Deviates from the Star Wars formula and stands on its own

Rating: 9/10 (17 December 2017)

The Last Jedi leaves the audience where they left off, with Luke (Hamill) on the receiving end of Rey's (Ridley) lightsaber pass. Meanwhile, Finn (Boyega), Poe (Isaac), Leia (Fischer), BB8 and a myriad of other characters including newcomers Rose (Tran), Admiral Holdo (Dern) fighting along the resistance. They are countered with Kylo Ren (Driver) and General Hux (Gleeson) the First Order set on a path to eradicate the Jedi religion.
One problem with the previous (7th) instalment, the Force Awakens is that it felt too much like the fourth movie, A New Hope, mimicking plot points, character introductions, even death scenes. While I cannot say this movie does not shy away from mimicking some moments from The Empire Strikes back, it does it much less frequently than the Force Awakens. Because of this moment as well as filling in plot points left ambiguous by the 7th chapter, this movie is an improvement over The Force Awakens.
Without going into much detail, The Last Jedi delivers on a investing 2nd instalment of the sequel trilogy and give fans of the new trilogy more of what they love while also answering some questions about the Force Awakens and still keeping a realm of mystery in the air. The Last Jedi takes us to new worlds with fun adventures for our heroes of the galaxy fighting along well developed villains in well choreographed fight scenes directed by Rian Johnson. It introduces wonderful new characters CGI and real life, specifically Rose who is given a great backstory and a strong will to fight alongside the resistance. The film also delivers surprising new twists that are not part of the original Star Wars formula established by the prequels and original trilogy, specifically one involving force communication. If you are a Star Wars fan, you will love the extensive world building and sound design present throughout the movie that still suck you into each planet and make you feel like you are there.
There are still some problems with the movie though and some that do carry along from the other instalments, many of which are character problems. Captain Phasma although has a bigger role in this movie is still very under-utilized. The new Admiral, Holdo is not a very interesting figure, all she was was an authority against Poe's quirkiness and charm. Finally C3PO, (Daniels) the only character to appear in all the instalments is just pointless in this movie (and in the Force Awakens), he could have been removed and the movie would have been the same. Another problem involves physics, and it involves traveling at light speed and the impulse of one object against another. Without spoiling, and method to take out an enemy's ship would result in everyone dying. And finally there is a problem with some of the looks of creatures. It is obvious that most of the creatures are computer generated and there is little reliance on traditional makeup. I don't have a problem with it if it is done well, but in the case of Snoke (Serkis) or some of the resistance fighters, specifically the ones with large heads and black hair and the look of the crystal hounds, it is very transparent visual effects works. The cinematography is great, just the makeup is lacking.
The Last Jedi opens up a complexity to the Jedi world, it shows how resistance against tyranny lives on, it demonstrates that this one dying saga still has more stories to tell, and even though an abundance of characters may slow down the action or make us less invested in the fights, there is still a ton of fun to be had and reinvigorates the series. Anyone who is new to Star Wars should not feel the need to watch the other 7 instalments to enjoy this one, although it would help amplify some of the humour.