However, this film still has a lot to prove. Whilst Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015, J.J Abrams) was a huge hit it left many fans wanting. Particularly with the story being a rip-off of the original film from 1977. And so this film needs to prove that it's more than just a copy of the original trilogy. And with all the questions left after The Force Awakens can this film bring any satisfying answers to them?
First Thoughts
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is, by all means, the best new Star Wars film we've gotten since Disney bought the rights to the franchise. It's compelling, emotional, beautiful and handles the nostalgia a lot better than the previous instalments. Rian Johnson definitely improves on everything left by J.J Abrams (Star Trek, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) by building on the characters and the universe around them. But what really sells this film is the characters as they are a lot more fleshed out in this film, to the point where it's almost a multi-character study. However, this film is not without its flaws. But they are small and far apart that it doesn't derail this great cinema-going experience.
Rey/Daisy Ridley
It's a little difficult to write about Rey (Daisy Ridley) for this review without mentioning spoilers. But I'll do my best here. for any of the fans who were dis-concerted that Rey was something of a Mary Sue in The Force Awakens, you'll be happy to know that she appears to have dropped this (mostly). Yes, whilst she demonstrates great strength in the force, Rey's story is more about finding her place in the universe, which was really good as fans are able to relate to her a lot more. Daisy Ridley did a very good performance, not as good as The Force Awakens but still quite good. For those wondering, Rey's parents are revealed. Some may find it a bit unsatisfying but I think it fits quite well and adds a bit more to her character.
Kylo Ren/Adam Driver
One character that has definitely improved from the previous film is Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) who has moved beyond just a whiny teenager. Johnson gives Kylo a lot more depth to his character. And Driver really sells it with his performance. In my review for The Force Awakens, I said that I didn't care for Driver's acting but in this film, he has improved ten-fold! I am now happy to announce that I am a Kylo Ren fan! Again, it's very difficult to talk about this character without revealing a lot. But rest assured Kylo Ren is definitely improved in this film.
Finn/John Boyega
John Boyega (Attack The Block, Detroit) gives another good performance as Finn. My analysis of him being the Ron Weasely of the trilogy was indeed correct. Unfortunately, Finn is still given the short end of the stick. He usually goes into a situation with good intentions and wanting to do the right thing. But usually has two left feet and doesn't always succeed with his plans. But what really makes his character so appealing is his relationship with the rest of the cast. Particularly with Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) and Poe (Oscar Isaacs). Finn really is a good character. But they really do need to fix his bad luck situation!
Poe Dameron/Oscar Isaacs
Much like Kylo Ren, Poe Dameron is given a bit more character in this film than in The Force Awakens. Instead of acting as the Resistance's Poster-Boy he's been given a few flaws. He's basically been shaped as the new Han Solo (Harrison Ford). Faults and all! He's brash and hard-headed but also deeply caring. Even his first few lines at the start of the film make him a really loveable rogue. But, I have to say, with all of the fans who really wanted Poe to gay... I don't think Disney is taking him on that route. He seemed a lot of chemistry with a fair few of the female characters. So that, unfortunately, might not happen.
Luke/Mark Hamill
This is Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) like we've never seen him before. The character who was once the centre of hope in the franchise is now one of the least hopeful characters. And I love it! Yes, stripping Luke of his biggest character trait actually allow the character to grow and fans get to see him differently. Luke's story is all about finding himself again and coming to terms with what the Jedi are and what they could become. What I really liked about this film is that they don't put the Jedi up on a pedestal, and Luke wasn't the white knight anymore, but now a more human character with demons and fears to overcome. It was really interesting to see how Luke has matured since we last saw him Return Of The Jedi (1983). It may not be the same character. But I'd say that it's definitely an improvement.
Rest of the Villains
Yeah... This franchise still needs to sort out its villains. Snoake (Andy Serkis) is the only improvement here, as he's gone from menacing projection to actual threat. Showing off his incredible strength and power. Andy Serkis's performance is just captivating. You can tell he's really enjoying the character a lot. However, the rest of the main villains have some serious issues. General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) is still annoying and useless. Used as more of a punchline to a joke than anything else. Which is really disappointing since Gleeson is such a good actor, and Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) is still not really given anything to do, despite the hype around her character.
