A Non-Spoiler Reaction from a Life-Long Fan

Rating: 3/10 (27 December 2017)

No spoilers - just disappointment.
I've never written a film review before. I've given thumbs up and down, recommended and not-recommended them, produced some must-see lists and the like. But not a review - and so I won't start now.
I'm a movie-buff, and I would hate for the single-most film that has measured the greatest disparity between my hopes and my reality to be the one that pushes me into the next stage of my love of films - reviewing them. But, I do feel a duty here.
The Last Jedi is a cowardly work.
It expresses absolutely nothing. The movie is an insult to intelligence, and falls for the clearest trick in the industry - try to make everybody happy. You just cannot. It does not work. And The Last Jedi's attempt is an embarrassing exposure of all involved. They fell for the oldest, most obvious trap.
There is nothing positive I can say about this film that Episodes 4, 5, 6, and to an admirable degree, 7 did not set up. Leia and Skywalker are awesome - despite Johnson's ignorant perspective. Rey and Ren have grown into their roles and - in my opinion - have secured their place as the franchise's future. Poe and his bot are craftsmen as well. The rest - smoke and mirrors. Belittling attempts at elementary political commentary on truth, justice, inclusion and every other issue that exists in society. If I wanted my commentary from a film I've waited years for - I wouldn't be much of a contributor to democratic society.
This is supposed to be a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Looks like Johnson fell for two of the clearest tricks in the industry.