A-Directed by Rian Johnson Starring Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, and Adam Driver Review by Drew Landry |  |
In the ongoing saga of George Lucas’ Star Wars, the eighth episode sets itself apart from the rest. In The Last Jedi, homage is subtly paid to older saga moments and characters as well as directors Rian Johnson’s and Lucas’ previous works and mentors, which is not new from the previous film, but this one is more complex and thought provoking than any other in the series.
The Last Jedi immediately continues from episode seven, The Force Awakens. Viewers get an answer from Luke Skywalker as Rey presents him with his old lightsaber, which may or may not be predictable but it is fitting.
The Last Jedi immediately continues from episode seven, The Force Awakens. Viewers get an answer from Luke Skywalker as Rey presents him with his old lightsaber, which may or may not be predictable but it is fitting.
The film largely revolves around two stories, First Order’s cat and mouse game with the Resistance and Kylo Ren’s internal struggle. The Last Jedi’s director, Johnson, does a great job of telling the story as to why Ben Solo became Kylo Ren and why Luke Skywalker ran away.
As learned from its absence in the prequels, Star Wars must have the “fun” element. And it is brought by Resistance fighter pilot Poe Dameron and his droid BB8. The two find ways to cut the tension and make the heavy scenes light without losing their powerful meaning. Viewers are also treated to a new set of animals that are cute and fun but not Ewok annoying.
Finn, the defected Storm Trooper, and a new character go on a mission that brings about a long-awaited confrontation.
As with every Star Wars film, a lightsaber fight takes place and The Last Jedi is no exception. The fight scene is stellar. It grabs your attention and does not let go until the end. It could easily rival Obi – Wan and Qui – Gon’s fight with Darth Maul from Episode I.
The visual effects and production design are stellar. The varied life forms, space scenes, and Luke’s island are Oscar winning worthy.
There are a few obvious “eye rolling” moments but they do not fully take away from the film. What hurts the film in terms of quality, however, is its length. The Last Jedi is about twenty to twenty – five minutes too long. There are unnecessary parts and they drag down the film.
Regardless of that, the film does not leave viewers with definite answers about what is to come. That quality belongs to Empire Strikes Back, which is the best of the original three Star Wars films. Does The Last Jedi’s ending make it comparable to Empire? Only in that regard, but as a film? No. The Last Jedi combines elements of Return of the Jedi with Empire and makes for an entertaining, thrilling, compelling, complex, and good film but Empire still has its Sith choke hold on the Star Wars franchise.
Worth watching and re-watching.
Grade: A-
As learned from its absence in the prequels, Star Wars must have the “fun” element. And it is brought by Resistance fighter pilot Poe Dameron and his droid BB8. The two find ways to cut the tension and make the heavy scenes light without losing their powerful meaning. Viewers are also treated to a new set of animals that are cute and fun but not Ewok annoying.
Finn, the defected Storm Trooper, and a new character go on a mission that brings about a long-awaited confrontation.
As with every Star Wars film, a lightsaber fight takes place and The Last Jedi is no exception. The fight scene is stellar. It grabs your attention and does not let go until the end. It could easily rival Obi – Wan and Qui – Gon’s fight with Darth Maul from Episode I.
The visual effects and production design are stellar. The varied life forms, space scenes, and Luke’s island are Oscar winning worthy.
There are a few obvious “eye rolling” moments but they do not fully take away from the film. What hurts the film in terms of quality, however, is its length. The Last Jedi is about twenty to twenty – five minutes too long. There are unnecessary parts and they drag down the film.
Regardless of that, the film does not leave viewers with definite answers about what is to come. That quality belongs to Empire Strikes Back, which is the best of the original three Star Wars films. Does The Last Jedi’s ending make it comparable to Empire? Only in that regard, but as a film? No. The Last Jedi combines elements of Return of the Jedi with Empire and makes for an entertaining, thrilling, compelling, complex, and good film but Empire still has its Sith choke hold on the Star Wars franchise.
Worth watching and re-watching.
Grade: A-
RSS Feed
