Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
(Lucasfilm Ltd)
By Lucas Allen
After 42 years, a long-running saga finally comes to an end when it started from the imagination of George Lucas before evolving into a cultural juggernaut. “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” is the ninth and final film in the Skywalker Saga, and attempts to give fans a proper wrapup after years of special editions, prequels, spinoffs and toxic fandom. For what it’s worth, it’s a milestone ending worth celebrating, thanks to the capable hands of its co-writer and director J.J. Abrams.
While the remainder of the Resistance rebounds, General Leia Organa (the late Carrie Fisher through CG technology and unused footage) helps Rey (Daisy Ridley) with her Jedi training. However, the young Jedi is haunted by the presence of Supreme Leader Kylo-Ren (Adam Driver), who still wants her to join him in the First Order. But the real danger is near when the Resistance discovers that the long-thought dead Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) have built a bigger fleet called the Final Order. Rey once again teams up with Finn (John Boyega), Poe (Oscar Isaac), Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), and BB-8 to locate a special Sith compass that can locate the Emperor’s whereabouts.
Meanwhile, Ren and his Knights of Ren are dispatched by General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and General Pryde (Richard E. Grant) to prevent our heroes from disrupting their evil plans. Rey and the gang soon cross paths with Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), Poe’s old flame Zorii Bliss (Keri Russell), and deserted stormtrooper Jannah (Naomi Ackie) on their mission to save the galaxy. But things will take a turn when Rey discovers her true heritage no one has ever expected. Now she’ll have to use all her might with the spiritual guidance of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to make her last stand against the emperor.
It’s no doubt you’ve already made up your mind whether or not you’re seeing it. However, it’s worth looking into how this film can be compared to the previous two films in the sequel trilogy. It seems evident that Abrams and the writers were trying to course-correct the trilogy after the change in direction from the otherwise excellent “The Last Jedi.” The result is a film that tries to wrap up the story while offering moments of fan service. Those moments include cameos and plot points are the script’s biggest weak points though it succeeds in focusing on the characters and their story arcs. But since it’s Star Wars, whatever’s written on the page should be the least of your concerns.
As any fan can expect, the movie is filled to the brim with stylized action and battle sequences galore. Every chase scene, lightsaber battle, and aerial assault brings great joy to the senses partly thanks to the special effects and flawless music by John Williams. When Rey’s heritage is truly revealed, you’ll feel the same feeling of shock as audiences felt back in 1980 when “The Empire Strikes Back” revealed Luke’s true parentage. Plus, the third act has more ships and explosions than previous Star Wars films combined.
All the actors are once again at their natural best feeling right home in the galaxy. The young cast including Ridley, Driver, Boyega, and Isaac finish their parts off with great gravitas. Having franchise veterans like Williams and McDiarmid return to the fold help bring back memories while adding new ones.
The sequel trilogy looks back at the past while looking to the future, and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” is a wonderful wrapup to an entire saga. No matter how you feel about the overall franchise, hopefully this film will inspire hope for fans wanting more Star Wars. May the force be with you.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for sci-fi violence and action)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
