The Iron Man 3 of Star Wars (Spoilers)

Rating: 8/10 (17 December 2017)

"Let the past die" is a frequently spoken line in the movie, and might as well be the film's real sub-title. Most major plot point reinforced by the original trilogy and the Force Awakens, the sacred cows that kept the franchise incredibly rote, but still resonant, are debased in an open challenge to change the SW universe going forward. In fact, the very last scene of the movie is a meta-commentary on the universe itself, and how the time has come to pass the torch to new generations, new styles and new stories.
However, the movie still has to hit enough notes that us fans want to hear, resulting in a movie that doesn't go boldly in either direction - the Iron Man 3 effect. If you disagree with the direction the movie goes with its villains and heroes, you will not forgive the movie's bipolarity. If you agree with it, the movie will be one hell of a ride into the unknown.
I was lucky to have ended up enjoying myself with the movies. What was most conducive to my enjoyment vs. the apparently apoplectic rest of the fanbase is that I was never that invested in the JJ Abrams-verse. I didn't spend two years thinking of ways in which Emperor Snokepatine, Kylo Mehder, Rey Skysprinter and the R2D2-ball might advance their copy-paste adventures. They are all charming and wonderful characters, but the adventure was never going to shake off the shackles of the SW trope machine (which I am sick of) without radical shifts in gear. We saw a first attempt be made in Rogue One and its lengthy protagonist body count, and now we see it in the unceremonious death of Snokepatine and Luke's over-flawed personality. Like it or not, the past is dying and it is Disney that is killing it. It just so happens that I agree that a rebirth was long overdue.
It doesn't hurt that I found the film to be delightful - many more jokes hit than miss, the battle scenes are impressive and personal (replete with the best crowd-fight lightsaber scene in any movie) and all the actors give their A+ performances, especially the old guard. I even like Luke's send-off and was overjoyed to get one more Yoda cameo before the end. I will admit to having teared up at least a couple of times - in my lifetime, I got to watch Luke rise and fall a hero, and it got to me.
The fact that I loved the movie doesn't mean it isn't obviously flawed. The entire casino planet nonsense needed to be binned on the second draft in favor of more Jedi/Sith talk and reflection, or even another battle scene. I get why they included it and I appreciate the commentary and a glimpse at more weird alien species, but...just...no. I am already cringing my skin off thinking of a possible Finn - Rey - Rose - love-dodecahedron. They could have elaborated on the Knights of Ren and expanded them to make Kylo that much more menacing. Finally, the movie needed an ending scene with a mustering rebel fleet - something to make that aborted radio signal more than just a red herring.
In spite of this, I am looking forward to both a second viewing of this movie, and its future sequel(s). Love it or hate it, SW will find its way to continue after this movie in a new direction, a new hope for a future generation of Jedi-lovers. Enjoy your time with it and may the force be with you.