SpoilerFreeFilmReviews for Star Wars The Last Jedi

Rating: 8/10 (10 January 2018)

In some respects, reviewing this film seems like a waste of time because the whole franchise is Marmite. (For my non-UK readers, Marmite is a strong, yeast based spread which "You either love it or hate it" and nothing will change your views).
I freely admit to being a hard-core fan since I was in New York when the first film opened as saw it on Times Square in its first week.
After seeing this tale from the series, I was left feeling conflicted. There is something missing from the spirit of the film, which I think I have identified.
What is present is an atmosphere of foreboding. Part of this is the realisation that Carey Fisher will not be in any further films, but also that the story is losing itself in a circle of plot clichés.
So what is missing? Joy.
The simple, innocent joy, that in the eternal fight of good vs evil, knowing that good will always be triumphant.
The more complex joy of confidence that evil will always loose.
Finally, the joy of love and laughter.