Worth the watch

Rating: 8/10 (20 December 2019)

Despite critic reviews and audience bashing, make the decision for yourself I implore you.
Rise of Skywalker is a Star Wars film and it knows it. As a result, there's lots in it. Stuff for fans new, and old, and stuff for younger kids to enjoy.
Stakes are raised, questions are answered and previous story arcs, and Lore left unseen on-screen, make surprise appearances. And this could be why a lot of critics are saying this is a fan-service film. Essentially... They're not wrong. But at the end of the day, you go to see Star Wars because its Star Wars.
I had my doubts knowing that Last Jedi was stomped by its audiences and was dubious but all the same came out the cinema grinning and so did my dad who's grown-up with the franchise. Its a lovely close to the Skywalker saga that feels just right. Kylo Ren and Poe are perhaps the best characters in the final chapter.
In all there's plenty to unpack in Rise of Skywalker. Whilst there is things I'd change and things I'd have designed/ directed differently the film does a very good job of rounding out the new Trilogy and the Skywalker saga whilst answering as many questions as possible, making you laugh/smile/cheer (or geek out)/ cry/be sad/scare you to death and giving you a Star Wars film.
But you must make the decision for yourself, I did and made myself very happy! Others don't share my views but that's fine. But Abrams did a good job and certainly left me wanting more!