Forty-two years in the making...and well worth the wait.

Rating: 10/10 (22 December 2019)

I was eighteen when I first saw "Episode 4: A New Hope" (then simply known as STAR WARS). And I was blown away by it! Just like most everyone else in the world. In the months that followed, I read most of the magazine interviews with George Lucas that all boiled down to the same thing. There was going to be three trilogies! The first one, detailing the overthrow of the evil Galactic Empire. The second one, detailing how the Empire first came to power. And the third, detailing how the remnants of the Empire were finally eradicated, once and for all.
Unfortunately, by 1983, the cost of non-computerized special effects had become so expensive, a lot of movie theaters had to charge special evening rates...which, nowadays, are considered "bargain" matinee prices!
That's why it took sixteen years to bring The Prequel Trilogy to the silver screen. A lot of SW fans seemed to be disappointed with it! But, I put that down to just being sad that it had to have an unhappy ending for Anakin Skywalker, Obi-wan Kenobi, et al. Me? I just accepted it as inevitable and waited to see if there would be third trilogy.
It took another decade, and Disney buying Lucasfilm, to accomplish that. But, again, I was pleased with Episodes 7 and 8....for the most part. The battle scene that culminated with up to a dozen AT-AT's bombarding Jedi Master Luke Skywalker with turbo-laser fire was a little too reminiscent of the Battle of Hoth (from Ep5:TESB) for my peace of mind.
I understand that such similarities are why a lot of SW fans were displeased with Episode 9. But, I have no complaints! I'm glad that everything was able to come full circle, with the old characters helping the new characters to tie up loose ends.
For example: Luke finally mastering Yoda's X-wing levitation trick. Leia, being able to pass on some of the Force techniques, that her brother showed her, to Rey. And Han Solo's "ghost" reconciling with his wayward son.
I also like how the screen writers were able to adopt some more elements from the "Star Wars Legends." For example: the reborn Emperor Palpatine; the introduction of the True Sith from the Unknown Regions; and the Black Fleet (from the Yevethan Trilogy of paperbacks).
The really important plot twists, of course, I will keep secret for all those reading this who haven't gone to see it, yet. Just take my word for it. This movie really does cover all the bases, most satisfactorily. You should be proud, George. I know I am!
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