Title: Star Wars: The Last Jedi
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Rian Johnson
Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Carrie Fisher
Runtime: 2 hr 32 mins

What It Is: The newest addition to the classic saga. This sees Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Rey (Ridley) on an island. One trying to convince the other of their importance in the battle between The Resistance and The First Order. With Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) and his personal assassin the Jedi Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) seeking out Rey. Meanwhile, on the frontlines, General Leia Organa (Fisher) is attempting to guide The Resistance away from a dreadnought that can now track them through hyperspace.

What We Think: I love what Rian Johnson did here! He does some things specifically in regards to the shot selection that I don’t think J.J. Abrams would’ve made. That’s going to throw traditionalist through a loop. I don’t care. One of the issues I took with The Force Awakens was that Abrams was too safe. Most of its beats could be seen in other films in the franchise. Here Johnson left a bit of familiarity but for the most part, did whatever the hell he wanted. Hamill is great here as are Ridley and Driver. A great introduction to Kelly Marie Tran’s Rose. Specifically her “moment” early in the film that I adored.

Our Grade: A, I liked this more than I did The Force Awakens and that’s saying something. Cinematically it’s stronger. Its narrative is a tad flawed and some will complain about character motivations (looking at you Hamill). This was the film I wanted as my Carrie Fisher sendoff. You will be missed, darling. I look forward to seeing where the trilogy will end and I hope next time around Abrams is a bit gutsier. Given the mixed results of Johnson’s chances that isn’t likely.