Good ideas, not so good execution.

Rating: 7/10 (17 April 2020)

My feelings on this movie are very mixed. On one hand I really like some aspects of the film, but there is also some really, really bad stuff in this film. Let's start with the bad.
The Bad:
Canto-bite. Out of all the stuff in this film, this subplot feels like something straight out of the prequels. There is a very forced message about animal cruelty in this part of the film, and it does not fit with any of the movie's actual themes. It drags down the pacing of the film significantly and the movie would be a lot more enjoyable without it. It also does not make any sense for Finn, a former storm trooper, to learn about the casualties of war when he should already know about it, considering the events of the previous movie. also, Rose's character and her romance feels very thrown in.
While I did like some of the subversion in this move, there were a lot of pointless twists. I feel like this movie would be much improved if Rian Johnson toned it down with the whole 'subverting expectations' thing.
The space chase with the empire and the rebellion went on for way to long. about one third of this movie is set during this subplot, and considering the climax of this film takes place on a planet, I feel like they should have cut out a bunch of scenes. It also baffles me how some great scenes like Luke reacting to Han's death were cut out, but scenes like Luke drinking the green milk were kept in.
The comedy in this film was also really bad in a lot of places. Many times it detracts from tension, and often it felt like something out of a cartoon. I really do not like these new Star Wars film's bad habit of throwing in cheesy one-liners, many of which feel very reminiscent of a MCU film.
The Mixed:
Snoke's death was something I'm not sure how to feel about. On one hand, he was a boring Emperor rip-off and I'm not too fussed that he was killed.On the other hand, it does not make much sense in-universe that Snoke would be so easy to kill, especially when you realize that this was the person who took over most of the galaxy. If he was so easy to kill, then why didn't someone else already do it?
The force. While I really do like the idea of using the force in new and different ways, it does not make much sense that a force ghost can use it, and that force ghosts can now touch things. And Luke's force hologram is also something extremely useful, which makes me wonder why he did not use it in the OT.
The Battle of Crait. This part of the film has some of the best and worst scenes. Luke's entrance and battle with Ken are both really awe-inspiring, but then you have the terrible scene with Finn and Rose, when they kiss.
The Good:
Everything to do with Luke Skywalker is really compelling and beautifully done. His arc in this movie is genuinely heartbreaking, as is also his resentment at the fact that he was such a beloved hero, and that he could never live up to what people wanted him to be. The best role models are the ones who are flawed but heroic, and Luke is very much the both of these. And his death while staring at the twin suns is the perfect way to end his story.
Rey and Kylo Ren both have great chemistry and their scenes are really well done. I just wish we had more moments with them, instead of focusing on some of the worse aspects of the film.
Everything in the throne room scene is both jaw dropping and intense. From Snoke's death, to the reveal of Rey's parents, to Kylo asking her to join him, to the excellent fight choreography with Ken and Rey, this scene is really good and boosted the entire film.
The visual effects and cinematography in general are some of the best from the entire franchise. The scene with Holdo's sacrifice was one of the most beautiful shots I have ever seen.
At the end of the day, The Last Jedi is very similar to Luke Skywalker. It is deeply flawed and has it's problems, but is still enjoyable, was an actual director's vision, and, in my opinion, the best of the Sequel trilogy