Rose/ Kelly Marie Tran
The new characters that are in the film are actually quite enjoyable. The biggest being Rose (Kelly Marie Tran). Who is a really great addition to the team. What I really liked about her was how ordinary she was. She didn't really have any special skills or anything like that. But she did bring a lot of heart, which is probably why she and Finn make such a good team. Sure, this was a bit self-righteous at times, but only in small points. When she's discussing where she came from and how The First Order has affected her and her family. It makes her character very likeable and sympathetic. I really hope we get to see more of Rose in this franchise as it's just so good to see just an ordinary person who wants to make a difference in these films.
Storytelling
This film really goes back to classic Star Wars Story-telling. Particularly the Joseph Campbell Hero's Journey. Which is Nostalgia on a whole other level. Yes, the characters in The Last Jedi definitely have an arc in this film. They are definitely different people then what they were at the start, and that's really good to see as not many blockbusters do this, in worries of changing the character so much that audiences won't like them. But thankfully this film does, in fact, do that. As for the overall story itself, I can gladly say that this isn't a complete rip-off of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980, Irvin Kirschner). It does borrow some story elements from it, but it's only enough to make the film standout by itself, thankfully. I did have one issue with the story, and it nearly ruined the film for me. The Last Jedi seems to have two endings. As in it feels like they've ended the film and then it just carries on. Now, that's not to say the rest of the film was bad, and if they did end it on what I thought was the ending, then it would have left on a cliffhanger, which isn't exactly the best way to end a film. But it was a bit annoying and it took me out of the film for a bit.
Universe-building
A problem with many franchises these days is that they don't really do a lot of Universe-building. Instead just carrying on a story and not really bringing in more elements to it. But this film definitely builds on the Star Wars franchise! We see different worlds and societies that have never been properly explored before. Canto Bight is a beautifully realised planet that looks into a side of Star Wars that we've never really seen before (Which I will not spoil). And then there's Craite which is just a stunning setpiece for the final battle. With its salt-covered floors that leaves a red mark whenever it's disturbed. Even the Island that Luke is on that dives a little into the history of the Jedi. I thought that was really interesting too I really enjoyed the new worlds in this film and I hope that Star Wars to continue this kind of Universe-building.
Action/Visuals
The action in this is incredible! From the space battle at the beginning to the final fight on Craite. Every fight was incredible to look at. Particularly from a visual perspective because most of the fights have this picture-esque look to them which is just stunning. I've already discussed the battle of Craite, with the floor turning red when it's disturbed, but then there's the fight between Finn and Phasma which looks fantastic. But what really sells the action, from a visual standpoint, is how it's able to hold on a moment, allowing audiences to absorb what's happening and be in awe at the spectacle. There's one moment specifically involving the First Order Fleet that I'm thinking about which was just beautiful. My only concern with the action in this film is that the choreography isn't exactly well-realised. Mainly with the lightsabre battles, which mainly looked like they were simply swinging them about with little technique. But overall the action was pretty spot-on.
Rian Johnson
Rian Johnson brings a lot to Star Wars then anyone realises. He basically takes everything left from The Force Awakens and adds more to it. Fleshing out the characters and adding a lot of heart to the story. Primarily with the characters. He definitely adds a lot more to them. And even brings more to the lore of Star Wars. I've already mentioned how he has several character studies in this film. But I think he also does a whole Star Wars Mythology study. Holding a mirror to the whole thing and getting to evaluate itself. I'm really disappointed that he's not directing Episode IX. I'm sure J.J Abrams will do a good job. But I think Johnson is the better director. The good thing is that he has a whole new trilogy that he's writing for the franchise. So we have that to look forward too!
Conclusion
Yeah, this is a great film. It brings a lot more to the table. Not just with the new characters but with the entire Star Wars Lore. It's visually stunning, very emotional and action-packed. Star Wars fans will be pleased, casual movie-goers will be pleased and the future of Star Wars once again looks bright!
So that's my Non-Spoiler review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. What did you think of the film? Did you disagree with anything I said? If so then leave a comment down below. And, if you liked this review then please follow this blog for more content. Thank you for reading. :)
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