J.J. Abrams returns as director for Star Wars Episode IX
Abrams will be the only director aside from Star Wars creator George Lucas to direct more than one Star Wars film
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Luke Skywalker is at his best in The Last Jedi
After The Force Awakens, I had my reservations for Episode VIII.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Star Wars fan. And no, it’s not just because of the lightsabers, hyperspace and starfighters. The lore is wonderful, the message is eternal and Princess Leia is my favourite princess of all time.
But, as every Star Wars fan knows, I am aware of the flaws within the franchise - cough prequels cough - and while The Force Awakens did well to remind us of what the series means to us, and had a lot of fan service, we see it for what it is. Almost a remake of A New Hope with a lot of fan service.
My reservations for The Last Jedi were similar to most Star Wars fans. Will it be a rehash of Empire Strikes back? Will it rely on familiar tropes and nostalgia to progress the movie? Will the series progress at all?
None of this would stop me from going to the cinemas and squeal in glee at the opening sequence. Little did I know that I would be squealing throughout.
Just so we're clear, it’s difficult to talk about this film without giving away a couple of spoilers. So be prepared for a few minor spoilers and may the Force be with you.
The Plot
The galactic odyssey against oppression continues (See what I did there?). The Last Jedi starts right where The Force Awakens ends. Rey (Daisy Riddley) is presenting Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) with his light saber and the Resistance, led by General Leia (Carrie Fisher) rebelling against the First Order.
With Star Wars, there is usually a singular major conflict in a film, with very little subplot, and a troupe of interesting characters resolving that conflict. The Last Jedi differs. While there is always the conflict of rebelling against oppression, the movie explores more than what a Star Wars film would expect. It explores the conflicts within the interesting characters and also the ideology of the Force.
Leia is graceful as ever and as a long time fan it was rather emotional seeing Carrie Fisher reprise her role on the big screen. She is just as brave, strong and inspirational as Leia always is and a pleasure to watch.
Also read: Star Wars gave Carrie Fisher a tribute and we can't stop crying
Oscaar Isaac get a more interesting role as Poe in The Last Jedi as he is seen rebelling the rebellion. Rebel-ception? I digress.
The Last Jedi introduces new characters that show the progress the movie aims to make. We have Rose Tico, a maintenance worker with strong loyalties to the rebellion, Amilyn Holdo, who proves her position as Leia's substitute and a codebreaker who is my favourite character in the film, and not just because of Benicio Del Toro. Not that it didn't help. He's just so amazing... Don't judge me!
Benicio Del Toro is one of my favourite actors and I'm glad he did his character brilliantly here. While his appearance in the film is brief it definitely makes an impact. DJ is an eerie character who is open about not having any allegiances. His eccentric personality is one to remember.
I did enjoy that The Last Jedi had many subplots that were all tied to the plot, preventing the film from being all over the place. The film has many moments that fans would love.
The pace of the film feels rushed to many but its a two and a half hour film, and there were barely any points where it felt like a drag. That's saying something.
The Last Jedi has its good and bad. I loved many moments but some had me going "meh" or "ugh." But the good overall outweighs the bad and the film has set a pace for the next one.
The best thing about Episode VIII is that with the progress the series has made, and how the movie is almost complete in itself, it really makes us curious as to where the series will go from here. that is what Rey wonders as well, to which Leia says, this is where it starts.
So here's hoping... A new hope indeed!
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