Finally the time has come for the Skywalker saga of the space opera Star Wars to come to an end after 42 years and 9 major movies. Star Wars movie release as always has it’s cultural impact across the world and is one of the most anticipated events across globe. The space odyssey brings its final installment of the Skywalker saga which has been close to fans across many generations.
“You can’t stop the change, any more than you can stop the suns from setting.”
— Shmi Skywalker (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace)
On a personal front, The Last Jedi (2nd film in the latest trilogy) still remains my favorite after the original trilogy. Rian Johnson had showcased a very different approach to the Star Wars world with the Last Jedi and had the potential to redefine the future events. That vision is apparently lost in this movie and it focuses more on bringing an emotional and gratifying end to the the legendary saga. The last act of any series is always a difficult affair. Everyone expects it to end the way they would like. The fans spanning across multiple generations will have conflicted feeling about this movie. Director J.J. Abrams nonetheless gives us a movie which tries hard to live up-to the nostalgia of 42 years.
The movie plot is again spun around Rey who is searching for her real place in this universe. When she finds that out, it really a battle of emotions between the dark and the light sides. Daisy Ridley as Rey is charismatic. This film belongs to her, and she delivers a superior performance. Adam Driver is equally amazing and he will be long remembered for his role of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo. His face-offs with Rey are the highlight of the movie and leave the viewers awestruck by the intensity of the scenes. The lightsaber duels are legendary and their emotional quotient matches up seamlessly. It is true exhibition of opposite powers against each other, the icy Kylo Ren against the flamboyant Rey.
The film gives good screen time to all the wonderful characters, the droids, Chewbacca, the stormtrooper and the rest. Without divulging , the fans would see some of their favorites from past making one last appearance. The film is technically great. Archived footage of Carry Fischer is cleverly used. It’s again a tribute to the beloved princess that she plays such a pivotal role in this episode despite not being around. The action sequences are the best ever in a Star Wars movie. The turbulent sea action sequence is unbelievable, the final battle sequence equally good. Visual effects are spectacular, cinematography is meticulous. The soundtrack by the legendary John Williams is pure nostalgia.
The film does have a nonchalant first 30 mins and takes some time to pace up. But Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver keep it interesting. The biggest drawback of the movie is that few of the scenes cut abruptly and it gets a bit fuzzy at times. But Star Wars is a fantasy cinema and it should be enjoyed like that.
The Rise of Skywalker is not a standalone movie, it’s a conclusion of all the sequels and the prequels and surely requires a brief refresher. Watch out for the legendary Skywalker Saga to amaze us one last time.
Taking one last look, Sir, at my friends.
— C3PO (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker)
My Rating: 8.2/10
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