Returning to the galaxy

Rating: 7/10 (3 January 2018)

Loved the original 'Star Wars' films as a kid, still do. Especially 'Empire Strikes Back' while considering 'A New Hope' a genre landmark. Didn't think the prequel films were that bad personally, but they had a lot wrong with them and were a long way from great, especially 'Attack of the Clones'.
Found myself loving 'The Force Awakens', which to me was the best 'Star Wars' film since 'The Return of the Jedi' and more an affectionate homage and universe celebration than the re-hash some have criticised it for. Seeing 'The Last Jedi' with quite high expectations, judging from the positive critical word of mouth, and despite enjoying it and finding a lot to like, the fans' disappointment is understandable (though some of the hate has not only been disrespectful but vitriolic). 'The Last Jedi' is not as good as the original trilogy, not even close, or as 'The Force Awakens', but it is better to me than the prequels.
As said, the disappointment is understandable and some of the problems fans had with it are also shared by me. 'The Last Jedi' would have been an even better film with less new characters (with variable effectiveness) and less subplots because while it was never dull it did feel at times too busy and bloated.
This would have been solved with not having the rushed and pretty unnecessary romantic subplot, which seemed more an excuse to introduce a new character and give an older character more depth, and doing much more with the villains. With the exception of Ren, the film's most interesting character along with Rey, all are underwritten, especially the missed opportunity that was Snoke. He looks good and Andy Serkis portrays him beautifully but he is criminally underused and even more wronged by a far too easy and anti-climactic defeat.
Can also understand the outrage at the rather one-dimensional and out of character, even with the self-doubt, torment and regret, treatment of Luke. Despite Mark Hamill objecting to this treatment, it does not show in his nuanced performance that ranks among his best recent work. As well as some of the humour, some of it was forced and out of place in being placed randomly at less than appropriate times.
However, for all those faults, there is also a lot to like about 'The Last Jedi'. It does have enough to satisfy the nostalgic while, like 'The Force Awakens', having its own identity. While it certainly dazzles in spectacle and action, 'The Last Jedi' doesn't feel too big, too noisy or too chaotic (fans will disagree with this and that's fine) at the expense of brains or heart. Of the characters, Rey and Ren are especially well realised and it is their subplot that is particularly successful of the storytelling.
For all its unevenness and reservations about it trying to do too much, that it is a richer and more elaborate experience, with a deeper and darker perspective on space fantasy allegory and the condition of humans and aliens, than the previous 'Star Wars' films was appreciated.
Visually, 'The Last Jedi' is a triumph. It is gorgeously shot and designed and benefits with some very imaginative and energetic visual storytelling. The special effects are a dazzling marvel. John Williams delivers yet another rousing score that has its own character but cleverly includes the well-known iconic themes from the previous films.
Enough of the dialogue is thought-provoking and entertaining, while Rey's journey, Ren's conflict, the scenes between Rey and Luke and the Rey and Ren subplot are handled very well. The action is thrilling, particularly the knockout final showdown.
When it comes to the acting, despite not liking their characters' treatment there is no fault to be found with Hamill and Serkis as aforementioned. Daisy Ridley gives another winning performance and is more comfortable this time round. John Boyega is charismatic and Carrie Fisher's final performance has a nostalgic poignancy. With Ren being even more of a conflicted villain than in 'The Force Awakens', Adam Driver brings more menace and conflicted edge.
In summary, good but not amazing. 7/10 Bethany Cox