In the wake of Disney's acquisition of the STAR WARS franchise, director J.J.Abrams released the first film in a new trilogy titled STAR WARS: The Force Awakens. It was a significant, fun, and exciting first step into a brand new line of movies none of us ever thought would happen in our lifetimes. However, one of the films most significant flaws, which I also argue was one of its strengths in some ways, is that it spent way too much time pining over how awesome the original movies were and didn't spend enough time doing anything different or taking any risks. Some have described The Force Awakens as the world first two hundred million dollar fan film, which I do agree is a little accurate but don't wholeheartedly agree with. As such, the most prominent concern for this new movie, The Last Jedi, was that it was going to do the exact same thing as The Force Awakens. Where it spent more time catering to fans of the original trilogy and didn't bother going into any new directions or take any risks. Well, having seen the film, I am delighted to report that is not the case. Not only does The Last Jedi take the franchise into a new and exciting direction, but it also makes some of the most significant risks I have seen in a STAR WARS movie since The Empire Strikes Back. This is indeed the next big thing we have been waiting for.
The story takes place almost immediately after the events of The Force Awakens. The first order is closing in on the resistance and hope for their future is dwindling. To save the rebellion, and in doing so find some much-needed answers for herself, Rey (Daisy Ridley) travels to the ancient Jedi Temple to seek out Jedi Master Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in the hopes that he will both teach her the ways of The Force and restore hope to the resistance. To say any more about the story and plot would constitute spoilers which I am not prepared to provide in this review. All I will say is that all of the subplots and side stories taking place are interesting and provide everything that a STAR WARS story would require in spades.
The most significant accomplishment this movie makes is how fresh it feels. Without going into too much detail here, this film mainly takes all of the concerns that fans like myself had about this movie, and tosses them out the window. Replacing them with pleasant surprises, different approaches towards traditional ideas, and a message that is ultimately and justifiably optimistic. More on that in a moment.
Performances from the cast are lovely all around. Special mention must go to Carrie Fisher. This was her last performance as she sadly passed away shortly after completing her work on this film. She has some of the best moments of the film and serves as an elegant and creative last will and testament. She will be missed. However, the MVP awards have to go to Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, and Adam Driver. Their back and forth provides some of the best on-screen chemistry and nuance I have ever seen in a STAR WARS film. Their relationships are interesting, frightening, and ultimately the most relatable. In my opinion, their dynamic is what sells this movie.
This movie was written and directed by Rian Johnson, who previously made the film Looper, a beautiful piece of science fiction cinema you should check out. Johnson has written a STAR WARS story that simultaneously provides a familiar feel that only STAR WARS can deliver, and offers brand new directions for the future of the franchise. Also, Johnson seems to possess a unique talent for taking fantastical stories and making them more human than they might otherwise be. His focus on character growth, as well as the relationship between the characters and the audience, provides a significant amount of depth to the story. When watching a Rian Johnson film, you're not just observing the characters; you are the characters.
However, what indeed makes this a great film and not just a great STAR WARS film, is it's overall message and the way it delivers it. Through the actions and emotions played, as well as some thematic similarities, this movie can be seen as a reflection of our own current state of social and political unrest. Where a lot of us feel powerless against the forces of evil as they just always hit us harder and harder, causing us to get more angry and frustrated. To the point where we think we can find resolve by hitting them even harder without any regard to our own safety. But, the film shows us how that never works, and reminds us, very wisely, how we can indeed fight back. As there is hope to be found in the story, there is also hope to be found in our own reality. For that reason alone, this film gets a ton of extra points.
Of course, as pleasant as this film is, it's not without its flaws. There are points in the middle where it feels like its kind of dragging, and there are some spots that feel lifted right out of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The good news is that despite all of that, the film still manages to put in enough of its own voice to easily overlook it. Plus, for every fan service wink it does to the original trilogy, it provides a satisfying alternative that will put a smile on your face. One moment, in particular, takes an old silly line from the trilogy and turns it into a smart and impressive declaration of pride. You'll know it when you see it.
The Last Jedi is a truly remarkable and fun new entry into the STAR WARS franchise. It's a breath of fresh air that makes you even more excited about what comes next. All I have to say now is that I really hope Disney finds a different director for episode 9. Because there is no possible way that J.J.Abrams can likely follow this act. My advice, get Brad Bird on the phone.
Is this movie worth seeing?
Yes.
Is it worth seeing in theaters?
Yes.
Why?
It's an exciting, fun, surprising, and well-timed adventure that both surpasses and exceeds your expectations.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.
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