Just... Um... Fly Casual

Rating: 6/10 (15 December 2017)

Since J.J. Abrams' THE FORCE AWAKENS, albeit criticized for being too lightweight and unoriginal, did introduce some endearing, worthwhile characters, Rian Johnson obviously knew he had to make the second new STAR WARS get right down to business and, although the first fifteen minutes halts more than flows, there's a point where things open up nicely...
Like EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (and obvious in the commercials), the grounded training of a new hopeful Jedi combines with space-set action and adventure, only here the proverbial astroid belt is... well: Since this writeup is spoiler-free, details are left for the viewer and the viewer alone...
Let's just say the problem with THE LAST JEDI, other than trying too hard for quick-wit humor (another film suffering from Tony Starkasm), is also what makes you exit the theater with a smile. The third act is such a fulfilling visual treat, combining yesteryear's daring-do heroics with pre MATRIX era slow-mo-included combative fights, you'll soon forget (or not want to think about) the many scenes that wind up unrealized...
So much happens at once, batted about from a handful of characters, that writer/director Rian Johnson never stays in one place/perspective long enough for that to really matter: What works here, for an audience, often robs from the characters. Like running towards an obstacle and then, the next moment, winding up on the other side - it's the middle-ground that keeps being denied: Though neatly replaced by enough cool twists and turns to make THE LAST JEDI walk... no, run... a fine line between pretty good and really good.