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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
(Lucasfilm Ltd.)
By Lucas Allen
It’s amazing that in 40 years, one little sci-fi film grew into a beloved franchise and the impact proved everlasting. With Star Wars, it continues to inspire generations of filmgoers and filmmakers all the way to this year with its grandest installment yet.
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” brings more of what was new and what was familiar about the series, while giving fans a mind-blowing experience that completely changes the way people look at the George Lucas galactic universe.
Thanks to “Looper” director Rian Johnson, it’s a stunning, bold, and inspired adventure that’s unforgettable.
Taking place right after the very end of “The Force Awakens,” Rey (Daisy Ridley) finds Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) on an island in the planet Ahch-To asking him to help the Resistance fight against the First Order.
Luke prefers the peaceful exile and is hoping to remain there for the rest of his life. However, he’s willing to help Rey understand her newfound abilities as a Jedi. In fact, both of them are still haunted by the ramifications of Kylo-Ren (Adam Driver) who’s still under the influence of Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis).
Meanwhile, Luke’s sister General Leia Organa (the late Carrie Fisher) leads the Resistance in escaping the First Order’s military unit led by General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson). But after a fatal blow, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) has to contend with Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo (Laura Dern) and the measures taken to escape the enemy. It’s then up to Finn (John Boyega), Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran), and BB-8 to locate a missing code breaker (Benicio Del Toro) and break into the enemy’s main destroyer.
There’s a lot more going on in the story that will require a laundry list of spoilers, which won’t be necessary. What you need to know is that this film successfully matches the joy and thrills that the original trilogy accomplished decades ago with very good characters and wonderful action. At two-and-a-half hours, Johnson managed to cram as many space battles and dramatic beats in one epic runtime that you’ll feel rewarded by the end. It’s great that a new generation of filmmakers can create the same kind of magic Lucas created but with updated technology.
The story itself also manages to enhance the series mythology with a little more emphasis on the Force and how the Jedi powers work. It helps add some emotional drama with the characters you’ve come to love and became attached to. There’s even some comedic moments that help bring levity to the mix including from some side characters. Of course, the porgs are easily the cutest addition to the universe though they don’t serve much of a purpose aside from selling toys. However, they still offer some funny moments with Chewbacca.
Everybody has a part to play in this movie and they all do it immensely well. All the actors bring their A-game that’s as impressive as it gets. For the longtime fans, Hamill will surprise you for giving his character a real dramatic boost that’s far different from his past appearances. Plus, Fisher’s final appearance will invoke laughter and tears among everybody willing to celebrate a legacy forever remembered.
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is quite possibly the best Star Wars film since the 1977 original. It has all the elements fans can expect, but also makes bold moves that can affect the outcome of this current trilogy. By the end, you’ll be begging for more especially when there’s already more on the way.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for sequences of sci-fi action and violence)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 4 Stars (out of 4)
