Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder.

Rating: 8/10 (3 January 2020)

"Star Wars: the Rise of Skywalker" concludes a film series that has graced - or cursed, depending on your point of view - movie theaters for over forty years.
Is this the greatest Star Wars film? Probably not.
But is this the "worst" Star Wars film (however you define "worst" to be)? I don't think so.
But sadly, and this is the biggest detraction not only for this film but for the entire third trilogy (VII, VIII, and IX), "Rise of Skywalker" suffers from a lack of overall vision and imagination. It is as if Disney told JJ Abrams and everyone else involved in these three films to throw something together in order to appease the fanbase while also checking off all the intended market audiences.
In doing so, no one is impressed, and everyone has something to complain about.
So why did millions still choose to see this movie -and all the other Star Wars films?
Marketing? Nostalgia? Both?
I can understand the reactions - both from the film critics and from many in the hardcore Star Wars fanbase. And while I personally enjoyed "Rise of Skywalker," I can see where this movie was trying too hard to perform fan service - especially after the polarizing reactions from Episode VIII.

So if you already think the Star Wars universe has been ruined by Disney, this movie won't change your mind. It'll probably reinforce your opinions. You are better off saving your money for something that you will actually enjoy.
But If you simply want to go see an action filled and at times touching space opera, then by all means go see this movie. You will not be disappointed.
In these highly divisive and uncertain times, maybe that's just what millions of people wanted to see at the movie theaters for a couple of hours. Something familiar, something comforting.
Aloha 😊🤙🏼