[yasr_overall_rating]
Having taken her first steps into the Jedi world, Rey joins Luke Skywalker on an adventure with Leia, Finn, and Poe that unlocks mysteries of the Force and secrets of the past.
It seemed the entire theater’s audio system had been woefully coerced into celebrating the opening of this year’s most awaited film by blasting the Jedi-themed score at its highest and most influential volume. The excitement was surreal as a bevy of Star Warshippers entered the auditorium in varying degrees of Jedi fashion. The entire display of loyalty and kinship made the entire showing a moving tribute to the entire cast and crew who have dedicated their universal talents to furthering the Lucas-Disney projectile in the aftermath of the 2012 acquisition.
Only a true member of the Jedi nation would understand the gravity of the opening scenes where new soldiers of the war are emerging and the motionless figure of Princess Leia (the late Carrie Fisher) lies in a comatose state while the battle stirs in the hearts and minds of the remaining Jedi warriors who must prove to themselves and the Princess that they can reclaim what is rightfully theirs, with or without the sacrificial presence of the formidable Luke Skywalker. At the very moment that we get into our feelings about the truly insurmountable loss of our beloved Carrie in real life, the onscreen battle immediately sets the stage for two and a half-hours of heart-stopping, blood-curdling, gut-wrenching, plot-twisting, galactic warfare that is nothing short of heaven on earth for every R2D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca, Poe, Ray, Ren, Snoke, Finn, Skywalker, Storm Trooper, General Hux, and Leia fans.
Director Rian Johnson seems pleasantly capable of affording us the opportunity to experience every emotion from sadness and joy to grief, surprise and disdain as the battle between the Resistance and The First Order, uncovers atrocities from the past that ignite an unparalleled tendency to believe there will be no one left to carry on the legacy of those who have gone on. Trust though, that Rey, who has taken the first steps to picking up the pieces, will not be undermined by the testosterone that is trying to lure her. The prophetic kingdom rests on the shoulders of MIA Skywalker who returns just in time to unleash his wrath against his nephew and be given the kiss of grace by the 11th-hour resurrection of Leia. The epic battles between Snoke and Kylo and the final face-off are worth the price of admission alone. As the entire force contributes to the final showdown, it is clear to see that this installment, which is an amazing cornucopia of science fiction that is entertaining, hilarious and a bit unpredictable, is worthy of all the pretense.
In addition to the central cast which includes Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Daisy Ridley (Rey), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) John Boyego (Finn), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Billie Lourd (Lt. Connix), Andy Serkis (Snoke), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameran), Jimmy Vee (R2-D2), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Veronica Ngo (Paige), other supporting roles by Benicio del Toro, Laura Dern, Tom Hardy, and Justin Theroux use wittiness, charm, and just enough aggravation to make the film more compelling. Rest assured, “The Last Jedi” isn’t taking a final bow and for those who are true followers, may the force continue to be with you through the next installment!
In theaters Friday, December 15th
