Note: I haven’t written anything for a while due to being extremely busy with my day job, and various illnesses. Starting next week I hope to get back on a regular schedule. Now to the post
Title: Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi (Or as I call it, Empire Strikes Back Anakinized)
Released: December 2017
Genre: Sci-fi & Fantasy
Grade: C
I saw this several weeks ago, but held off reviewing it because I was a bit confused by my own reaction. I loved the movie, yet at the same time was oddly disappointed. It took me awhile to figure a few things out.
I love Star Wars. I’ve enjoyed the films, and the books and eventually plan on watching the animated TV shows. I’ve seen each one in theaters since Attack of the Clones came out. So seeing this movie was important as a lifetime fan.
Yet, after the awesomeness that was Rogue One, this movie failed to really impress me. While it wasn’t as direct in its channeling of Empire Strikes back as the Force Awakens was with A New Hope, you kind of could see it following the same basic plotline. Our heroes are separated, the Jedi apprentice seeks a mentor, while the rebel members of the trio deal with gamblers and the bad guys while trying to save the alliance. The characters were rather flat, which surprised me. Even Leia, who I expected more from, was a bit flat. Snoke was a disappointment because for a villain he’s rather flat. Palpatine had more character in his scenes in the original trilogy and he barely had any scenes.
Also, Luke for all intents seems out of character for the man we saw in the last trilogy. The only characters with any real sort of development was Luke (meh quality) and Kylo Ren/Ben Solo. And even then it seems rather a let down.
I feel like JJ Abrams & Company are trying to recreate the Original Trilogy, yet with some of the Prequel style effects and characterization. Kylo/Ben comes off as whiny as Anakin does in the prequels.
I have a few more specific problems with it, but I’m trying to make this as spoiler free as possible. So my thoughts basically are this: Enjoy the movie, but don’t expect something amazing.
Sokorra Lewis 