At Least It Didn't Revolve Around Yet Another Death Star. Sorta

Rating: 5/10 (16 December 2017)

Hey. Just two episodes ago was the return and now this is the last? Well, that was short lived.
Thank the Maker for the last third of this movie because without it, this would've been the worst of all Star Wars films. Literally 30-40 minutes could've been easily cut to make the pacing, adventure, story and entertainment flow better. And the editing shouldn't have been reserved for just the first two thirds - there are more than several endings that they just couldn't let go.
Despite having a tremendous death count (how many died? 100,000? 150,000?) I will say the movie was enormously hilarious. Not something you'd expect from a Star Wars film, even when there has been comedy bits throughout. Like Spider-Man Homecoming and Iron Man Three, this actually was a helluva lot more comedy than the movie I actually paid a ticket to see.
Not really complaining, because I sure did laugh a lot, but when I go see a Spider-Man, Iron Man or Star Wars movie, I expect to see those movies and not a laugh-out-loud riot.
I digress. Even at 152 incredibly long minutes, very little happens here. The movie is basically broken into two main events: a slow-ass escape scene and a dick teacher being chased after by an angry wannabe student. Sure, there are other subplots that mostly dissolve and really have no reason to be here other than to pad the already enormous runtime.
It's the climax, or last third of this movie that truly saves this episode. Admittedly, the opening battle is cool, though, Episode III's is much better. But, the ending: WOW. Worth the price and almost a recommendation to show up an hour and 45 or so minutes late.
I'm not unhappy I saw it, and it definitely begs rewatching as so many questionable scenes/actions needs more explaining. And again, that finale saved this and added a few extra stars for a recommendation.
***
Final thoughts: Here's the newest order of best to worst Star Wars films:
1. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
2. Star Wars: Rogue One
3. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
4. Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi
5. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
6. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
7. Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
8. Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
9. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Dishonorable Mention: The Holiday Special