Warning: This article contains spoilers and is an independent opinion of Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.
BY JADEN MOUNT
After much anticipation and high hopes, I was finally able to sit down with my family and see The Last Jedi in theatres. Overall, the movie was fantastic! From the spectacular graphics and sounds to splendid acting, notably by the late Carrie Fisher, this feature continued the rising slope begun by The Force Awakens.
There’s so much to discuss from this movie that I’m going to bread this article down into two sections: The Good and The Bad
The Good
Space Combat
Hitting off from the great dogfights of The Force Awakens and Rogue One, the space combat between the First Order and the Resistance is absolutely stunning. Though my more science-based friends have told me there is no sound in space, the various aspects of the fight seem absolutely real. Previous films, especially Revenge of the Sith, displayed combat as far more science-fiction and maybe a little anime inspired whereas the most recent films have a more realistic touch and seem natural.
Larger ships also made a stunning continuation from their debut in Rogue One. Science-fiction films have a tendency for these spaceships to just be there with little to no action on any aspect. Yes, we are confined to the bridge and hanger decks per usual, these ships are actually engaging each other. Supreme Leader Snoke’s and General Leia Organa’s command ships received most of the action, seconded only by the destructive First Order Dreadnought
Galaxy’s Wealthy Elite
All societies featured in the cinematic films have a tendency to mix and mingle, giving a relative assumption over how the entire galaxy must be. Where Phantom Menace gave us a view of the absolute poor slave side, The Last Jedi featured the high life. Thankfully, we are told most of these people became rich off selling weapons or not being the most giving of sorts. But the selling weapons part became almost a fascination to me.
Arms dealers in a galaxy at war are going to be rich, no doubt about it. However, you would think that the ‘good guys,’ aka the Resistance, wouldn’t be ones to utilize these types of people. Well, think again! These folks sold weapons to both the First Order and the Resistance, probably raking in a motherload of money. Side note, the Resistance isn’t flawed by this since the Alliance often participated in the same activity to restore the Republic.
Jedi Ignorance
First off, I have nothing against the Jedi. Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master Yoda, and much more are absolutely amazing characters. But The Last Jedi points out a great flaw within the Jedi Order during the time of the Galactic Republic: ignorance. Now the Original Trilogy (Episodes Four to Six) displayed after the Jedi Order was destroyed, so many fans were left wondering how did this happen? The Prequel Trilogy (Episodes One to Three) gave them this answer: Darth Sidious disguised himself as a senator and rose to power to ultimately rule the universe after wiping out most if not all the Jedi.
We easily saw that the Jedi grew too comfortable with the Sith gone and highly doubted the return. None could see that a mere senator from a far away planet could be the galaxy’s worst nightmare. Luke Skywalker, in his belief the Jedi should end, tells this to Rey without a hesitation and I’m glad it was finally said.
Flowing Humor
If anything can be said for the writers, they know how to play with humor. Little things from Luke tossing the Skywalker lightsaber over his back like it’s nothing to a drunk casino-going inserting coins into BB-8 as if its a slot machine flowed into the story with ease.
I always have a problem with movies where the humor is forced, but this wasn’t the case. Like the previous two Star Wars films, the audience can expect enough laughter that doesn’t take away from the story or the overall film.
Leia Uses the Force
Fans have been waiting since episode six’s reveal of the twin siblings for Leia to actually use the force. Where it was clear in episode seven that she was force sensitive, we have never seen the general utilize the cosmic power in any cinematic movie.
Once the bridge of her ship is destroyed and she floats in space, Leia pulls herself back to safety onboard the Resistance cruiser. My mouth absolutely dropped at this scene and I can only hope we get to see more of this if Leia Organa is included with episode nine.
The Bad
Dreadnought’s Only Cry
It’s no doubt that anything the Resistance comes up against is massive, powerful, and ultimately something that can blow up a planet or part of it at least. The only action we see from the First Order’s immense ship is the destruction of the D’Qar base. Afterwards, Poe Dameron and his forces manage to rid the galaxy of such a vessel.
How the Dreadnought was destroyed is also a little irritating. Recalling The Force Awakens, Starkiller Base was doomed once the hexagon-shaped oscillator was punctured enough. The Dreadnought had a similar hexagon-shaped piece where the bombs were dropped. This feels like a sad repeat, especially for something so early in the movie itself.
Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo
Whereas the movie’s acting was phenomenal, I cannot say the same for Resistance Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo. With General Organa incapacitated and most of the leadership gone, Holdo becomes commander-in-chief of the remaining fighters. It felt like I was witnessing a Sunday School Teacher try to take care of kindergartners, whom could hold blasters and fight an ongoing losing battle.
I remember hearing rumors that this character and Leia never got along with each other, thus I expected the new commander to enact plans opposite of the original fan-favorite. Of course, this is not the case. We were presented with a very cut and dry character with only one scene between her and Leia. This scene and her actions to help the remaining fighters escape are the only positives I see of the character. Where the actor is probably amazing, the character was a solid sad presentation.
Snoke’s Quick End
I must admit, I found out about this before seeing the film in theatres. There is nothing worse than presenting a character who is supposed to be this great and powerful baddie just to have him be terminated in the next film. Who is he? Where did he come from? These are questions I am constantly hearing from fans all over the internet.
Where I am glad we will not have a Vader-Palpatine repeat of episode six, it’s sad we got to this gross embodiment of evil taken away from the screen at such short notice. Great way to kill your enemy, I must say.
The Verdict
I would rate “Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi” seven out of ten stars. Where the story had its flaws, the final product continues the high climb as a climax piece to this trilogy. Sadly, I’ve heard we will have to wait till 2019 for the final installment to see what stage the galaxy will be in before the next three installments.