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A JD Review - Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) · 1:19am Dec 23rd, 2019
The end of a 40 year journey. Let's see what Disney, Lucasfilm, and J.J. Abrams have in store for the final film of the Skywalker Saga. Spoiler alert: it's better than The Last Jedi... but not by much.
NON-SPOILER REVIEW
Episode IX had to prove a lot of things. It had to prove that it could either continue or retcon Episode 8. It had to prove that it had a good reason to bring back Emperor Palpatine. It had to prove why Rey is so powerful and bring a fitting end to her and Kylo's story. It had to end this current trilogy of films AND end the past eight other Star Wars films for a fitting conclusion. Does it do this?
Yes and no.
I'll keep the non-spoiler short. The Rise of Skywalker answers a lot of these questions, but ends up creating even more questions in the LAST FILM OF THE TRILOGY. Unless Disney plans to answer these in future films or TV series of video games or comics or whatever, EVERYTHING should have been answered in this film. Just more lazy writing, but then again, J.J. was written into a corner from that hack Rian Johnson (never let him anywhere near another Star Wars property every again, Disney). There was very little for J.J. to work with and I don't really blame him. He did his best with the literal turd he was given.
Rise of Skywalker has some incredible shots, cool moments, and yes, some stupid moments as well. Too many stupid moments. You could tell Disney and Lucasfilm weren't planning ahead when they made The Force Awakens. Everything was improvised since the beginning. I'm sure if J.J. was given the opportunity to write and direct all three episodes, we could have gotten something truly special. I guarantee Snoke would have been the main villain through all three episodes. I guarantee Rey's origins would have been better. I guarantee we could have gotten something amazing... but we didn't. We're stuck with this.
I liked Kylo Ren in this movie. He and Rey's bond is further expanded on (one of the only interesting things from The Last Jedi) and their story really drove this film. Rey is given a reason why she is so powerful (thank God) but... we'll get into that. Finn and Poe are shoved to the sidelines, which is unfortunate. I liked how they handled Leia in this film. Palpatine had his moments as well. Jannah and Zoiri Bliss are okay. Pretty forgettable. Felt like they should've been introduced a lot earlier. I can't keep these non-spoilers up much longer.
The Last Jedi is a solid 3/10 for me. The Rise of Skywalker, with its fixes to that garbage film, actually answering most of our questions, and bringing a somewhat good ending to this story, and with all its flaws...
I'd say it's a 5/10. Average. Took a day for me to really breathe this film in and mull over it, because when I first finished watching it I HATED this film. Guess I needed time to think.
Oh, well. What were your thoughts?
SPOILER REVIEW
I'll break this down with what I liked in this film to what I disliked. You're free to argue with me in the comments.
First of all, the Good:
The sound and visuals are fantastic. No real complaints there. Even the comedy was better than The Last Jedi. I think we can all agree on that.
The bond between Rey and Kylo was interesting enough to carry the story. I don't mind when Star Wars introduces new Force powers. In fact, I encourage it! I love seeing new Force abilities, and when Rey and Kylo can teleport objects to each other, I thought that was really cool. Even the Force heal was a cool ability (though there are some questionable reasons of why others don't know about that power. Would have really helped the Jedi in the prequels, huh?). And yes, we get Reylo confirmed in this film. Kylo saves her life after she kills Palpatine by transferring his Force life to her, and she kisses him because of that. Kylo dies from giving his life essence, and overall I'm indifferent about it. I never really cared for Reylo but I'm sure the shippers are gonna love it.
Ben Solo's redemption was handled well. It's very believable with the return of Han Solo as a MEMORY, NOT A FORCE GHOST, to give his son one last chance to turn away. Even Leia's life given to her calling out to Ben one last time, which helped in his turn away from the dark side, was done rather well I'd say. An emotional and somewhat satisfying end to Leia's story. Ben finally turning away from Kylo Ren to become Ben Solo again was good.
Luke Skywalker wasn't a complete asshole in this film as compared to the last one. His Force Ghost interaction with Rey was pretty good. It actually felt like the Luke Skywalker of the past that we all know and love. Guess all it took was for him to die. Awesome. 
