Don't believe everything that a critic tells you

Rating: 8/10 (19 December 2019)

Alright here we go. I went in with low expectations after the disappointment that was The Last Jedi (if you like that movie, good on you, I'm glad someone did, just wasn't for me)
The Rise of Skywalker is an enjoyable movie, it has everything a true fan of the franchise could ask for in its conclusion. This doesn't mean it's a perfect movie without any flaws but not every movie can be Schindlers list.
Is there a little too much fan service? Yes.
Is the dialogue a bit clunky? Yes.
Is it a perfect movie? No.
Does it warrant a 1/10 rating? Hell no.
Critics have had a field day ripping this movie a new one. The same critics that consider the Last Jedi a timeless classic. Gimme a break.
The biggest issue with this film is that J.J tries a little to hard to please everyone and clean up the mess that Rian Johnson made with the last film. The plot is a little confusing at times and the film suffers from the "Disney Effect" of taking away from dramatic elements with the use of cheap gags.
Now let's talk about what was good. Adam Driver is the best part of the new trilogy and that doesn't change here. Kylo is such a good character. Oscar Isaac is again phenomenal as Poe Dameron. Some of the acting is a bit average at times, but that's nothing new with Star Wars films.
The movie actually made me root for Rey. I wasn't sold on her the past 2 films but she was a believable hero with flaws this time round. Better late than never.
John Williams's score is, quite obviously, phenomenal and brings in elements from all 8 movie in the saga. The visuals are stunning and the movie just feels fun, something that The Last Jedi lacked.
No Star Wars movies come close to the original trilogy, but this was on par with Revenge of the Sith and better than the other films in the saga outside the OT. Give it a chance and you may be surprised.