Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Last year i turned 40 years old. Its amazing how time flies, and i really appreciate being born in 1977, because the VHS period was a big part of my youth. The 80´s VHS rental stores would soon recognize my face, because i used to rent VHS tapes as a maniac. It was around the year 1986 when i saw the Star Wars movies for the first time, and if i remember correctly it was in the home of The Ostwalds, a neighbor family that collected VHS films, just like myself. But the first Star Wars film i watched as a very young boy, was actually Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi, so i had to see the other films later on. The Star Wars films from director George Lucas ( especially number 4, 5 and 6 ) changed science fiction film history completely. Never before had anyone seen anything like the Star Wars films. The amazing cinematography, the puppets, the costumes, the laser swords, and most of all so many iconic characters. It was clear that director George Lucas had a big vision with these films, to make these epic stories very special. If you ask any male science fiction nerd out there, when did they finally become a man, they will guarantee say after watching The Empire Strikes Back. Can i proof this ? No, but think about it. If you ever mentioned The Empire Strikes Back to a male friend, have you noticed how men hug each other, and cuddle ? I think this is all the evidence we need. After many years apart from the Star Wars franchise, director George Lucas decided it was time to tell the story from the beginning with Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 1999. I know that many fans have very different opinions about this film. I personally think it is enjoyable, but i can´t stand the character Jar Jar. The next film Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones turned out to be a better film. As the third film landed called Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith, i finally felt that George Lucas have improved the story, and the characters than The Phantom Menace and Attack Of The Clones. Once more, Star Wars was now left alone for quite some time. When after almost 10 years, we received the news that director J.J. Abrams would direct the next chapter of Star Wars titles The Force Awakens. I actually really enjoyed The Force Awakens, that it was a really good step to the old school structure of Star Wars. The next film Rouge One ( supposed to be the beginning of the Star Wars Antology series ) also turned out to be surprisingly good. So here we are with the new Star Wars: The Last Jedi that was released late last year. Of course i had to experience another Star Wars film in the cinema, to see if this film would deliver the quality that we all hoped for. Do we have another epic science fiction story in cinemas worldwide, or is the magic of Star Wars lost for all eternity with this film ?

Resistance fighters led by General Leia Organa ( Carrie Fischer ) evacuate when the First Order fleet arrives. In an effective counterattack led by Poe Dameron ( Oscar Isaac ), Resistance fighters manage to destroy a First Order dreadnought. The Resistance vessels jump into hyperspace but the First Order pursue them using a tracking device. Kylo Ren ( Adam Driver ) destroys the Resistance support fighters, but hesitates to fire at the lead resistance ship, knowing that his mother Leia is on board the ship. TIE fighters attack the Resistance ship anyway, killing several Resistance leaders. Leia manage to survive as she uses the force. Rey ( Daisy Ridley ) is on planet Arch-To, to try and recruit Luke Skywalker ( Mark Hamill ). When Luke finds out that Han Solo have been killed, and he refuse to go with Rey and help her fight against the dark side. Instead, Luke agree to help Rey teach the ways of the force. Rey finds out that Luke tried to kill Kylo Ren, but failed. Rey want to believe that Kylo Ren can be redeemed, that it is not too late for him. The Resistance is in great danger, as Supreme Leader Snoke ( Andy Serkis ) have plans to make sure that The Resistance will be destroyed, if Kylo Ren can prove that he have the powers to make the First Order proud. But Rey´s Jedi powers are growing stronger, and she could be the key to make sure The Resistance future is secured.

I know that Star Wars: The Last Jedi has divided Star Wars fans worldwide. And this is my personal opinion on this review. As a Star Wars film, i feel that this is a sequel that is good. However, i have some issues with this chapter. First of all, my biggest issue with this film is why Luke Skywalker ( as always played by wonderful actor Mark Hamill ) is not more active, as he just walks around the island. He should be training Rey ( played really good by actor Daisy Ridley ) in some epic Jedi training scenes, to make sure she is ready to fight against the dark side. There are a few training sequences, but they are so small, it does not feel worthy to call Jedi training, if you compare to when Master Yoda trained Luke Skywalker. Speaking of Yoda, he actually shows up late in this film. Another problem i have with this film, is the battle scenes between Kylo Ren ( played really well by actor Adam Driver ) and Luke Skywalker. With 2 such powerful characters, you would have hoped for some majestic laser sword scenes. It does not last very long, because there is more dialogue instead of actual laser sword fighting. I could understand if there is a point made by this, especially from Luke´s perspective. But i can´t help feeling this was made too light, and too soft for a Star Wars battle scene. Now, let´s get to the positive details This film has some really good looking cinematography by Steve Yedlin. He clearly have tried to capture the world of Star Wars in a very effective way. I do like the cast, and i have to say actor Daisey Ridley as Rey is still a fantastic choice. She feels worthy to be a Jedi, and perhaps we could see her in her own film in the future ? That would be interesting to see. Actor Oscar Isaac does another lovely performance as the X-Wing pilot fighter Poe Dameron. He kind of feels like a nostalgic 70´s character, with the right hair style, and the right look for this film. Of course this is the last film where legendary actor Carrie Fischer portrait Princess Leila, before she passed away last year. And she does another lovely performance, as our favourite princess of the galaxy. The action scenes looks great, especially when Rey and Kylo Ren fight the soldiers of  Supreme Leader Snoke. The bright red colors and the laser swords flying around, well done. I also enjoy the battle scene between Finn ( another lovely performance by actor John Boyega ) and Captain Phasma. This is the way it should have been in the battle scene between Kylo Ren and Luke Skywalker. Director Rian Johnson ( who directed the surprisingly good sci fi thriller Looper ), have done a pretty good job with Star Wars: The Last Jedi. But i am disappointed with certain details, no question about that. Still, as a Star Wars film, The Last Jedi is a science fiction adventure film that will be enjoyed by ( most ? ) Star Wars fans. I suggest you see the film, if you have seen all the other films. Another one is coming, let´s hope it is even better than this one.

Rating: DDD