Now, the Bad:
The MacGuffins are outrageous in this film. First, we have the Wayfinders, then the dagger, and it's all just to drive the plot. MacGuffins CAN work, but it's dangerous territory to work in. You really need to hit the mark with them, and this film pushed the boundaries on them. There was also the waste of the Knights of Ren. They were introduced and teased in The Force Awakens, but Rian Johnson is an idiot and didn't capitalize on them, and so they're finally here and they just die. Not even a single word of dialogue. They turn on Ben (aren't they supposed to be loyal only to him?) when he tries to fight the Emperor, and Ben kills them. Sigh...
The return of Palpatine. This is what really pissed me off. They explain that Palpatine died before, and his spirit lives on in his zombie-like body, but that's stupid. How was a body recovered from TWO explosions? If Palpatine is alive, does that make Darth Vader's sacrifice worthless? It kind of does, but we'll get into that. Also, ENOUGH OF THE DEATH STARS! You can make a massive Star Wars story without Death Stars, and this film has 10,000 of them attached to the fleet of Star Destroyers. Stupid.
Rey being Palpatine's granddaughter. We finally get an explanation for why Rey is so powerful. Like an awful fan theory brought into canon, it turns out she's Palpatine's granddaughter. Her father was Palpatine's son, and her father and mother were both killed trying to hide Rey from Palpatine. That's why she was hidden on Jakku. But... why? Why not just take the son? Did Palps bone someone when he was wrinkly or not? Because if he did when he was full-on Emperor Palpatine... then it was definitely not consensual. It would've made so much sense if Rey was a Kenobi instead. I have a feeling that was what J.J. was originally intending, but was forced to go with this backstory instead. Whatever, I don't like it.
Anakin Skywalker's legacy somewhat being ruined. With Rey defeating Palpatine hopefully for good, does this mean that Anakin never truly fulfilled the prophecy? No matter what Disney says, Anakin Skywalker is the Chosen One. It's canon, confirmed in the Clone Wars with the Mortis Arc I believe (feel free to correct me). They can't say that Rey is the Chosen One because of this. However, with Palpatine alive and defeated by Rey, does it ruin Anakin's legacy? Kind of. When all the Jedi voices speak to Rey, Anakin tells her to bring back the balance, like he did. I believe this confirms that J.J. acknowledges that Anakin is the Chosen One and did bring balance to the Force, but it fell out of balance when Palpatine came back. It's a thin line, but you can make an argument for either side.
Would have rather SEEN all the Force Ghosts standing with Rey against Palpatine rather than hearing their voices. Maybe even the spirits of all the past Sith going against all the past Jedi with Palps and Rey lightsaber fighting. Do you realize how badass it would've been to see Rey, Ghost Anakin, Ghost Mace Windu, Ghost Obi-Wan, Ghost Ahsoka, Ghost Luke, etc. going against Palpatine and the dark spirits of Darth Vader, Darth Nihilus, Count Dooku, Darth Revan, Darth Bane, etc? Would've been incredible. Can Force Ghosts fight? Might as well break even more canon with this film.
Palpatine's death was lame. He died with his own lightning being blown back into his face, with Rey deflecting it like Mace Windu did. Only this time he was vaporized. Is his spirit still out there? I have no idea, but we better not see him again.
And finally, Rey declaring herself as a Skywalker. After defeating the Sith, the First Order, and freeing the galaxy for hopefully the last time, Rey brings both Anakin's/Luke's and Leia's lightsabers to Tatooine to bury them at Luke's old home. Then, this old woman asks Rey who she is, and she sees Luke and Leia's ghosts smiling at her. She then calls herself "Rey Skywalker". I can see what Disney was trying to do with this ending, about choosing your own destiny, but it's dumb. No matter what, she's a Palpatine by blood. She can't just steal someone's name. Very stupid ending in my opinion.
Overall, this wasn't the worst Star Wars film. It was hardly even a good ending to this saga. It's an average film and an okay ending. 5/10.
I personally don't really consider the sequel trilogy canon anymore. Unless they can justify any of this in the future, I'm mostly burnt out on Disney Star Wars. Mandalorian is great though. Jedi Fallen Order is awesome as well. Guess we'll see...
