Solid Star Wars entry, even if a bit spread out

Rating: 8/10 (31 December 2017)

This longish Star Wars chapter featuring the Resistance's desperate fight for survival against the pursuing First Order holds up well enough on a second viewing. It has much to recommend it, especially since it makes better use of Oscar Isaac than "The Force Awakens" did and offers a final moving turn by Carrie Fischer. Her presence in this film is greatly appreciated and she offers some of the best moments.
My biggest criticism of this Star Wars entry is that it could have had a tighter storyline. As it is, it spreads its synopsis far and wide, diluting its impact. Its division among several differing story threads got to me and kept this film from being even stronger. But in the end, I can't criticize any Star Wars film that more fully fleshes out Kylo Ren's backstory and gives us an awe-inspiring return by none other than Luke Skywalker, who has become reclusive and detached from the Force. Some simmering themes of loyalty, inner conflict and the corrupting influence of power and well-explored in this installment.
Daisy Ridley is initially unremarkable here but her presence builds as her storyline becomes one of the stronger parts of the film. Benicio Del Toro is very loose and funny in his wild card role. John Boyega is somewhat weakly utilized here and he's at the center of a key battle scene that I thought ended up as a missed opportunity. However, it's still a well-executed saga that will keep you gripped until the very end. Gladly recommended to both Star Wars fans and novices alike.