An Amazing Film - but it needs a 2nd viewing to really appreciate it

Rating: 10/10 (8 July 2018)

After watching TLJ for the first time I have to say I was underwhelmed. It felt like an overlong film with too many things going on. I wasn't impressed.
I gave the film a second viewing months later and absolutely loved it! So what changed? Well it was the underlying message that runs right through the film. That is to say that good doesn't always beat evil and when it does, it doesn't always do successfully and the evil will spring up again away. All the work the Jedi do to maintain order can appear to be pointless and a waste of time. Once you get this message it all makes sense.
The main case in point for example is that the Empire were beaten in ROTJ but that didn't stop the First Order from rising. Luke Skywalker had failed in his attempt to bring peace as had his training of Kylo Ren who turned to the Dark Side. No wonder Luke has retreated in isolation to an Island in the middle of nowhere! He can see all the failure of the Jedi and just wants out.
The film is just putting out a message that it's not always "happy ever after". This is the most "real" Star Wars film we have seen yet and I can't wait for Episode 9.
So if you didn't enjoy it the first time, then give it another go. You will "get it" and enjoy what is a fantastic movie experience.