What were your thoughts?
I actually liked The Force Awakens but haven’t really seen the other two movies. From what I heard their both messes due to creators who obviously wanted to do something completely different from each other and threw out what the other one tried to set up in the last movie. The trillogy unfortunately seems to be a disappointment. I think this trillogy would have been better if J.J Abrams directed the full trillogy. Might not have been as good as the original trillogy, but would have been a more coherent story than what it is now.
Not sure I would say it’s better or worse than the prequels since I would have to see them again and see the other two movies of this series to judge it. Though I do remember liking the Force Awakens better than the prequels even though I like Revenge Of the sith.
Though I honestly don’t want to talk about Star Wars considering what a huge trash fire the discussions have become on the internet lately. It pretty turned into politics.
Anakin and his legacy could be the reason for the whole Chosen One thing. By saving his son’s life, saving his daughter’s life, and ending the Empire’s reign of terror, Luke would train Rey years later followed by his sister and their teachings would help her in bringing peace once more and it would be thanks to Anakin. If Anakin didn’t stopped the Emperor, the war may have continued on, whether the second Death Star would’ve been destroyed or not, it would still go on. The Empire may still succeed, and maybe Palpatine would have succeeded in letting Rey in taking over years later.
If you’re looking for good Rian Johnson films, I’d recommend Looper and Knives Out (in case you haven’t seen them). I like The Last Jedi.
I haven't seen this yet but honestly I don't think Last Jedi was terrible, yeah it had problems, but it's not prequel films bad. I just think the fanatical star wars community has just brainwashed people into thinking it's worse than it was and unfortunately that spilt over to this movie since now they had to try and appease the rabid fan base.
It's a shame that if this trilogy is remembered for anything it will be showing us just how toxic the star wars community can really be.
But this is not the last star war movie, no chance, and I am excited to see what comes next and I refuse to let so called fans try and ruin the fun for the rest of us.
Funnily enough, there's an explanation for Palpatine surviving, and that would be clones. I'm not even kidding about it, in the EU, he actually cloned himself so that he could live forever in case his original body was killed.
Aside from the fact that film was kind of a fetch quest, and seemed to reference the plot of Dark Empire, perhaps the Narmiest Star Wars comic to ever be written, and boy is that saying something, I don't think this film really had any bad plot ideas.
It just had enough plot ideas for a trilogy all on its own that it was all rammed through so fast. Everything that was revealed wouldn't have made for a bad story, if they'd fleshed it out more, particularly Sheev's return and the whole thing with Snoke. Even if his death was ridiculous and insultingly anti-climatic.
I actually would have preferred that Rey honestly be the daughter of two nobodies. That was a pretty great message in The Last Jedi, that anyone from anywhere can make a difference. I get that making her a Palpatine means you can reject your heritage and evil is not in your blood, but that doesn't seem as applicable to a wider audience. Though props to Palpatine for not caring that he'd be reincarnated as a girl. #GenderEqualityInTheEmpire.
And yes, it was the Mortis Arc that confirmed it.
Frankly though, whatever comes next will make everyone forgot about their problems with this film and the sequel trilogy. When was the last time anyone complained about the prequels? The worst thing to come out of this trilogy was the toxic fans who can't have any fun. My YouTube recommendations is pretty much just nerd after nerd ranting about their ruined childhood. Kinda makes me ashamed to be a Star Wars fan.
And I loved those Star Destroyers and Richard E. Grant. He was a welcome addition to the franchise.
5173468 That's all Disney has been focusing on as of recent. Just politics instead of good storytelling. But yeah, should've been J.J. to write and direct the whole trilogy.
5173478 An interesting theory. You may be onto something.
5173487 I just generally didn't like the Last Jedi after seeing it the first time.
5173488 Yeah, I heard about that in the EU. Not sure how I feel about that.
5173515 Guess I forgot to mention General Pryde. Probably one of the biggest breaths of fresh air from the villain side of the story. He actually felt intimidating and a true threat. A shame he wasn't the General from The Force Awakens and we had to deal with Hux for two movies. As for future Star Wars films, I'm desperately hoping they tackle another trilogy with the Knights of the Old Republic, or maybe even a live-action Force Unleashed trilogy. So much potential and possibilities.
