Flawed but entertaining. More importantly felt like a star wasts

Rating: 8/10 (24 December 2019)

Having seen all 9 movies. I can say safely that the latest entry understands Star Wars.
The last Jedi was a poor attempt. ClichÃ©'s aplenty, bumbling characters, 40
minutes of merchandising, bad guy that were comical and unbelievable and the story telling was simply lazy.
This episode was flawed mostly in trying to fit too much in too little time but equally by having to fix the damage done by the TlJ. It really needed an extra 20 minutes or so to link scenes and to plug a few plot holes. But I have to give credit where credit isdue. The characters have been given licence to act in this episode. Fin actually progresses forward from being a stormtrooper, not backwards into a farcical Jarjar binks replacement. Poe acts like a military commander/ maverick not a standup comedian. Rey stopped being an over zealous 20 something and actually portrayed the strong female and main character role well.
We get to see the old characters mix well with the new characters and see them respected.
Yes this movie plays homage to the old movies and does it relatively well. But here's where it really get things right. The bad guys are evil. The movie knows it's a star wars and not a marvel comic book knockoff. The character arcs are completed. Its entertaining, without being annoying. Yes it knows star wars has a history and you can't fool life time fans by not understanding how things work.
Go into this movie knowing its has its problems you'll enjoy it more. This is probably fourth of fifth best Starwars depending if you rank it with Rogue one and Solo.
Ps
There is no Mary Poppins moments in this.