The Last Jedi Brings Hints of the Expanded Universe to Canon

Rating: 8/10 (27 December 2017)

I went to the premiere of The Last Jedi with expectations that it would be very different, and it proved to be so. This movie is not like the Original Trilogy. Anyone who is wanting the Original Trilogy feel will be disappointed. Rian Johnson challenges viewers to "let the past die". This is the new Star Wars.
In short, I loved this movie. As with all movies, there were things I didn't like, but they did not take away from the joy of a very unique and unexpected movie. The acting was exceptional. Adam Driver as Kylo Ren is hands-down the star of the film. Daisy Ridley as Rey continues to shine on the screen, and Mark Hamill returns as a heroic but broken Luke Skywalker. As always, John Williams' sound track adds much emotion to the film, and I can't wait to hear what he does with Episode IV.
Probably the most exciting thing for me to see in The Last Jedi were a couple of themes from the Expanded Universe that finally made it to Canon. Having read over 50 Expanded Universe books (plus at least half a dozen Canon books), I'm very well versed in Star Wars lore - especially the mystical aspects of the Force. I was elated to see a "Force bond" between a couple characters (this can be found in many Expanded Universe books) as well as a character projecting his "Force image" across the galaxy (which readers can find in Legacy of the Force: Invincible).
I definitely recommend that Star Wars fans see this movie, but only if you are open-minded and willing to step away from simplicity of the Original Trilogy. If you are disappointed with the direction Star Wars is currently taking with its line of sequels and stand-alone films, then I recommend that you read the Expanded Universe sequels to the Original Trilogy. They are fresh, new, and original, yet still have that Original Trilogy feel.