Brilliant

Rating: 9/10 (2 June 2018)

'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' is a brilliant and unique addition to the well-loved franchise, and could very well possibly be one of the best. I had the privilege of attending the midnight premiere screening of this film, which was undoubtedly one of the best cinema experiences I've had. Hosted by Star Walking, the longest running Star Wars fan club worldwide, this film was accompanied by constant applause and cheering from an audience of over 700 individuals. Many of them being dressed up in remarkable costumes, the overall atmosphere was full of excitement, apprehension and joy, and made the premiere a great experience.
Now, onto the actual film. Sequels always have a high chance of being a disappointment, as they usually do not live up to its predecessor and never feel as fresh or enjoyable. Director Rian Johnson had huge shoes to fill in creating this film, and not only did he not disappoint and stayed very true to the franchise, but he also made a Star Wars film that has it's own unique and refreshing style. Johnson's directing style is quite different to previous directors in the franchise that ultimately sits well. When combined with a well-paced storyline that is full of many plot twists and complex underlying themes, you end up with a flawless film. The casting in this film is great, with a mix of diverse actors that all portray their characters exceptionally well. Notable highlights go to Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Laura Dern who's talent shines throughout this film. Adam Driver's performance was also very well-done and had certainly improved from the previous film. An honourable mention also goes to the late Carrie Fisher who played the role of Princess Leia for the last time and did an exceptional job.
One of the best things about this film is the fact that it is so visually striking. With breathtaking locations, wonderful fantasy creatures, elaborated costume design and striking cinematography by Steve Yedlin, this film is a delight to look at. The action scenes in this film left the entire audience in awe of its visual appeal and overall execution. The score in this film was as great as ever, by longtime Star Wars composer John Williams, and certainly contributed significantly to the film. The humour was frequent and brilliant, producing genuine laughter throughout the whole cinema, and did not have an effect on the serious side of the film which was certainly emotional in several parts.
Overall, this film is nothing short of a masterpiece and may very well be my favourite Star Wars film to date. Every aspect is perfect, from the acting to the visual aesthetic. You do definitely not want to miss out on seeing this in theatres.