Better than Ep7, not as good as Rogue One, still too much ESB in it

Rating: 8/10 (18 December 2017)

So, it was a fun ride. But come on, just like Ep7, they had to make it parallel Ep5 in too many ways: Hoth, Dagobah, space chase, ethnic scoundrel ... they all showed up in Ep8. On the other hand, there was enough originality here to make the film compelling, although at 2.5 hours, it's hard to not keep checking your watch after the first hour. Tips for Ep9: less Finn, less Poe, less Kylo, MORE REY. She and Rose steal this film, truly. Acting wise, maybe this is a minority opinion, but Adam Driver is just a waste of celluloid. He's cringeworthy every time he tries to act. It's a shame Carrie Fisher died, because it would have been nice to see her emerge in Ep9 with Rey and other strong female characters. Hope the Han Solo film is good next year.