Really just a 2nd rate plodding reboot

Rating: Null/10 (30 April 2020)

The original Star Wars trilogy didn't amaze on plot lines, didn't amaze on dialogue, didn't amaze on ideas. But they did have genuine on screen chemistry and a sense of wide eyed wonder provided by the directors and actors. Even with the prequel trilogy the directing and acting at least felt connected (although too often infantilized) to the original trilogy. And the stories showed they were made by people familiar with the original trilogy.
But this?
First, as many other reviewers have noted, the plot simply doesn't make sense after the ending of episode VI. It feels simply like a slightly remixed remake reboot. Now, if Star Wars had been only moderately successful and rarely repeated then fine, this approach may have been worthwhile. But this is Star Wars! The most widely known films of all. So what were the creators thinking? If they'd gone even more infantile then OK, maybe it would be a reboot for the very young, too young to have watched the originals. But they didn't. They went more aggressive, so if anything for older viewers than the original. It simply doesn't make any sense, let along the US$millions of sense it took to make.
Second, regardless of this, it is simply a weak film, lacking in motivations, consequences or any snappy chemistry, save for one 5 second piece toward the end of the film.
The only redeeming features are the special effects (but anyone can do this now) and art direction, but even that is simply decent rather than good.
I gave this a view after wasting 2 and a quarter hours on Rogue One and thinking surely no, the good reviews for Ep VII must mean something. I was mistaken.