Better than we have any right to expect

Rating: 8/10 (19 December 2019)

I thoroughly enjoyed Rise of Skywalker, much more than I expected to. As a lifelong Star Wars fan, it ticked every box. Excellent characterizations, superbly directed, wonderful spfx, and very respectful to the Star Wars legend. It was dark, thrilling, funny, moving, hopeful, with a satisfying send off for Leia and a fitting finale.
For those that believe the original trilogy is Citizen Kane; like it's some sort of religious script; the answer to all life's problems; that feel like this entry had cheated them... I can only ask: what would you have done differently? What did you hope to see? What did JJ Abrams not give that you wanted?
This movie was better than any of us had any right to expect. The best of the modern trilogy and better than many of the previous ones too. Thank you JJ!