Fun, Resolution, and a Few Misty Eyed Moments

Rating: 9/10 (20 December 2019)

Just got out of the Thursday night premiere which my 17 year old daughter kindly accompanied me to (to spare my wife). We both thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Went in expecting a typical Star Wars flick and this delivered the goods. Familiar heroes against dire odds, still casually cracking the odd joke? Check. Epic light-saber battles and force demonstrations? Check. Jedi/Dark-side character dilemmas? check. Occasional tugging of the heart strings? check. They did a pretty good job tying up the loose ends here, to a pretty epic finale. I was truly surprised by a few moments as well, having only moderately checked out news up to the premier.
The only part I felt was a bit cringey or forced was the immediate scene after the final battle - could be a desolate dark-side ruled wasteland or a celebration - this is a non-spoiler review! Ridley held her own nicely as the focal point of this flick. Yes a couple of characters did feel a bit thrown in, but it was never more than a fleeting thought as we always had important business or familiar visits from old favorites to follow as the movie ran along it's lengthy, but never overstayed running time.
Also worth mentioning that the trademark light humor never really felt forced this time around ala Force Awakens. Even the star of said forced humor in episode 7 did well in this regard and turned out to be a welcome addition.
Star Wars has always been about more than just action, which i've come to realize is why I enjoy these flicks so much. This movie is delivers both the amazing action and the other elements that have endeared so many to the series. Well done.