There's no doubt in my mind, Star Wars 'The Last Jedi' is a thoroughly well-written and constructed, fast-paced and potent addition to the saga. It was also unpredictable and thankfully, not always taking itself seriously.
Let's face it, for all round balance of family action, story space, character development, spirituality, technical imagination and personal emotion there is still no better movie in the galaxy than 'The Empire Strikes Back'.
Well, this one manages to pay real homage and be as dark as 'Empire' at times, while replicating many of its strengths (and tapping a little into 'A New Hope' too). Such care and attention enables it to take up a strong position as another 'proper' Star Wars experience, next to the four others so far (not counting the pretty wooden prequels). Performances are very strong all round, which also pushes the experience to deeper levels. Some great quotes too:
'We are... what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all masters.' (Yoda)
It was great to see this concept of how Luke Skywalker's character turned out, which it itself another warning about the nature of power and pride, and the contrasting one of Rey finding her own - humble - truth of self. Luke comes to accept that we must act simply to act, no matter what the perceived implications. It reminded me of a different quote actually, from the Earthsea books, by Ursula K. Le Guin:
[link to full image]
Blu-ray:
The usual 'making of' documentary is always interesting (and to see the extent of the non-CGI elements chosen to use - a good choice as so nice to see more realism again via puppets etc) but the 'Balance of the Force' documentary is actually essential and more insightful regarding the themes. Another memorable must-see is the performance by Andy Serkis as Snoke (without the CGI). Deleted scenes: ok, but I agreed with all the cuts as the film was already a long one.
So what's next for Star Wars now we have seen the destinies of the famous characters so far tied up? Leia already had a death scene really, but we will need to learn what has happened to her and how the Rebel Alliance can come back again and even finish off the might of the First Order.
'No one's ever really gone,' speaks Luke to Leia. So will Rey manage to turn Kylo Ren back to Ben Solo? Somehow, or slightly. I hope the next will be the last Star Wars mainline movie, and that it pulls on our attachment to the saga as a whole, and without involving a Death Star again!
Zen Pinball:
Don't forget to download the Last Jedi and Ahck Island pinball tables for the Zen Pinball app, as there's no better, accessible way to extend or re-live movie moments, story pivots and appreciate themes! I've not had time to play these new ones much, but the Last Jedi table is a fast one. The key is how well - or imaginatively - they integrate, reflect or celebrate the movies via table mechanics, sounds, sequences and mini-games. It's worth playing 'Empire Strikes Back' table again, as many claim this is the one of the best tables from Zen. They're also available for PS4 etc (Pinball FX3). Below are Youtube trailers:
Battlefront:
Sorry, I don't have Battlefront 2 so I can't re-play the final battles etc.
However... I made a quick visit into Star Wars multiplayer combat (Battlefront). I realised I had never downloaded the Cloud City on Bespin DLC multiplayer map before (now free on the PS store), so it was 'high' time to take a look around...
Beautifully reproduced, it was nice to have a larger feel of the place beyond 'Empire Strikes Back.'
Check out related post: Star Wars: A Second Look at 'Rogue One'
Stay tuned!