So. How does one write a review, without giving ANY of the plot away? *Rubs hands together.* Let’s give it a go, shall we?
I walked into the theater and was greeted by Chewie (not the real one.) I giddily posed with the cardboard cutout and snapped a selfie with the walking rug. Ahhhh, the memories came flooding back from Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Gosh, I love that Wookie!
After making myself extremely comfortable in the luxurious reclining seats (with footrests), and some AMAZING PREVIEWS (Crap. Talk about THIS movie, Jules) the theater went dark. Suddenly, the familiar and epic John Williams Score filled the room. Those opening thunderous notes made my chest vibrate and my pulse raced as the yellow text backstory scrolled up the screen. YESSSSSS!!! THIS is why we come back.
I promised no spoilers, so no spoilers there will be. Truthful, I am. (Thanks, backwards-talk Yoda.)
I’ll break this down into 3 quick parts with just a few sentences.
1. Cast. Familiar characters we love return. A few new ones join in. The acting is as expected as well-loved (or hated)roles are reprised, and characters rise to their expectations. (And, those signature, familiar British accents were a-plenty!) (Side note: Did you notice that in Star Wars: A New Hope, Princess Leia had a British accent in the first half of the film, and then it was absent in the second half? Hehe. I still love it, though.) Although I could speak of several scenes, I will say that one in particular was written and acted with great humor and anger all at once. The temper-tantrum-like outburst was superb in my eyes.
2. Plot. I felt this had more story arcs and plot twists than The Force Awakens. I was surprised with some moments and felt vindicated with others. There were at least 3 different plotlines woven together, and I felt that really carried this film beyond what The Force Awakens was. There were some great homage moments that took me back to the original three movies, and I both loved and appreciated those. There were also a few comedic interjections that I highly enjoyed and broke up the scenes in a good way. With Han Solo’s character being absent after his death in the last film, I thought that those witty moments might be lacking, but the writer/director came through with some great comedy relief that didn’t break the tension or flow. I did feel that the plot dragged at a few parts, and found myself wishing some scenes (especially in the middle) would’ve been cut shorter, or edited out altogether. However, generally speaking, I think the story delivered, and I think most fans will approve. Regardless if you love it, like it, thought it was “meh”… or otherwise, true fans to the franchise will enjoy the film.
3. Special Effects. I am a sci-fi nut and really dig the effects and make up artistry in films. I would say this film definitely delivered to that end. Classic Star Wars alien characters, and CGI work that were on point. A few artistic decisions made certain scenes really POP in my eyes, and there was one particular light saber fighting scene that went above and beyond all others filmed.
Overall, I’d give this film 7.5 out of 10, and the F/X get a 9 out of 10.
I think most die-hard Star Wars fans will be satisfied with the end product, and will look forward to the next films in the franchise. See? TOLD YA. NO SPOILERS. Who dies? Who Lives? Who returns? Or doesn’t? Who turns to the dark side? Who doesn’t? I WON’T TELL YOU. Go watch the film and see for yourself.
And may the Force be with you.
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