Not as dreadful as some say it is, not as great as it should have been

Rating: 7/10 (29 December 2019)

After The Last Jedi, this trilogy had momentum and promise on its side. However, because this film went on and on and only began to show signs of life toward the end, I am only inclined to recommend this to Star Wars fanboys, who I submit would love this film out of sheer blind loyalty.
Those who are new to this trilogy or who perhaps have never seen any Star Wars film, should not begin with this. The strength of this film lies in its the slowly burgeoning but epic battle between the Resistance and The Final Order. That ultimate showdown is worth the price of admission. I only wish it didn't take that long for this film to come to life.
Moreover, the romantic tension between Rey and Ren is a worthwhile subplot, but it eventually became distracting and even funny. I couldn't stop laughing at this part of the film because it's become the stuff of gags. But this is far from the disaster that many audience members have vociferously claimed. If nothing else, it provides solid entertainment. Recommended to the hardest of the hardcore Star Wars fans. Everyone else, decide for yourselves.