In many ways, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the perfect Star Wars movie. Not just from a fan’s perspective, but also for Disney (especially in the wake of the giant Fox merger). It is crystal-clear this franchise isn’t going anywhere.

So much has happened, yet nothing has happened. At the end of the movie, you realize how much fun it was to watch, but ultimately feel as though not much took place at all. However, I loved every minute of this film. I know some people didn’t feel the same (which I will talk about later in my spoiler review). Due to the money these movies keep making time and time again, there’s no telling how many saga films there will be.

First, I want to point out how surprisingly funny this movie is. I didn’t understand the tone at first, but once I realized the direction we were heading (which happens very early on in the film), I fully embraced it. This movie does have a dark tone, but the comedy helps bring it a bit of balance. Like the force, it connected everyone in the theater. Also, because this is the longest saga film (153 minutes!), the variety of tone helps keep the audience on its toes.

There are a lot of stunning action sequences in this film. But while the battle sequences might be grand in scale, the lightsaber sequences left me wanting. If you don’t go into this film with certain expectations, it might be a hard watch. 

I did enjoy the practical effects, especially on certain characters (more about this in the spoiler review), and I think they added a sense of nostalgia. I ended up loving Porgs, despite going into the film thinking they would be a cheap trick.

Now I don’t want to give too much away, but my primary concern was that at times they didn’t know what to do with the time they had for the movie. The pacing is slow at times. I felt like the length could have been trimmed down a bit. The rebels were parked for most of the movie, and at times, they come off as incompetent. There were moments where I thought the rebels could have stepped up their game.

One thing I admire (and have always admired about Star Wars) is the gender balance. It all seemed so natural and flowed together. The balance of the force lies between Kilo and Rey, which helps both young boys and young girls have a powerful figure to relate to.

I think my absolute favorite characters in The Last Jedi are the villains. I loved general Hux. Both Andy Serkis and Donald Gleeson are formidable assets. This movie made me a hardcore Kilo fan.

This is a must-watch Star Wars film, and there is so much to discuss. Keep a look out for my spoiler review in the near future.

8.6/10 – Great

Most of us are in the bag for these films. Some weak moments among the rebels keep The Last Jedi from being as great as it could be. Fantastic, deep villains keep the film on the right course.