Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Movie Review

December 20, 2019 4 min read

Star Wars has become a household name ever since the first film premiered in theaters in 1977. Everyone knows Star Wars. Everyone! I mean, think about it, this is a series, a franchise, a dynasty – if you will – that has millions of fans throughout the globe – aherm – I mean, the Galaxies! George Lucas and crew came up with what’s probably one of, if not the most, complex fictional narrative universes the world has ever known! Feel however you may feel about the prequels and everything that came after the original 3, they’re still a part of the Star Wars Universe and they’re still important canon in this world. You can ask any random person on the street to name someone or something or an event that exists or takes place in the Star Wars Universe and they’ll likely throw something out like, “Luke Skywalker,” “Han Solo,” “Princess Leia,” Chewbacca,” “The Death Star,” “X-Wing,” “Tie Fighter,” “Light Sabers,” and now most commonly today “Baby Yoda.” The point is, you don’t need to be a die hard fan to know of or a hint of Star Wars lore and canon.

Everyone knows Star Wars.

So, imagine the stress and immense pressure someone like J.J. Abrams was likely under when they, the Hollywood, Disney and Lucasfilm big wigs approached him and asked him to direct not only the first of three films in the saga-concluding epic franchise, but two of them! Remember! This is no easy task to undertake! We’re all too familiar with a terribly disappointing, expectation failing sequel that the moment we hear news of a sequel to a beloved, cultural icon like Star Wars we brace ourselves for the absolute worst possible result and we tend to go into said sequel with skepticism, doubt and really low expectations. Almost like an abused dog that cowers the moment you pick up a ball to play fetch. Sorry, but I hope I made my point. Listen, ever since The Force Awakens premiered in 2015, the Star Wars Fandom has been divided for many reasons, any reason – whatever reason, and when The Last Jedi premiered, that divide grew even more so. Love them or hate them, Star Wars is a series for all generations, past, present and future. Regardless of what you think or how you feel. It will always be. Director J.J. Abrams had the weight and pressure of an entire Fanbase’s expectations on his shoulders, I have no doubt he wanted to do as best as he could by them for this final chapter in such an epic saga. I whole heartedly believe he did the series right!

But Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was downright amazing! It was out-of-this-world good! Abrams knocked it out of the park, way past the Outer Rim, in my honest opinion. Sure, it can be a choppy, somewhat jarring ride at times, feeling rushed at times; it’s certainly not perfect, but it was major, major, tons of fun! It was thrilling! It was emotional! It was fantastic! Above all else, it was STAR WARS! There were grown men and women sitting next to me, ahead of me and behind me that were wiping away tears, laughing, cheering and clapping and damn near jumping out of their seats! Hell, I found myself crying and cheering, too! More often than not! I particularly liked how the film paid a heartfelt homage and tribute to Carie Fisher, rest in peace, and concluded the character that generations have come to know and love as Princess Leia. It was such a good movie!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is an adventure packed, nostalgic, thrilling, action packed and visually stunning 2 and half hour Millennium Falcon-thrill ride. It does a great job of throwing us as the audience back into the action, the lore and universe of Siths, Jedis, Light Sabers, Tie Fighters and X-Wings. It’ll make you tear up or full on shed tears! It’ll make adults cheer with joy and it’ll make the kids “Oooo” and “Aaaahhh” with glee and amazement. With

epic settings, heroic and villainous characters alike, there are heart breaking moments and heart racing action scenes, comedic moments and characters, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has something for everyone and satisfies the vast majority of fans! A tremendously fun and epic flick for the whole family just in time for the holidays! Old Fans and New Fans will thoroughly enjoy experiencing and witnessing the Skywalker saga’s conclusion this weekend in theaters. May the Force Be With You!