A fresh new direction for the Star Wars pictures

Rating: 9/10 (18 January 2018)

Star Wars Episode VIII is a very different film for the star wars franchise. It ditches some of the classic themes of good vs evil to tell a different story. The film once again focuses on Rey who wants to convince the older Luke Skywalker to join Leia and the Resistance, to fight the evil First Order and it's devilishly evil leader Snoke. At the same time, Leia and the rest of the Resistance, including Poe Dameron go through their own troubles while trying to flee from the First Order. The entire cast from Star Wars: The Force Awakens returns, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac and Carrie Fisher in her final film role. Mark Hamill has to singled out, his performance as the legendary Luke Skywalker is well, legendary. Luke is broken and fragile in this film. He has a very little sense for hope, something that angered many fans of the character. I think that this was a very brave move that turned many ideas about the franchise on its head. Daisy Ridley is also very good at showing the youth within her character. She is filled with hope and believes that with Luke's help they can win the fight against the First Order. Rey is very naive, something that a Mary Sue really isn't. What really surprised me about The Force Awakens was the treatment of Kylo Ren. This is continued in The Last Jedi. Kylo is treated like a main character, who has his flaws but who doesn't really come across as this evil. Kylo simply is a human being who made a decision, the line between good and evil seems to fade away. Carrie Fisher who thankfully received a much larger role in this film than she did in The Force Awakens, enlightens the screen with hope, beauty and joy. She simply gives the best performance of her entire career. Same thing can be said about Hamill. This film isn't entirely flawless. Without spoiling anything, the side plot involving Finn and the new character of Rose felt stretched out and almost pointless. The arc for Finn seems rehashed from The Force Awakens, which is unfortunate as this arc could've easily be given to his partner. Kelly Marie Tran's performance is good, however her character feels rushed. Same thing can be said about Vice Admiral Holdo, played by Laura Dern. Dern is a terrific actress, who is good in the film and the lesson she teaches is important however the way her character was written seemed a bit weak. So overall I really loved The Last Jedi. It did feel 30 minutes too long with the Finn and Rose story. However everything else involving Rey, Luke, Kylo and Poe was really interesting and it expanded the Star Wars lore. I think Star Wars fans need to let this film sink in more. After all, episode V was divisive for its originality however that is now seen as the best film in the series.