5173760
i'm with you on the force ghosts thing that definitely would have been so much cooler then just the voices and it would have been awesome to see a live action ahsoka and kanan as force ghosts
5173760
Bad idea for Lucasfilm to hire Rian Johnson. Unlike J. J. Abrams, he hasn't an idea how Star Wars even works. Sure the franchise has always been a mixed bag. But that's it. I...
They blew it with this one.
It's back to Marvel and The Mandalorian for us, we'll see if Black Widow can heal the wounds Rise of Skywalker inflicted upon us.
This whole "woke" culture thing has gone out of control.
And as for this film. I think it was made purely for one reason: It wants to please the fans because they are NEVER pleased. Hence the lazy writing. Pure fanservice instead of unexpected stuff. J. J. was pushed into a corner so he had to please these idiotic fanatics.
They could've made Rise if Skywalker 3-hours long or more like Avengers: Endgame so they have time to flesh out the characters and develop new environments on the cosmos.
And lastly, in my opinion, they ruined Anakin's legacy as well as Rey's character and backstory, instead they got her a backstory and a conclusion out of nothing but sloth.
5174125 I agree.
5174325
To be fair, someone else also stole someone's name to honor a dead person. Rose from Titanic called herself "Dawson" as an homage to the deceased Jack. But since Jack hasn't a family, it's not that significant.
As for the McGuffins part. IMO, compared to Star Wars, this plot structure actually worked with Marvel because they made these McGuffins (e.g. Tesseract) less significant and interesting to the viewers and keep it steady and subtle until they unveil its true origins in a certain point of the story (Guardians of the Galaxy), and thus it worked for Marvel in the story's structure without mangling the plot with setups for sequels. Marvel's done a better job in setting up stories than Star Wars as of late.
Best thing in entire film: General Pride. Badass, competent, intimidating bad guy. Out of all the first order generals, he was the one I could see as an experience imperial who knows what he is doing. Literally figures out the objective of the Resistance easily and had suspicions on who the spy was. Too bad this is the only film he's going to be in and that he was killed. Would've loved to see him leading the first order destroying new republic fleets to show that the first order did have to fight in some cases to gain control of the galaxy and how ruthless he was in battle.
Honestly, I did like Ian Mcdarmids performance as Palpatine, but he was given the short end of the stick. Still, he aced it despite everything and I was actually rooting for him in some cases just because of how good his performance was
5174737 Was really hoping we could at least get one more lightsaber fight with Palps.
5174870
Also, Palps pulled a Thanos in the end fight, which is, (sorry for those who like it), IMO a pathetic way to end a major villain in a gigantic franchise, by ripping off something from a great piece of a franchise (MCU). Basically, the ending ripped off Avengers: Endgame by doing a a similar but muddled up and predictable one on its own villain and hero.
"I am all the Sith"
"I am... Inevitable"
So similar yet so different in execution.
Avengers effect, I guess. It's becoming a thing now.
Personally, I loved it, plot holes and everything.
5173760
"That's all Disney has been focusing on as of recent. Just politics instead of good storytelling."
On that subject. This is basically Hollywood of today. Not just Disney (parts of the company, not subsidiaries like WDAS, Pixar or Marvel, as these studios still make good storytelling).
However, there are people who oppose them that are just as equally bad. You've got morons like Geeks + Gamers who is a poltically-obsessed content farmer.
To be fair, I always thought that the "Chosen One" prophecy was stupid. It's basically just a wink, wink, nudge nudge, from the Phantom Menace (which in my opinion is still worse than the sequels).
Palpatine being alive: Okay, it screws Darth Vader's sacrifice. I was always against bringing him back.
Sure, the sequels have their flaws (it would've been better to just have the same director for all three) but they probably could've been a hell of a lot worse. And I still think that they're better than the prequels (except for Rogue One, and maybe possibly Revenge of the Sith).
I really liked the movie... Though that could be because it's really hard for me to hate watching a movie.
I like the 4,5,6 trilogy, and I like the 1,2,3 pre-trilogy. But 0 for the 7,8,9 post-trilogy.