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Film Review | Star Wars - The Last Jedi

I had a grand old time. I’m actually gonna keep it short and sweet because there are a few standout moments that sum up the way I feel about the film perfectly.

I have a feeling that Rian Johnson approached this film with the mantra: “Subvert expectation.” Because almost every situation and choice and moment in the film tends to turn away from what you might think would happen in a Star Wars film. It all spins everything on its own head and redirects the viewer in every direction imaginable. At no point did I feel like I knew what was going to happen, and when you’re watching a movie THAT’S A GOOD THING. On top of that, the film dispels its own rumors exceptionally well and drops ALL OF THE BAGGAGE that The Force Awakens created, which leaves Episode IX options to go anywhere with the story and characters.

On top of that, the film’s direction is gorgeous and energetic (just like the rest of Johnson’s films). The cast is gloriously diverse, the set pieces larger, more magnificent than life, and truly other-wordly, and the new creatures all fit into the story fairly well. While nostalgia is a huge driving force behind these franchise films now, where The Force Awakens used a nostalgic cookie cutter - The Last Jedi simply seasons. It’s a light touch that serves to make the movie interesting, rather than dictate what the film is about.

I’d say the only things the film has against it are: 1) the run time - it’s really like 20 minutes too long, and 2) it undercuts some big emotional moments with humor that maybe would’ve only made the film stronger, but it did replace those moments with new and exciting unexpected moments - so it’s a wash.

Regardless, see this on the big screen. You miss the spectacle without it. GO NOW.