A fantastic continuation of a timeless tale...

Rating: 9/10 (16 December 2017)

This episode does a masterful job of continuing the journey of characters we love, both old and new. While it grows more grave and urgent than its predecessor, "The Last Jedi" manages to be both dark and hilarious at times, thanks to more excellent set pieces and punchy dialogue which hearkens back to my favorite of installments: "The Empire Strikes Back."
Just like "The Force Awakens," the chemistry between the characters is undeniable, breathing vitality and truth into this Galaxy afar. And the writing that drives their stories sees even secondary characters like Finn, Poe and Phasma develop more into distinct personalities, each playing their own crucial role in this epic space opera. In the fine tradition of Star Wars, there's no shortage of fascinating characters, each with their own goals, motivations and much to do that forwards the plot. And true to form, the action ranges all over, with novel yet strangely beautiful locales that advance the tale with breathless aerial assaults, courageous missions and lightsaber duels for the ages!
Of course, the film captivates, with both its grand spectacle and its small moments between people struggling to 'find their place in all this.' Kylo Ren matures in ways that genuinely surprise and ultimately satisfy. While the interplay between Luke and Rey echoes the playful yet deadly-serious tone of Luke and Yoda on Dagobah. In Mark Hamill's superb performance as the wizened, jaded old hermit, there is a constant weight of regret on his brow, yet under this abiding sorrow his eyes still sparkle with hope, revealing that same impatient farmboy whose youthful optimism first made us believe in everyday heroes. Where Episode VII focused on our favorite scoundrel, Han, coming to grips with his past and those choices that shaped it; this one is Luke's movie, and Hamill carries it with all the gravitas we'd expect from one whose faith in The Force once brought down an Empire.
For a lifelong fan, my hope has never been stronger in this story whose conclusion draws ever closer. So, buy the ticket and take the ride because The Force is Strong with this one!