Ep9 is just like a made-every-year blockbuster film

Rating: 3/10 (21 December 2019)

NON-SPOILER REVIEW/THOUGHTS:
* Overall rating 1.5/4 stars (or with IMDB system of 10 stars: 3.75/10 stars)
* Ranking among the nine Star Wars trilogy movies: original trilogy (OT): episodes 4,5,6, prequel trilogy (PT: episodes 1,2,3) and sequel trilogy (ST: episodes 7,8,9)
Ep5> Ep4 >>>>> (then far behind) Ep7>Ep3>Ep6>>>>>> Ep8>Ep2>Ep9>Ep1
* Non-Star Wars fans are not recommended to see this movie unless such persons have time and enjoy any "filled-to-the-brim" action movie. This movie is long: ~2hrs 20 min.
*For the long-term Star Wars fans and who appreciate very good story, I suspect they will be disappointed. I think one reason I am so disappointed with Ep9 is because so much time is spent retconning Episode 8. I can guess why filmmakers had to do this but still it makes Ep9 a worse movie.. Ep9 retcons at least eight key plot points/ideas of Ep8. I will not discuss as it would be spoilers and already this review is quite long. Also, IMO some other plot points of Ep9 make the PT and OT events meaningless. I attribute all this to forgettable, thin story.
IMO, the filmmakers should have just released side stories like "Rogue One" and on Disney+ "The Mandolorian" to wet fans appetite while taking their time to formulate a cohesive, original great story for the Sequel Trilogy.
* Ep9 has at best forgettable, thin story & meh script. There are amazing visuals and amazing sound (but amazing visual and sound no longer exclusive to Star Wars (e.g. Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, John Wick movies).
At least the OT and PT had an underlying great and very good story, respectively. The main problem I had with the PT (episodes 1,2,3) is the script is so bad. IMO, the prequel trilogy actually made great actors (e.g. Natalie Portman, Samuel L Jackson, Liam Neeson) look 2D and wooden. Also too much CGI limited actors ability to effectively act. Episode 1 was most guilty of these two problems. But the PT at least had a very good story: how does Anakin Skywalker become evil and how does Palpatine become Emperor.
* Breakneck amount going on in Ep9. No time for prior scenes to sink in.
* Like many blockbuster movies, most likely one will forget about it 24-48 hours later (i.e. it does not make meaningful, lasting connection and/or lasting emotional impact).
* Why should Star Wars (main trilogy) movies be held to standard beyond other blockbuster movies? Whether one likes the SW universe, it is hard to argue its cultural impact. It is one of (if not the sole) grandparent of blockbuster movies and big-budget action movie and pop-culture and fandom. Kinda like any very well known and popular entertainment saga ending; one would hope for a great final episode. IMO so far only great final episodes/final movie are (not all inclusive nor in any particular order): last episode M.A.S.H. (TV show), LOTR "The Return of the King", Breaking Bad "Felina,"
Lots of prior misses (poor or mediocre) final episode/movie (not all inclusive nor in any particular order): Godfather 3, Seinfeld, Matrix "Revolutions", Batman "Dark Knight Rises".
What is disappointing for me is none of above had the budget (estimated at least $150M USD) and access to creative power available to Ep9 TROSky.