Flash Movie Review: Star Wars: The Last Jedi
USUALLY AT ANY TYPE OF event I attend the crowd acts accordingly. At a wedding most of the guests are cordial and jovial; whereas at a funeral most people are solemn and respectful. This is the norm but never underestimate the person who is highly charged emotionally. I attended a funeral where 2 guests made a scene and one of the grieving relatives yelled back at them that they would “rot in hell.” Oh and there was that wedding where the bride and her new mother-in-law got into a shouting match in the middle of the reception; it was not pretty. Overall though I have to say there is something about going to an event where everyone is in a similar mood. I do not know if each person is feeding off the emotions of another person but I feel an energy that connects everyone; the best example is a rock concert, where everyone sings along to the musical artist. ONE PLACE WHERE I do not always find consistency in the crowd’s mood is at the movies. There have been times where I sat in my seat perplexed at the viewers’ reactions around me. Where they were guffawing with belly laughs, I found myself getting bored with what I felt was a lame attempt at humor. Other times I am the one sitting in my seat with tears rolling out of my eyes; while the people next to me are focusing on their tub of popcorn, not one teardrop getting squeezed out of their eyes. I certainly do not look at this as a right or wrong situation; everyone has the right to feel the way they do without any type of judgment. That is one of the main pillars I use to write my movie reviews. You may notice I try to never tell someone they can or cannot see a movie; I am simply offering advice and sharing my experiences during my viewing of the movie. If anything I am more curious to hear other people’s views, for I feel that helps me be a better reviewer. However in regards to today’s picture, it was obvious everyone was feeling the same thing—extreme joy and excitement. HAVING TRAVELED FROM AFAR to ask Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill (Airborne, Brigsby Bear), for help in fighting the First Order; Rey, played by Daisy Ridley (Murder on the Orient Express, Silent Witness-TV), could not understand Luke’s determined resistance. She had no idea she was not the first one to ask for his help. This next installment in the Star Wars franchise included Carrie Fisher (Wonderland, This is My Life) as Leia Organa, Adam Driver (Paterson, Silence) as Kylo Ren and Oscar Isaac (The Promise, A Most Violent Year) as Poe Dameron. For a movie watching experience this action, adventure fantasy provided everything one needed for an emotional ride of thrills. Kudos to the director who kept control of the pacing of the story; there was a steady dose of drama, humor and excitement through the 2 hours and 32 minutes of running time. I will say the script was weak in several parts, where there could have been more thoughtful drama. Personally I wanted the First Order to remain menacing and wished Finn had been given more scenes. Without giving anything away one of the love interest story lines was a waste of time. Interestingly I found the acting was better in this sequel than the previous movie. There was more back story to the characters which I appreciated and as for the fight scenes, they were imaginative and thrilling. If you are not a fan of Star Wars chances are you will not care to see this movie; but if you want an easy “share the moment” experience with the people sitting around you then this film will not disappoint.
3 1/3 stars
Posted on December 18, 2017, in Fantasy/Sci-Fi and tagged 3 1/3 stars, action, adam driver, adventure, carrie fisher, daisy ridley, fantasy, mark hamill, oscar isaac, science fiction, space. Bookmark the permalink. 12 Comments.
We are a family of Star Wars nerds so we’d been excitedly awaiting the release of this movie. We loved it! That doesn’t mean I think it was flawless: it was choppy in at least the first half and that created pacing issues, it could have been shorter, and one potential romance plot line appeared out of nowhere as far as I could tell. I thought the performances were fantastic though, especially Driver.
We are totally aligned together on this one; Adam Driver was so much better in this one. And I know you and I are referring to the same romance plot line. Thank you for sharing and I am glad everyone got to see this one.
I got called to jury duty this morning and the judge, briefing us on what to expect started out by asking the group, how many had seen this film. Only a handful raised their hands and all agreed that it was long and that it lulled in the middle, but that overall it was worthwhile and in fact enjoyable.
I cannot believe that!?!? It is too funny. Thank you for the comments which I agree with you.
I can’t tell you how happy I was when the lady beside me told her child to be quiet or they’d have to leave while she stays and watched the movie haha. No the lady was not my wife, she was a stranger. I was super excited about episode 8 as I am 1. A Huge Star Wars Fan. 2. A Huge fan of the most recent instalments. The opening to this movie was one of the best in the whole franchise in my opinion. The middle was a little dull and a bit too talky, talky and the end was great! I feel Poe was pushed aside a little in this episode and I sincerely hope he has more of a starting roll in episode 9. Overall it was great, why? Because it’s Star Wars and that’s all that matters haha. Nice review mate. I enjoy your style and approach.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your comments and share your experience with the stranger next to you; what a riot. Next year is the Han Solo film and I hope it will be just as exciting as this film.
I’m sure it will be. Do you happen to know what the one after that will be, apart from episode 9. Is heard whispers of a Boba Fett movie. That’d blow my damn mind.
I heard the same rumor but first Han Solo arrives next year; so a Boba Fett film would be 2020 if it materializes.
I wasn’t a fan of Star Wars before (I know…), but I really enjoyed this last one!
Thank you for telling me; I am glad you had a good time watching this latest installment. Next year will be the Han Solo film.
I’ve always been a fan of Star Wars films, good, bad, or indifferent. Can’t wait to see this one!
Try to see it on the big screen; it is worth it.