wookie, is dead. So since he’s gone, let’s add another animal that screams at the top of it’s lungs from impending doom. Pointless.
The best dynamic is between Kylo Ren and Rey, their paths seemed to be parallel to each other throughout the movie until they finally meet. What concludes is some of the greatest cinematography I have seen in a Star Wars movie. I was in shock watching these scenes unfold and couldn’t believe my eyes as almost matrix-style fighting mixed with light-sabers flashing around.
All in all, this movie is a nail-biter throughout. Humor, emotions, twist and turns. This movie, generally speaking, is a great movie…as a Star Wars movie, top of the list.
If i have to give it a numerical value it would be a 9.0
This is due to some plot points that just don’t fit very well into the overall theme of the movie. JJ Abrams is set to direct the next installment (Episode 9), a great start with Force Awakens, Rian Johnson setting it up perfect with the characters and an excellent plot, I’m betting it will be just as great if not better.
Did you give in to the hype and was let down? Are Porgs force sensitive creatures that can change the tide of space battles? Will George Lucas call me personally to be in a movie? Let Nerdbot know in the comments below!!!!
