REVIEW: Star Wars: The Last Jedi is A Nice Addition to the Star Wars Franchise
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is finally within our grasps after what has felt like an insurmountable length of time to wait. The second installment in the newest addition to the Star Wars series is expected to break a number of records but the movie may not live up to the hype. While this new film is a solid addition to the world, it does not hold a candle to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The Last Jedi picks up right where The Force Awakens left off with Rey (Daisy Ridley) finally coming face to face with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The Resistance is trying to outrun The First Order equipped with a rapidly depleting squad and little access to resources. It soon becomes apparent the Resistance may be on its last legs while Rey grapples with the realization Skywalker may not be the man she hoped he’d be.
Great action scenes abound and strong continuation of the characters from The Force Awaken drive the film forward; however, it is a tad too long. Several moments in the film could have wrapped it up nicely but it just kept going. The addition of new characters draws the story back; they play a role but the role was one that could have been left out altogether and nothing would be missed. Focusing on the core characters from The Force Awakens would have served the film well enough. Laura Dern’s Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo is the only new character with enough background and personality to add to the flick.
Ridley, Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), John Boyega (Finn) and Oscar Issac (Poe) return and were just as fun as they were the first time around, while Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill were gems to see again on screen. Slight spoiler alert, there is a lovely tribute to Carrie Fisher at the end of the movie, so make sure to stay through the credits.
Diehard Star Wars fans, go see the movie this weekend, particularly in IMAX. You are in for a fun ride, but don’t expect to have the same feeling leaving the theater you did after The Force Awakens. For those who are on the fence, wait until it comes out on DVD or On Demand.
Grade: B