A very satisfying ending to one of the most important franchises in cinema

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2019)

To some, the last half a dozen Star Wars films have left a sour taste in their mouths and this group is way louder than they are in numbers. They don't represent fandom of Star Wars anymore - or at least what Star Wars has become. Don't listen to the hate or glowing defense of the new Star Wars movies especially this one. Let yourself be immersed in the stories and characters of the film and let your own childhood sense of wonder and imagination decide if you like it or not.
George Lucas said he didn't like Force Awakens because it didn't take risks and push the story and technology of filming and editing forward. Last Jedi tried and it hit for some people and was despised by others. Rise of Skywalker certainly takes some inspiration from fan feedback but generally this film is built on taking just enough risk to push the story forward but making sure to not alienate anything that has come before.
The Rise of Skywalker is not perfect but neither is any Star Wars film that has come before it. The film takes calculated risks bringing in new abilities ideas to this universe building from the foundation of all Star Wars that has come before it: Expanded universe, the originals, prequels, animated shows, mandalorian - all of it. With one 2.5 hour movie, the whole series was attempted to rap up to the conclusion of Star Wars and it does so with great satisfaction. I walked away from this film happy, satisfied, and eager to let my mind get lost dreaming of a galaxy far far away.. and really, isn't that what Star Wars is all about?