Dense, exhausting, wonderful.

Rating: 9/10 (15 December 2017)

Leaving the theater, I didn't have the same euphoria I had after seeing The Force Awakens for the first time. The Last Jedi is an exhausting, at times dense, entry into the saga. It is also the best since Empire.
I really enjoyed how personal the movie was, most of the characters spend their time kicked and down. It may sound boring, but I was fascinated to see these characters at their lowest. I really connected with Poe, helplessly waiting for death, he's a character whose answer to everything is to jump in an X-Wing and blow something up, and the movie takes that away from him. The situation allows him to grow from a hotheaded pilot into a true leader.
The film develops the parallels between Rey and Kylo Ren, hinting at a mutual respect, maybe even love for one another. They are the light and the darkness, the yin and yang, the balance in the Force.
Luke's first impression of Yoda seems to have had a strong influence, he has gone into exile to die, refusing to join the battle out of fear of doing more harm. Failing Kylo Ren was Luke truly losing, and in that failure he is able to let go of his arrogance and fear, and rises as more than a Jedi Master.
I was intrigued by Snoke in the last film, but really enjoyed the direction the character went in this film. Leia's space walk was odd at first, her Force use has always been a subtle and rare thing. I think she unconsciously saved herself, and it wasn't an easy thing for her to do as she immediately falls into a coma after.
The Finn and Rose story line seems to be considered the weakest, and I would agree but I did enjoy the scene where they rescued the horse-dogs. The events of that plot make a statement about inequality and shows us how important the Resistance and hope are for the galaxy. I wonder if Johnson's new trilogy is hinted at in these scenes. I really liked the character of DJ as well, he brings a perspective outside of the good vs. evil box usually presented with Star Wars.
The Last Jedi is a great entry for the series, focusing on its characters and giving us something different within the spirit of the franchise.