A Star Wars worthy of Altman and Eastwood

Rating: 8/10 (27 December 2017)

Lucas never could have given us a fresh re-examination of his universe. Nor for that matter Abrams or even Spielberg and after seven films it is about time. The Last Jedi is a marvel. That it exists within the "canon" is an opportunity seldom available in cinematic history. A major studio, investing hundreds of millions of dollars on a "skewed vision" of a tentpole franchise is a brave action by Disney and one I can not praise enough.
I get fans feeling betrayed. Our culture of aggrievement certainly doesn't reward those brave enough to challenge audiences' preconceptions. Nitpicking for plot holes, misogeny and dismissive attitudes should be expected, but with greater reflection, those reactions dissolve and the brilliance of Rian Johnson's choices become clearer.
Not everyone has sated their appetites of the reckless bucks on their "hero's" journeys but for those who are open to something more, the Last Jedi is refreshing, revitalizing and broadening.