REVIEW: The Rise of Skywalker (no spoilers)
Well, here it is. The final movie in the Skywalker Saga, The Rise of Skywalker. Critics and audiences are deeply divided on this film. Some see it as a worthy and fun finale to the saga, while others see it as a convoluted and rushed mess. To me, I'm somewhere in the middle. Overall, I did like the film, and I liked more stuff in the film than disliked. However, the stuff I didn't like, or the stuff I thought was rushed or wasn't explained well, bothered me a lot more than other films in the franchise.
Story
Here is where most, if not all of my complaints with the film come into play...the story. Now, I don't envy co-writer and director J.J. Abrams, as he was tasked with finishing not just the sequel trilogy, but wrapping up 42 years worth of films. There are moments and character studies in the film that I thought were superb, specifically the dynamic between Rey and Kylo, as well as the buddy dynamic between Rey, Poe, and Finn.
I also think by the end, the story ends on a decent note, while at the same time, leaving it open-ended to continue down the line at some point. However, there are a lot of elements in the film, specifically elements dealing with Palpatine, that are either poorly explained, feel rushed or not as fleshed out as it should have been, or feel like you have to know the deeper knowledge of the lore beforehand.
The film does answer a lot of questions fans have been asking, as well as sort of retcon decisions made from The Last Jedi, and most of them I thought worked, while some I'm not so sure how I feel. It also doesn't help that this is easily the fastest-paced Star Wars film, with barely any time to breathe or reflect, minus a few scenes, so that can reflect on the story as well.
Characters
As I mentioned previously, I think the best characters in the film are Rey and Kylo. I loved the dynamic between the two, and, I may get a lot of flack for saying this, but I thought everything with Rey was perfect in the film. She has been criticized so far for being too over-powered or a Mary Sue in the films, but, to me, I think the film does a great job making you sympathize with her, making you understand her struggles and character, while also explaining why she is so naturally gifted in the force. I also loved how her story ended in the film.
I also loved Kylo and his arc in the film. I thought Finn, Chewie, and Poe were great in the film, even if they didn't have much of an arc or stuff to do as in past films. I also have to appreciate Abrams for how he worked Leia into the film, and how he resolved her story, given Carrie Fisher's unfortunate passing.
It's no spoiler that Palpatine is back in the film. Once again, Ian McDiarmid is great as him, hamming up the screen. His story and motivations I'm mixed on, but I can't deny it was cool to see him, Billy Dee Williams as Lando, as well as other surprise cameos in the film that I won't spoil.
As far as new characters, the film has Zori Bliss, an ex-partner and love interest for Poe, Jannah, a mysterious warrior, D-O, a new droid, First Order Allegiant General Pryde, and the Knights of Ren.
For Zori, Jannah, Pryde, and D-O, I didn't mind them as characters, and I would like to know more about them. However, the film doesn't really go too deep into their characters or backstory, except for the base minimum, and it feels like they were only added to serve a purpose for the story, rather than be compelling characters. The Knights of Ren... they look cool, and they have a cool action scene in the film, but they don't really do much.
Action
For the most part, I liked the action in the film. There are a couple of chase sequences in the film that I thought were great. Kylo and Rey have two lightsaber duels in the film, which I thought were the best action scenes in the film.
However, the final space battle and confrontation with Palpatine, I thought were fun, and thematically great, but felt rushed and anti-climatic in some regards. Again, I liked how the film and action scenes were resolved, just not so much the actual implementation.
Technical
As always, the film looks and sounds great. A lot of time and attention to detail went into both the digital effects, as well as the practical effects. There are a lot of great scenes with the lighting, camerawork, and attention to detail.
As far as the music, it's not my favorite soundtrack, but it's still pretty good. This is John Williams' final time he will score a Star Wars film, and I want to take this moment to give my appreciation to him and his work/legacy. If there has been one constant positive about the Skywalker Saga films, it's that the music has always been a highlight, and will live on for generations to come.
Overall
Like I said, overall, I still do like the film, and thought most of it worked, but the stuff that bothered me, really bothered me. There is a lot to like with the film, while at the same time a lot that you can question.
I will say this though. For all its faults, the Skywalker Saga films have become an integral part of pop culture, and will live on in the hearts of millions for years to come. Personally, the films have been a constant joy to me in my life, no matter how good or bad they may be.
The franchise, from all forms of media, has captured my love, passion, and attention, and I will always continue to love the franchise and its story and characters for as long as I remain here on this Earth.
May the force be with you all...always.
