Every word of what you said was wrong...

Rating: 9/10 (15 December 2017)

Whilst I fully accept and understand the disappointment of many fans writing reviews of The Last Jedi on here, I can only assume that much of the disappointment stems from their desire for the saga to keep on using the same old formula and see the plot twists and turns follow the same pattern as the original trilogy. The Force Awakens was good, but very much weakened by its close adherence to the originals (for example, nothing presented in TLJ is as bad a misstep as the dreadful repetitive muddle that was the Starkiller Base); TFA was enjoyable blockbuster filmmaking but fell short of greatness. Disney were quite right to let Rian Johnson take risks here, and it have really paid off with the most surprising and intelligent Star Wars film since TESB.
Yes, there are slightly embarrassing elements: the milking scene, Kylo with his shirt off, overuse of humour early on. And yes, the wisdom of using Luke's character in this way is debatable. However, the bigger picture is being missed here. How do you find new creative space in this saga? Rian Johnson has truly delivered here, as he finds several ways to wrong foot the viewer, invert expectations and add new elements. Luke is not a wise benevolent Master. Snoke is not that important and does not survive. Finn's subplot does not end in success. Luke is not even present for the final battle. There is more than meets the eye to both Vice-Admiral Holdo and DJ. Rey's parentage is (apparently) insignificant. All of this serves the deeper themes of impulsiveness versus wisdom, failure as the greatest teacher, letting go of the past, and togetherness. The obvious messages of animal rights also resonated well with the mood of the film.
Other influences are well used. The Battlestar Galactica (remake) idea of the last dwindling survivors being pursued through space is well adapted, and the confrontation on Ach-To has overtones of the Battle of Minas Tirith in The Return of the King. Best of all though for me is the transcendental showdown between Luke and Kylo. It is magnificently shot, visually incredible and reminded me of the resolution of King Hu's 'A Touch of Zen'. It is also very much in keeping with the Buddhist origins of the Jedi. Luke's 'resolution' here is surely one of the best moments of the entire saga. So it may not be the Luke we expected, but it is magnificent nonetheless and better than a simple Kenobi/Yoda retread.
I suspect may of the true fans on here who've taken such a deep exception to it will change their minds when the dust has settled. Well done to all concerned. I loved it.