When Star Wars: The Force Awakens was announced, the fans were tense. The second trilogy (Episode I to III) disappointed many and people wondered if it was necessary to make new films. Was it possible to make movies which reached the same level as the original films? J.J.Abrams also must have felt that pressure, as he decided not to take too much risk by using many elements of A New Hope and fan favorites like Han Solo/Leia plus introducing new characters like Rey, Finn and Poe.
It was this mix that ensured that fans embraced the film and were curious about answers to the questions that The Force Awakens asked. Who are Rey’s parents, what is the story behind Kylo Ren and what can Luke do to help the rebels? These are all questions that The Last Jedi tries to answer.
Director Rian Johnson (who was responsible for Looper and The Brothers Bloom) continues the story that we saw in the previous part and has many storylines to juggle. We see how Rey, who brought Luke’s lightsaber to him, continues her search for her past and wants to know more about her powers. The rebel base is no longer safe and in their escape they are followed by The New Order, for which they have to find a solution. There are several subplots linked to Finn and Poe. And Kylo Ren tries to prove himself to Snoke, to show that he is just like Darth Vader.
This is a film that Johnson uses to explore the subject of the light and dark sides of “The Force” and he shows that the choice of a side is not always easy and may not be definitive. He succeeds in giving a character like Luke more depth, but also to explores the connection between Rey and Kylo in a way that is new in the Star Wars universe. Despite all the storylines, the film is clearly structured to make sure you never feel lost and it treats you to both spectacular space battles and personal moments. There is also room for humor, which generally works well. Yet there are moments that stand out a bit too much and almost remind you of something you’d see in a Marvel film (for example, at the beginning there is a moment when Poe is joking with General Hux).
Despite that The Last Jedi is another successful Star Wars movie which also impresses on a visual level. The room where Snoke is sitting is stunning, with its deep red background and same color guards or during the final part of the film in which the white and red of a salt planet provide striking images. The film is perhaps the middle movie in a trilogy, but nowhere does it feel that the title is waiting for a third film. The questions the previous movie asked are answered, characters are in danger and there is a lot of conflict. Johnson shows why the next upcoming trilogy is in capable hands.
While I’m not sure whether or not all the humour will still work in twenty years, but the beating heart of this film will *always* work for me. The work between Rey, Luke and Kylo Ren is the strongest of any Star Wars film thus far and I think the additional width given to the Force (the interstellar skype call, as it were) and the entirety of Snoke’s throne room stuff are hugely memorable material up there with the Luke-Vader battle in Empire Strikes Back. Love this film.
Yeah, I understand all the love for this one. This is a movie I will want to rewatch.
If I’m hyper critical I’d say some of the humour felt a little forced (I’m looking at Hamill rather than Boyega and Gleeson who can pull it off) but I really enjoyed this entry in the franchise. The opening battle now ranks as one of my favourites from the entire series.
Cool to hear you enjoyed it so much Dan!
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