Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Overview

Rise of Skywalker is the final installment of the Star Wars films, an epic science-fiction film series. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the plot follows the journeys of Rey, a powerful Force-wielder. She, alongside her friends in the Resistance, lead the final stand against the First Order and Kylo Ren. This movie marked the end of the adventure and battle-filled era of Star Wars, one of the most commercially-successful franchises in film history. Rise of Skywalker was released on December 20, 2019, and is on its way to surpassing the $1 billion mark in the coming weeks (domestic and international revenue).

My Thoughts

This installment was definitely entertaining, with impressive special effects and CGI usage. Currently sitting at a 54% Rotten Tomatoes score, most critique the movie’s storylines as predictable, unadventurous, and sloppy. Although some scenes were rushed and foreseeable, I found the overall presentation and storytelling to be adequate. The movie did a thorough job of connecting the earlier movies and weaving in their storylines, and mostly avoided risky plot routes. Alas, there is only so much that you can fit into 2 hours and 22 minutes.

A few side characters received very little screen time, and some scenes did seem a bit convoluted. The actors succeeded in bringing their characters to life, but Adam Driver’s portrayal of Kylo Ren was the most impressive performance out of the cast. The scenes of Ren and Rey were dynamic and emotional, demonstrating their Force connection. The score, created by John Williams, continues to impress and emphasize the scenes’ themes and emotions.

Overall, I would give Rise of Skywalker a 6.5 to 7/10 score. This is a must-see film that ties up most of the loose ends in the franchise. If you are new to this space-opera series, then I would recommend beginning your journey in the Star Wars universe with the older movies.