Wow, it feels like we have been waiting forever for Star Wars: The Last Jedi to come out. In the world of those of us who are Star Wars obsessed, it has been…well at least a couple of years. Some people who just like to complain, say that the Star Wars movies are being tossed out too close to each other by Disney just to make money. I say, if they are good movies and fun…bring them on. The Last Jedi does not disappoint. Its fun and once again, a two-hour reminder of why we like to go to the movies.
There are so many questions that we needed answered from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Who are Rey’s parents?
What will Luke do with the light saber?
Will Kylo Ren realize the error of his ways?
And now…who is the Last Jedi?
Well good news…the answers come. Not everything is answered, but we do get some clarity on the important issues. You know what else we get? A pretty awesome movie. The Force Awakens, to me was a really well done “re-hash” of A New Hope. I was fearful that this movie was just going to be a new take on The Empire Strikes Back. I am glad to report, that even though it does have some very familiar elements, like the new AT-ATs attacking a hidden rebel base, just like in Episode 5, it is very much it’s own story with it’s own reasons as to why certain things are happening.
The action is great from the opening. The story picks up right after the end of The Force Awakens. There are great new characters like DJ played by Benicio Del Toro, (not in the movie enough) , Vice Admiral Holdo played by Laura Dern and Rose Tico, a rebel partner to Finn, played by Kelly Marie Tran. Plus, there are some AMAZING cameos that bring applause from the audience when they happen, as well as great turns by all of the returning characters–Finn, Rey, Poe and, of course, Chewy and the talented, gone-too-soon Carrie Fisher as Leia. But now, we finally get to focus on Luke Skywalker…and that is the real treat in the film.
Mark Hamill brings his A game. He is old and crusty and bitter. When Luke is on camera, the movie becomes really great, and the other story lines to me all felt secondary.
It’s hard to write a review for a film where you do not want to give anything away. I went in not knowing anything, and I was honestly surprised a few times. Here is are two things I can tell you that will not give anything away:
- The Porgs are NOT the new Jar Jar Binks. They are in it just enough and once your kids see them, they will be adding Porgs to their Christmas list (if they haven’t already). Trust me… just go ahead and buy your kids a Porg toy, book or shirt now, because they’re going to want one.
- You are going to want to see this multiple times! A LOT happens in this movie. We discussed it all night after seeing it and agreed we need to see it at least one or two more times to really take in everything that happens in the film. Go ahead and purchase your extra tickets now; you’ll be glad you did.
Is Star Wars: The Last Jedi OK for kids?
Now the most important thing if you have kids who will want to see this movie. Is it appropriate? As a dad of three boys, the oldest of which being 12, that any kid 6 or over will be fine. I say 6 and over because the film is long (make sure everyone pees first!) and there is some violence. It is on the exact same level of intensity as The Force Awakens and way less than Rogue One.
My closing thoughts on Star Wars: The Last Jedi
This is a really good movie and a great follow up to The Force Awakens. They have kept the humor, and trust me there are some laugh-out-loud moments. There is some violence and there are, of course, some sad moments. I wont say anything else, because now it is time for all of you to go and see The Last Jedi as soon as it opens. See it on the biggest screen you can, because the effects are worth it.
I am not just saying this, but Disney seems to know exactly what to do with these films and they keep making movies that we will all be watching over and over for years to come because they are just fun. Period.
*Thank you to the Walt Disney Company for inviting us to see the movie early so that we could put together this review.*
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