STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Review - Rian Johnson's Epic Addition To The Skywalker Saga Will Leave You Speechless
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is now in theaters and it's a movie which is sure to leave fans speechless? Is that for the right or wrong reasons, though? Hit the jump to read my spoiler-free verdict...
Star Wars: The Last Jedi will leave you speechless. Honestly, after walking out of the theater I had no idea where I'd even start with this review because there's so much to digest in Rian Johnson's epic, shocking, exciting, and potentially controversial addition to the Skywalker Saga. While this movie very much feels like a middle chapter (just as The Empire Strikes Back did all those years ago), the writer and director packs in plenty of big reveals, huge action set pieces, and expertly lays the groundwork for J.J. Abrams to finish the trilogy a couple of years from now.
I'm obviously not going to delve into spoilers here but the story is strong (and not just in the ways of the Force) and Johnson handles the return of Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker every bit as expertly as Abrams handled Harrison Ford's long overdue comeback as Han Solo. The work done by Hamill here is nothing short of extraordinary and while Luke has changed a lot since we last saw him, fans of the character (and he's always been my favourite) will be immensely satisfied even if there are those who question some of the decisions made. Johnson makes a lot of big changes to the portrayal of the Force and provides answers to some of the queries we've had since seeing The Force Awakens while seemingly shutting the door on us ever getting a resolution to others. For that reason, Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be talked about for a very long time to come but there's no faulting how bold he's been and it's extremely exciting to think about where this series goes next and what he has planned for that recently announced trilogy.
Everyone's performances are on point in this movie, with Oscar Isaac, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, and Daisy Ridley the obvious highlights. John Boyega is good as Finn but could have arguably done with a little more to do but his story arc will almost certainly satisfy. The new characters are all very good but are probably unlikely to become fan-favourites. Oh, and you'll no doubt be glad to know that the Porgs are awesome (and if you don't fall in love with them, there's a very good chance you're dead inside).
The special effects are superb (the visuals are really done justice by IMAX and that's undeniably the best way to truly get the most out this movie) and John Williams' score is obviously perfect. There's also a surprising amount of humour on offer which definitely works and just serves to make this movie even more enjoyable. So, as a package, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is definitely up there as one of the greatest Star Wars movies of all-time. Where does it rank? That's not easy to say but it's up there with The Force Awakens and The Empire Strikes Back. Ultimately, it's a movie you need time to digest but it is incredible from start to finish with plenty of amazing action, some epic twists and turns, and a return to a Galaxy we all know and love.
A superb addition to the Skywalker Saga which is sure to leave fans with plenty to talk - and argue - about, Star Wars: The Last Jedi now stands proudly alongside The Empire Strikes Back as one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all-time.