I have been a fan of Star Wars for as long as I can remember. When news of The Force Awakens hit my ears back in 2015, my inner kid jumped for joy; the Star Wars saga was going to continue in a galaxy far, far away, and I reveled in it. In the hopes of passing on the torch to the new generation of Star Wars fans, Disney & Lucasfilm tied in the old by making sure the original trilogy characters were a part of the films. The conclusion of this trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker, did not disappoint. However, it did leave me with a few questions. IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS FILM, I suggest you stop here.
In the span of a week, I have seen Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker twice. This movie had my mind racing in circles so hard the gears of my brain wouldn't stop. I'd be lying if I said I did not lose sleep after watching it the first time & I am sure I won't be the only person racking my brain about it.
The Rise of Skywalker could easily have been split into two separate movies, so it didn't seem so rushed. It made me have a slight PTSD flashback to the ending of Game of Thrones. *sobs hysterically* Since JJ Abrams didn't write the 2nd film of this trilogy, there was quite a bit of plot thrown at fans, leaving us in a haze that would not have existed if he had been kept on as a writer.
The biggest issue I have is the lack of explanation in regards to HOW Palpatine survived. He had a following in his day, but he was supposed to have been killed by Vader. At least when Darth Maul was dead & brought back in the Clone Wars, at least there was some explanation as to how. Lack of clarity was honestly one of the only things I didn't like about the film. I would have appreciated and accepted the knowledge of Rey being a Palpatine if his resurrection, as well as her parents, was explained a bit more in detail. We now know that at some point, Palpatine had a son, but with WHO? This incomplete portion of the film honestly felt lazy. I hope that when this movie comes out on DVD & Bluray, they have a "Behind the Scenes" portion that elaborates on the topic.
On the plus side, we do get to see Kylo Ren, aka Ben, redeem himself. I didn't care for his character in the Force Awakens, but in each following film, writers grew on who he was as a person.
I have picked up on the parallels between him and Vader after having this trilogy concluded. Just like his grandfather before him, he redeems himself by saving the person he loves. I had a sense of "will they or won't they" between him and Rey the entire film, and it kept me on my toes. I had anticipated a love story between the two of them since the hand touch in The Last Jedi. Though I would have liked a bit more romance, I hope that all my other Reylo fans were satisfied! Speaking of love interests – did anyone else feel the lack of chemistry with Rose & Finn due to her HARDLY being in the film?
This film was also bittersweet. Not only was this the last film in the Saga trilogies, but this is the last film we will ever see Carrie Fisher in. Though most of her screen time was CGI mixed in with unused footage from the other films, her send-off was a tear-jerker. It left me crying like a baby in the movie theater while the 12-year-old next to me stared. As a kid, I will never forget wearing my hair in the famous bun style that General Leia made so popular. Thank you, Disney, for giving her the conclusion she deserved and not making it cheesy.
I loved that Leia was the one to continue Rey's training. It was made very obvious in the previous film that Leia could utilize the force, so it was only right that she picked up where Luke left off. Furthermore, I wanted to touch on the topic of Rey. Scavenger turned Jedi; her character shows us that no matter where or who you came from, you choose your destiny.
I want to add a round of applause for all the action sequences. Star Wars never fails in the fight scenes. Though the final battle in this film was not as epic at the throne room battle in The Last Jedi, I don't have any complaints. Overall, with what JJ Abrams had to work with, I am more or less satisfied with the wrap up of the Skywalker storyline. What am I going to do with myself now that it is over? Until next time you everyone!
May the Force Be With You,
Anastasia
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