A true space opera for the ages.

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2019)

Before my review, I offer this disclaimer :
In the year 2019, and with tools like Google and IMDb, anyone can be a critic. This, I fear, has proved time and again to be a flawed system. The internet is abounding with users who are quick to share their mutual disdain for any number of things ranging from restaurants to movie franchises. My recommendation is that one should view this film void of any external influence. One should not allow the fickle feelings or personal preference of others to colour ones's own experience.
After having watched the film the first time, I walked out of the cinema with the same child-like wonder I did all those years ago when I saw my very first Star Wars movie. The Rise of Skywalker gives us a proper ending to an epic saga 40 years in the making with all the laser blasts, explosions, saber duels and fanfare one can expect from a Disney & Lucasfilm franchise. The film was filled to the brim with moments of collective shock and awe. We were made to laugh, smile and cheer, but also to grieve and to fear. In true Star Wars fashion, this film reveals secrets that will change the way you view any of its predecesors and also gives us hope for the galaxy far far away to continue to tell their stories, though they be outside of the Skywalker Saga.
Aside from the story itself and this chapter's rank amongst those that have gone before, one needs to give credit where credit is due. This film's production value is an absolute triumph in itself. Considering the score, the sound and visual effects, the locations, the set designs, the costumes and the cast and the sheer number crew members involved in making this film, I cannot consciously give a lower rating.