Star Wars: The Last Jedi - A RMNT Review

A long time ago... In a galaxy far, far away, the long-awaited and highly anticipated second installment to the Star Wars Sequels Trilogy has finally arrived! As you know, the Star Wars franchise continues to remains as the biggest film franchise of all time and its popularity has grown largely due to the previous film, The Force Awakens that was released two years ago, and I was among the many who highly enjoyed it, despite some flaws. And now that The Last Jedi has arrived to theaters and after rewatching The Force Awakens as preparation, will the new film break new ground for the famously established canon? Will it cause even more division amongst the fans or unite them? Will it answer many questions that's gotten many people thinking many ideas and theories in the last two years? Will Luke finally break his silence so that the memes can come to an end? Let's go on this incredible journey and may the Force be with us...

Story has always been very essential to the Star Wars universe as the previous film's plot has gotten mixed reactions from both critics and fans alike, particularly for feeling somewhat similar to A New Hope, which begs the question, has director Rian Johnson executed the film's story without treading familiar ground? The answer is: Absolutely not! The Last Jedi not only broke new ground for the Star Wars canon, but also delivered a grand epic story with strong emotion, fun humor to help balance out the intense and dark moments, and a tly significant message: that we must let go of the past and embrace the future in which unfolds. Rian Johnson delivers many surprises and twists to no fan can predict, intense scenes that keep you on the edge of you seat as you pray that nothing bad happens to our rebellious heroes, big or small, that's how significant the characters are in this film! I wish to tell you everything that's happened, but its better to witness it than to be told.

As for the characters, you all know who they are and all have each a meaningful role from Rey seeking Luke Skywalker to convince him to help the Rebel Alliance defeat the First Order as well asking him to train her in the ways of the Force, General Leia providing strategy and to remind them of how important their hope and survival is to the galaxy, Finn and Rose going on a long journey to locate a specific individual to ensure the survival of the Rebels, while Kylo Ren continues struggling with his inner conflict of embracing the Dark Side. Every scene is essential to this film, nothing feels wasted, every moment brings tension, excitement and all bring emotional awe. The entire cast was amazing, especially Mark Hamill giving his greatest performance as the legendary former Jedi and Daisy Ridley, who to me, did a much stronger performance as Rey than in The Force Awakens as she's growing both as a character while embracing the Force in her. Every actor and actress brings their all into their respective roles, both old and new, and I look forward to see where they go in the next film.

Never have I experienced such excitement and joy and sadness all at once as I'm watching this film. I admit to myself that while I'm not the biggest fan of Star Wars, I am however, a fan of what this franchise has done in the last 40 years as it continues to inspire my imagination and my love for all things otherworldly and impossible full of characters you've come to love. Rian Johnson has truly accomplished as both director and writer which is taking unexpected risks with the story and bring fresh new outcomes to the franchise, making me invested for what's to come in the new upcoming trilogy that he himself will be in charge of.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi truly is one of the best films I've seen this year, with incredible performances from the cast, beautiful cinematography, stunning visual effects, John Williams' score, strong characterization and an unpredictably well-written and emotionally character-driven story full of surprising twists and turns, and I'm happy to say that I now consider The Last Jedi, the superior Star Wars film to Empire Strikes Back!

Story: 4.5 / 5

Characters: 5 / 5

Production: 5 / 5

Final rating: 4.5 / 5