Just got back from watching “Star Wars Episode VIII – The Last Jedi”. Wow, how long have I been waiting for this to come out? But anyways, I thought I’d throw in my two cents worth and post about what my thoughts are at this moment. Fresh from the theatre.
Well, I’ll be honest. I did read up on a couple of reviews as well as taking a sneak peek at the Rotten Tomatoes score meter. 92% aggregated. Not bad at all. So, bearing that in mind, I went in with eager expectations, though I must admit not overly so. I’m already of the mind-set that these new movies must be viewed with as much neutrality as possible. Do not even think of comparing them with the originals. Star Wars began in a different era, a different world and was seen in a completely different light. Take these for what they are. And in the case of “The Last Jedi”, a somewhat mixed bags.
We kick off proceedings with the usual grandiose introductory action set-piece followed then by the continuation of the story arcs from the previous movie as well as starting a few new ones. The cliff hanger ending between Rey and Luke plays a major storyline as well as the dark The First Order from Episode VII hot on the heels of the rebellion. We have Finn finding a new love interest and Po taking more of a central role than before. Expect also to get more fleshing out of uber arch villain Snoke and the personality conflicted Kylo Ren. I feel any more information than that would delve into spoiler territory.
The action is visual stunning but that comes as no big surprise. The perfected art of on-screen “dog fighting in space” and the now mandatory light sabre battles are a joy to watch. Not so much of the eye-candy filled dance of artistic chorography from the previous trilogy (Episode I – III) but rather sheer brutal and punishing blows that at times made me wince. It has a raw edge to it and therefore I think more of an impact to the viewer. There are a couple of scenes (one in particular) that will make your jaw absolutely drop in exhilarated glee. They guys who put these scenes together deserve every bit of praise they get.
Now while that’s all fine and dandy, the movie does slowdown in places. Though stops just short of it becoming a cumbersome drag. I understand character development is integral to the plotline especially since this is the movie that leads up the grand finale being Episode IX but it never seemed to pack that “punch of emotion” I was waiting for throughout. It was told very evenly and matter-of-factly, rendering the final payoffs at the end a little muted. Could that be because I had seen it all before and was suffering from a bout of “Star Wars” overdosing? Right now, I’m not that sure. I just feel that certain “something” was lacking.
There are Star Wars easter eggs and clichés littered all over the place and whilst these appreciative nods are a charming addition to the movies, it just serves as a reminder of how great the original movies really were. Trying not to draw comparisons is very difficult at the best of times. But the message is clear. They are attempting to make the transition from the “old” to the “new” as seamlessly as possible. And the very fact that we get to see the actors that literally “made” many of our childhoods back on the big screen is enough to bring a tears to your eye.
All in all, this was a good movie. Anything more than that would be stretching it a little. I would recommend going to see it but preferably without expectations running away with you. Take this new universe for what it is and you should have an enjoyable time at the movies! Now with all the questions left at the end of this film, I’m now more intrigued than ever to see what they screen writers come up with for the last in this third Star Wars movie trilogy.
