The Force Is With Us

Rating: 8/10 (17 December 2017)

The cultural phenomenon that is "Star Wars" is transcendent. Watching one of the now 8 films is like being knee deep in presents at your grandparent's home for Christmas. The films warm us like a fireplace on a bitterly cold night. When the opening credits begin, our eyes get misty and we feel a sense of joy. For the next 2 plus hours we are in a galaxy far far away, and the cares of this world disappear for us. Thankfully, "Episode 8: The Last Jedi" does nothing to diminish the legacy of the series, or take us away from the aforementioned joy.
There were complaints about "The Force Awakens" which were justified. The film re-imagined the first Star Wars movie (which later became episode 4, A New Hope) and seemed to cement the reputation of J. J. Abrams as someone who can't tell an original story. I believe turning over the writing of Episode 8 to director Rian Johnson was a very good choice. I was worried that "The Last Jedi" would be a remake of "The Empire Strikes Back," given "The Force Awakens," but fortunately there is only a nod in that direction. The story is definitely original in concept and surprises in a number of ways.
There are some who believe this new trilogy doesn't measure up to the original trilogy, in much the same way that some weren't happy with the prequel trilogy. I understand their feelings, but do not share them. "The Last Jedi" is Star Wars for a whole new generation, and you can embrace it or reject it as you wish. I choose to embrace the new trilogy, and I eagerly anticipate Episode 9.