Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Rating: 9/10 (17 December 2017)

I love Star Wars. The original trilogy is up there with the best trilogies in film ever. I even see the good in the prequel trilogy, despite their many flaws. I'll find something to love about them. When The Force Awakens came out I was very pleased with the revival of the Star Wars Universe and how fun and exciting the film and new characters were. The perfect blend of nostalgia and a new hope. I welcomed Rian Johnson and his vision for this sequel. This may be me looking at the series with my Star Wars fanboy glasses but this film was very good and a worthy successor and entry into the series.
The film directly follows the events of The Force Awakens, where Rey tries to convince Luke to teach her the ways of the Jedi. Conflicted Kylo Ren communicates with Rey while also being under the rule of Supreme Leader Snoke. The Resistance led by General Leia Organa must do what they can do avoid the First Order and their impending attack while trying to mount against them. Old heroes and new faces unite to find a common cause against evil forces. The film definitely feels like a smooth sequel to The Force Awakens.
The film boasts a familiar excellent score by John Williams. The set design and effects are fantastic. The theme and use of the color red is eye popping and glorious. The scenes in Snoke's throne room and the final battle with the old speeders on salt and red dust is beautiful. The action sequences are never dull and look exquisite (take some notes, Justice League). Without spoiling anything, there are a few wonderful battle moments which will have Star Wars fans feeling overjoyed with excitement.
The film introduces new cuddly critters and has humor, which is a hallmark of the saga. One thing I really love about the series is its ability to build new universes, as if there is infinite possibilities when introducing new worlds and characters. There are some questionable character decisions and plot choices, but this sets up for something grand in the final film of the sequel trilogy. Carrie Fischer has a stronger and more prominent role in this film and I think its a satisfying departure for a very memorable character and actress.
So where does the film rank among its predecessors? I think Last Jedi is comfortably better than the prequel trilogy and even outshines Rogue One (which is also really good). It doesn't quite meet the adventure and excitement that The Force Awakens brings, but that's perfectly fine. Its a film I plan to watch and experience again on home media, as is the case with the rest in this film series. Very pleased with this effort. Will be anxiously awaiting the return of JJ Abrams to finish off this trilogy.
9/10