Star Wars: The Last Jedi | Review

“Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.”

Having just stepped out of the midnight showing of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, I can safely say that it was not what I expected nor what I’d hoped, but damn, was it still good. When I first sat down in my seat and waiting for the ads to roll, I had one aim from this film, and that was to give Carrie Fisher a good send off. Yes, I wanted a great film, but I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t be disappointed if they didn’t honour her passing correctly.

I’m sure Leia’s almost-death scene had most people assuming this was the end for the character, and it was heart-breaking to watch her float off into space, before being the bad-ass that she is and use the force to pull herself to safety. After that, I appreciated every scene she was in and every word that was said, as every inspirational quote had that bittersweet feeling because the audience knew they were limited.

Overall, I really enjoyed the film. The feelings amongst the crowd exiting the screens were similar. One person noted that they felt like The Force Awakens stayed true to the original material, while TLJ took a step in a new direction, and further viewings would dictate whether it was good or bad. It certainly was different, with a dark plotline lightened by the witty remarks that were inserted into every second sentence. I’m debating whether this is due to the team trying to make the film a snappier action-adventure piece, or to make the dark fall of the Resistance a little lighter.

It should be said that The Last Jedi is amazing visually, with the destruction of Supreme Leader Snoke’s ship, as well as the final battle being some of the standout scenes to keep an eye out for. The artists on the film really outdid themselves. There’s little need to comment on the soundtrack because as it’s Star Wars, the soundtrack was great. The acting by the cast was also well done, with a notable performance by Laura Dern, playing an Admiral in the Resistance and is a bad-ass in her own right.

The plot of the film is an interesting twist on the usual Star Wars idea, but strangely sticks to the typical formula. Having escaped from their Rebel Base, the Resistance spend the film fleeing from The First Order, with characters helping their escape in one form or another. One aspect of the plot that I really appreciated was the analysis of the wealth divide in the SW Universe, as viewers are typically shown the average galactic dive-bar, but this was contrasted by the galaxy’s elite gambling at a massively extravagant casino. The financial benefits of war are also introduced, with characters discussing how businesses are selling technology to both The First Order and The Resistance, which mirrors some businesses in the real world today.

I had to laugh in the theatre when I saw the final weapon being used to defeat the Resistance, and it is essentially a death-star type cannon that is used to break down the defences. No matter how much time passes, and no matter who writes and directs these stories, characters will always be trying to destroy a giant laser and yes, you guessed it, the only way to destroy it is to fly right at it.

Overall, I’m pleased with the outcome of the film and how the franchise is being taken in a new direction. While I appreciated the comedy moments, the writers should feel more than welcome to turn the dial down a couple of notches. I’m keen to see how the third film in the trilogy will progress and conclude the story, especially seeing as these films seem to be getting darker in tone. Only 735 days till Star Wars: Episode IX!