I liked it despite the fact that every criticism is valid. The Force is with this one.

Rating: 6/10 (22 December 2019)

'The Rise of Skywalker' really is a test in trying to fairly judge a movie. I don't necessarily think the dreaded think tank at Rotten Tomatoes got this one wrong. It's pretty thin on narrative and character development. The dreaded 'Last Jedi' definitely had much more ambition and stronger emotional arcs for our characters to undergo. 'The Rise of Skywalker' seems almost like an overcorrection in giving fans the fan service and easter eggs they want.
The problem is you won't hear me complaining about such things. I am too much of a 'Star Wars' fanatic. I came into this picture to enjoy the classic tropes. Was I being manipulated by evil corporate Disney? Should I have demanded a film more like Rian Johnson's self important "masterpiece"? Probably. For what it is though 'The Rise of Skywalker' will please 'Star Wars' fans immensely. And yes at it's worst moments it is kind of stupid.
And now for the grocery list of what I liked and didn't like...
The movie is a giant set piece. The movie is full of star fights, lightsaber battles, and roaming around giant sets with original trilogy easter eggs. The movie never takes time to stop and smell the roses. I don't think our characters ever really have any moments of dialogue to assess the situations that they find themselves in. Abrams just seems to take everything for granted and thinks since this is the third part of a trilogy that everything is already established. The thing is the foundations of these sequels were always a little shaky and so even though 'The Rise of Skywalker' answers a great many questions I still feel that we needed a little more from our characters and how they have evolved over the course of these adventures.
Daisy Ridley is outstanding as Rey and gives one of the better performances in a 'Star Wars' film. Rey is a character who has buried down deep fears and insecurities and finally she has to face them. I know some will prefer Johnson's interpretation of Rey's lineage and I can certainly appreciate their reasoning but I think Rey's story arc here works. Having her be Palpatine's heir sort of is unoriginal but the story arc of breaking away from destiny in a series obsessed with concept is fun. Ridley brings out the darkness in Rey that was sort of lacking in the other entries of the trilogy.
Every pandering moment will overcome the best judgement of fans. I loved Luke's scene and will even say it makes some of the questionable choices Rian Johnson made with the character more palatable. Chewie finally getting his medal will have you blubbering like a baby. The John Williams score still hits the heart in all the right places.
I guess if I want to cut through all the drama and whining from all the camps I'll say this. 'The Rise of Skywalker' is everything anyone will expect it to be. 'Star Wars' cultists will leave with a massive grin. The Johnsonites will be sour. The cynics will find something to complain about. It'll "satisfy" on all fronts.