by Daniel Andrade
Courtesy of Lucasfilm
It’s hard to believe that 42 years ago, a man named George Lucas would create an epic space-opera that would evolve into one of the longest-running and most expansive franchises in cinematic history. Since that iconic episode, we’ve explored the farthest reaches of the galaxy, met some incredible and memorable characters, experienced some colossal battles among the stars, and witnessed the rise and fall of empires and resistance movements. It hasn’t always been a smooth journey, there have certainly been some bumps along the way, but throughout it all, every movie has been a momentous occasion, with throngs of fans flocking to the theaters eagerly awaiting to see how this saga would continue. And now, after nine movies, the story of the Skywalkers has come to an end. After the lukewarm reception of the 8th film, there was a lot of pressure on this film to end this latest trilogy (and the overall legacy) properly. I’m happy to say J.J. Abrams and his team have succeeded in closing out this incredible and extensive story in a satisfying and emotional way.
All of your favorite characters are back, and I’d say they are better than ever. Poe and Finn continue to bro out in a genuinely entertaining way. The chemistry between Oscar Isaac and John Boyega is great, and their friendship is fun to watch unfold. Whether they’re teasing each other or fighting side-by-side, they work well together on screen. On the opposite end, the tense relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren continues to be fascinating and frightening to watch. Daisy Ridley balances out moments of joy and excitement with instances of anger and fear, while Adam Driver is truly in his element in this film, being completely intimidating in some scenes and yet being vulnerable in others. I also have to praise the actors that emote using only their bodies, in particular those that portray C3P0 and Chewbacca. Though you never really see their facial reactions, their body language speaks volumes, and you can sense their paranoia, sadness, and frustration so clearly. That is not an easy task to do, and these actors do it so naturally. While there are a handful of lines or scenes that may come off as a bit goofy or awkward, these are few and far between, and regardless, it is undeniable that everyone is acting their hearts out here, no one is phoning it in.
Let’s talk about the visuals next. One of the most alluring parts of the Star Wars films for me has always been the scenery and atmosphere, and that is in full effect in this film. From lush jungles to harsh deserts, thriving cities to abandoned space ships, everything looks gorgeous and grandiose. Additionally, there are the random little creatures and lifeforms that inhabit each of these locations and add to the overall feel of each world; they just make sense being there, and that attention to detail has always been incredibly impressive to me. The make-up is phenomenal and really helps to immerse you in a world where different species of aliens co-exist. The sounds and special effects continue to be astounding as well, with each swing and “whoosh” of the lightsaber and shot from a blaster feeling authentic. The dogfights between the space ships are more intense than ever, with the action being bigger and more dangerous to combat the ever-growing threat of the Empire. Overall, I’m just thankful that there has continued to be a good balance between special and practical effects, which makes the film feel much more believable.
It’s hard to get into the biggest reasons why this film works so well without delving into spoilers, but I will make my best attempt! This is the final movie of a total of nine, with characters that we’ve literally grown up with being a part of each film. There is a lot of nostalgia surrounding many of the older ones, and fans just want these figures that we’ve grown close to over the years to have a fitting end to their arc. By the end of the film, I felt very satisfied and fulfilled, and admittedly very emotional; it’s hard to accept that after so long, we have to say let these beloved characters go. Additionally, there were a lot of questions surrounding some of these newer people, whom we haven’t had as much time to spend with. I think it’s safe to say that they also get a proper end to their stories, and while not as emotionally satisfying and moving as our old favorites, it still made for a fitting conclusion. It is certainly an emotional roller coaster of a film, hitting you with moments of pure joy and adrenaline balanced out by scenes that will make you tear up, sometimes in the best way possible.
CONCLUSION: Much like Avengers: Endgame, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker had the monumental challenge of ending a decades-long saga, weaving together the stories of beloved characters and iconic locations and finding a way to make it end in a fulfilling way. This film has managed to do that incredibly well, with a moving, emotional, visually stunning movie that will warm your heart and leave you walking out of the theater feeling satisfied. It is absolutely a must-watch for theaters; it is an experience best shared with loyal fans new and old and adds to the impact of the film.
FINAL SCORE: 5/5
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