Good but not satisfying

Rating: 8/10 (15 December 2017)

A good sequel but I must admit I preferred Episode VII, simply because it had the better and more exciting story. DOnt get me wrong this new installment of the legendary franchise is still a very good film but I thought the approach of Riann Johnson in regards of making it too comedic at time that it felt like a parody of its own was not always the right way to handle it. I know its good that it doesnt take itself too seriously but the problem is that in some parts it felt like a skit and in other parts it actually DID take itself very seriously so I did not really think the mix worked too well. But yeah that is basically the only beef I have with it. I missed more twists, a la "Empire Strikes Back" but I guess they may save those for the last part. I also wasnt sure about the fate of some characters they built up so well in the first part. But anyway, I don't want to get into too much detail as I don't want to spoil it (but to be honest there is not much too spoil).
Acting wise it was fine. Mark Hamill did well and had some really good moments throughout the film. The way he played Luke Skywalker is very different to the way he did before and that was interesting. A great development and the film left him some room to even further develope it throughout. Daisy Ridley was all right, however some scenes were a bit exaggerated. Carrie Fisher was great, and not only because of the bittersweetness of her appearance but they really gave her something to do here, unlike in Episode VII. Adam Driver was possibly the best of the cast, still at times monotone but mysterious and very twisted. I liked it. He also expressed the dilemma of his character excellently. Oscar Isaac more and more developes into Han Solo. John Boyega was tolerable. I really don't like Domhnall Gleeson in that series. Horrible performance.
Good new addition of Laura Dern who also had a great character. Benicio Del Toro was great, I just wished has role had more significant.
There is another thing that bugged me, it relates too much to the old films like the scenarios repeat themselves, there is nothing original nothing shocking. The structure is the same like an never-ending story. J.J. Abrams film could come over that, I hope he can do it again.