Fitting finale that holds true to the Star Wars ethos

Rating: 8/10 (19 December 2019)

'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' (Episode IX) is the final piece of the trilogy of trilogies that comprise the Star Wars film phenomenon. It's hard to sum up the film objectively, as there's so much history, emotion and identity associated with the films - I can only imagine what it's like for people who saw the original trilogy in cinemas. I doubt this is the last time we'll see the opening title crawl & trumpets, but it will be the end of the Skywalker saga. It's a massive shame Carrie Fisher didn't film all her scenes before she passed away, but Leia still has an important role in the film
Similar to the last two films, the plot centres on Rey (Ridley), Poe (Isaac) and Finn (Boyega) as they try to stop Kylo Ren (Driver) and the First Order. I don't think it's a surprise to say the Emperor (McDiarmid) is back in this film - via cloning and the Dark Side - adding to the direness of the Resistance's situation, as they have to fight more than they bargained for. There's plenty of cameos from old hands and new, and a small but suitable role for Luke (Hamill) one last time. The glue holding the story together is the interactions between Rey & Kylo, their ability to communicate even when not in the same place and whether Kylo will return to the light or if Rey will fall to the dark.
The overall palette is dark & foreboding, with the Unknown Regions planet the Emperor is on being the setting for the third act, with plenty of clouds, stone and lighting. But, as ever in Star Wars, hope is never lost, so long as they stick together and help one another. Plenty of nice moments throughout - I almost cried at a moment with Chewie - and the film does well to tie up 42 years of shared film history. It's by no means the best film, but is certainly not the worst of the series. Will see how it ages as a ending over the next 30 years before comparing it to 'Return of the Jedi'!