A balanced view

Rating: 8/10 (20 December 2019)

JJ attempted to please everyone and clean up last Jedi critics ( which I enjoyed and think is another great film with flaws) . He achieved that but I think the damage to overall storyline was done in last Jedi I love it as stand alone story but between that Carrie Fisher not able to continue it left very difficult situation. It was impossible task.
Every single Star Wars film has flaws that's almost the series trope this has them. But It's action packed film which is a rollercoaster and I enjoyed it on second viewing, the first viewing didn't sit with me right away.
The 3rd act didn't quite land for me partly because some shots which I saw in the trailer. Some earlier story decision meant the sense lost cause didn't quite land you knew main characters where too safe.
The lightspeed skipping opening sequence sets the tone which loses that sense getting to know a location but we saw it all.
The emperor was handled well but maybe 1 too many twists in a complex plan. But at least it did something slightly different to what we have seen now 10 times before and it ends a series in bombast fashion.
The fight sequences and the way Rey is handled as character is well done. The kylo/ Ben storyline lands very well which seemed impossible.
What next ? As much it pains me I think they should let Star Wars rest longer than 2 years and let it ferment some time.
When it returns don't restrict stories to trilogy's build the next universe of series of interconnected films(marvel). It will need to be led by an overall creative to replace George Lucas. JJ didn't own the story this time and he paid the price in tying it up in this film. We shouldn't get main event films every 2 years. I don't think we should see another Star Wars for 5 years. But we enjoyed the ride it's been 4 years of Star Wars 5 films the ups and downs of being a fan let's take a break now.