Hollow, Unearned, and Asthmatic Film

Rating: 3/10 (22 December 2019)

The Rise of Skywalker is hollow cinema, a vessel of completely unearned moments, which, considering the amount of prestige the Star Wars franchise has already earned itself over decades, is a shock. While past installments of the Skywalker saga offered detailed themes, thoughtful character moments, and thrilling action; Episode 9 offers a mess of themes that are never fully realized, character moments that are pulled away from so quickly the film doesn't get a chance to breathe, and action sequences that lack the vigor and distinction you expect from a Star Wars film.