What a film for this space opera saga!

Rating: 9/10 (14 December 2017)

Currently being hailed by critics as the best 'Star Wars' film since 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back", Rian Johnson's latest film really brings the goods for the midpoint of the 'Star Wars' saga.
Following Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, General Organa, Kylo Ren after the events of Episode 7, the viewer watches as the battle royale comes ever closer to fruition. While Finn and Poe try to help Leia with the Resistance as they take on the First Order, Rey has found the exiled Luke Skywalker to convince him to help his twin and fellow fighters but easier said than done as Luke has become so disillusioned with the Rebellion. Events get even stranger when Rey begins to bond telepathically with Kylo Ren, could the new heroine turn to the Dark Side or will she succeed?
The cast of characters become even more fleshed out with their goals and purposes being realized within the oncoming battle. More depth is given to why Kylo Ren is determined to destroy his former Jedi master and turn Rey's allegiances providing the film's most gripping plot point.
The cast shows massive growth in their talents to shed light on the players of the fight between good and evil; Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley being tremendous standouts as we wait to see if Driver's Kylo can win Ridley's Rey over to evil. John Boyega and Oscar Isaac continue to shine as well in the roles of Finn and Poe, constantly building up their friendship from 'The Force Awakens' while allowing Kelly Tran's Rose to become part of their comradeship. The late Carrie Fisher returns one last time to play General Leia Organa, but she is used sparingly as Poe and Finn take more command of the Resistance's army. However the influence of the Princess/General remains strong even with her limited screen-time. And making his long-awaited return to the franchise he helped start is Mark Hamill as the legendary Luke Skywalker. Gone is the fresh-faced heroic boy of the original trilogy as Luke's traumatic experience with his nephew has shaped much of Luke's lack of faith in the fight against the First Order. Rey tries her best to gain the Jedi Master's trust, to no avail for a time but when her power astounds Luke he is forced to take on a new apprentice. Yet his distrust of everything in the past once again clouds Luke's sense of duty, forcing Rey to abandon him and go back. However in the end, the heroic Jedi we once knew does come back for a climatic showdown for the ages.
Utilizing the series' staple of visual effects and epic battles, the action unfolds the minute the title crawl is over as we watch the Rebels try to take down the First Order's commanding ships. With bombing explosions that are far more exciting than Michael Bay's, fighter on fighter ships taking on each, cannons, lightsaber combat galore and more there is no shortage of excitement.