Unexpected, yet not contrived.

Rating: 8/10 (28 December 2017)

TLJ has some unexpected narrative twists and changes in character that will unnerve many. Fans seem to be complaining in particular in the changes in Luke's character, suggesting that this was not 'my Luke'. It is worth remembering that Luke always seemed capable of dark acts (for example when cutting off his father's hand) however we as an audience know that this is always with one purpose, to preserve the light. The same can be said of the brief moment in TLJ when Luke ignites his lightsaber on his nephew, Kylo Ren.
The film is visually breathtaking. The planet 'Crait' could be one of the best ever created, and in general the special effects are the most impressive yet (see Holdo's sacrifice as a particularly spectacular scene).
Although the film sometimes struggles to balance its tone in the same way as Empire Strikes Back, for example, its missteps are often its strengths. I advise the fans to accept TLJ's flaws, and instead admire its bravery.