Note: The following review has general discussion about Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. I do not spoil any specific plot points, but instead talk about general structure, film-making, and the technical aspects of the film. If you want an absolutely clear mind with no preconceived notions entering the film, I do not recommend reading the review until after the movie. It is generally poor practice for a movie reviewer to actively tell is readers to avoid a review, but I care about my readers enough to establish this. If you continue to read, just know I have warned you accordingly.
It is no secret that I am a huge Star Wars fan. I first saw Attack of the Clones when I was 7 years old, and it changed my world. My collection of nerdy Star Wars memorabilia has grown immensely over the year. When Disney acquired Star Wars in 2012, I was so disappointed as I wanted the story to be over. As The Force Awakens came out in 2015, I was surprised how much I enjoyed it, regardless of how much it mirrored the original film. I am also in a huge minority that believes The Last Jedi is the better of the two sequel trilogy films. Director Rian Johnson took risks with the film. Even though not all of them paid off, I could appreciate the bravery of forgoing more "fan-service" moments. Director J.J. Abrams returned to the director's chair to helm Episode IX after Colin Trevorrow was dismissed for "creative differences." The Rise of Skywalker is the conclusion to the 40 year Skywalker Saga. It is a brilliant ending that I, a die-hard Star Wars fan could appreciate? Well...yes, but also no.
The Rise of Skywalker is a jumbled, rushed, content filled mess. This is not to say that all of the film is bad, but it is the most poorly paced film in recent history. J.J. Abrams make it evident in his directorial choices how much he loathed Johnson's vision from The Last Jedi. He spends the surprisingly sparse 144 minutes not only trying to tell the story at had, but trying to course correct Episode VIII. This makes for a film that is too jam-packed with story that left this reviewer with a splitting headache. It is hard to even remember what happened from the beginning of the film to the end. This conclusion is comparable to the last couple episodes of Game of Thrones, where there was too much to tell in a short amount of time. This creates predicaments in the screenplay, where huge plot points are only explained in several words by a character. This is incredibly poor screenwriting, as only spending a few seconds on vital understandings makes for the most confusing Star Wars film yet. Many of the plot devices that are supposed to be consequential simply do not matter. There is too much time spent on what doesn't matter, and not enough time on what actually does. The huge plot twist within the film is absolutely ridiculous, with no proper explanation or back story for how the events actually occurred.
Consequence is necessary to make a film great. It also requires great courage from a filmmaker to take risks. This makes J. J. Abrams the most cowardly director in modern history. Every time there is huge consequence, he corrects the severity to please the fans. There needs to be more consequence in huge blockbusters, as tragedy makes for great dramatic tension. The minimal emotional gravitas in the film is brilliant and I wish they spent more time exploring such natures.
Talking about the trilogy as a whole, I feel as if The Rise of Skywalker ruins the sequel trilogy. Creating an entirely new plot that greatly negates events of the first two films makes for a questionable mess. Each film is this trilogy not only has a different director, but different screenwriters as well. Say what you want about the prequel trilogy, but at least creator George Lucas had a unifying vision of what he wanted the story to be. Marvel films work with different directors and writers because of universe unifiers such as Joss Whedon, The Russo Brothers, and even Kevin Feige keeping a consolidated vision alive. Lead producer Kathleen Kennedy has no background in storytelling, which cripples the vision of what her company is trying to create. Even worse, any time visionary directors want to take risks, Kennedy dismisses them. Though people will try to blame Abrams or Johnson for single-handedly "ruining" the universe, the business decisions by Kennedy are probably the most detrimental.
Now that I have crucified everything I hated, its is time to discuss the aspects of The Rise of Skywalker I thoroughly enjoyed. John Williams encore Star Wars score is nothing short of brilliant as his victory lap through the franchise. Going back to practical effects for the majority of the movie rather than CGI creates a far crisper look. Also, The Rise of Skywalker is one of the best looking Star Wars films. Every battle scene is not loud boisterous, but often quiet and meditative. Those moments are the best in the film. The cameos and completion of certain arcs are well constructed, especially the writing for Kylo Ren. The Rise of Skywalker finally gives Ren a film where h can shine, instead of the whiny, impulsive man-child created in The Force Awakens. I enjoyed the dialogue feeling a bit more natural, rather than feeling it Marvel-esque.
The Rise of Skywalker feels like a mashing together of what executives believe will make old fans happy, create new fans, sell as many toys as possible, and create a blockbuster juggernaut. Some of it works, and a lot of it doesn't. The nostalgia fest brought cautious joy to my heart, while baffling my brain. All I can say is that Episode IX is a corporate, acceptable goodbye to The Monopoly of Mouse's latest franchise. I just pray that the focus on smaller-screen projects such as the spirited Mandalorian become the focus, and we do not see another Star Wars film for a long, long time in a galaxy far far away from mine.
Grade: (5/10)
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