“Star Wars” – A New Beginning

“Star Wars” is no longer George Lucas’ or Lucas Films’; it is now Disney’s and Mickey Mouse’s.

It wasn’t easy to put into words the thoughts I had on the latest “Star Wars” film, “The Last Jedi,” which hit theaters in December. For a true “Star Wars” fan, “The Last Jedi” put me in a long lasting state of contradiction. The movie was very good, but it was good in a way that wasn’t expected. I’d say it was bittersweet.

“The Force Awakens” has been described as the original “Star Wars” film reskinned with new characters. It set up what could have possibly been a film that resembled “The Empire Strikes Back.” It set up the possibility for another, “I am your father” quote. But we did not get that. What we got was a film full of twists and turns. Expect the unexpected.

Warning: Spoilers ahead.

There were three separate plots that guided “The Last Jedi.” I thought they did a great job with that, as it made two-and-a-half hours not feel so long. The first plot was basically Mad Max in space, which was exciting and persistent throughout.

Another plot was Finn and a new character, Rose, going rogue and trying to find a way to save the Resistance in their run from the First Order. There was a reason for this turn of events, but there were some scenes that the movie could’ve gone without.

The last plot was vintage “Star Wars,” with Luke Skywalker training Rey in the ways of the force.

Skywalker changed, a lot. We learn why but it’s odd to see such a positive character that was always full of hope become so negative. There is reason, it’s just odd. I feel the director really just tried way too hard to swerve the audience.

The three plots did work well together though.

Looking at more details, I thought Yoda coming back was great. It was meant to be and placed perfectly. The humor in the film was also consistent and very familiar for “Star Wars.”

I did have a major gripe about the reveal of Rey’s parents. This was the big question everyone talked about for two years. Who are Rey’s parents? Is she a Skywalker? A Solo? A Kenobi?

Before we find out who her parents are, Kylo Ren turns on Supreme Leader Snoke. So he kills his father, Han Solo, in “The Force Awakens” for the First Order, then turns on them by killing Snoke? Or is he trying to take over himself? That was rather confusing.

Then, after Kylo Ren tries to persuade Rey to join him, he reveals that her parents sold her as a slave on Jakku. This is where I was very disappointed. George Lucas always said that “Star Wars” was about the Skywalkers. Disney decided to make the main character a nobody, and I am not a fan of that at all.

The movie was good. It was very, very good. But it’s not the originals, and it’s not the prequels; it’s Disney’s new generation.

I’m still in the process of accepting that the “Star Wars” franchise has changed. This isn’t George Lucas’ “Star Wars” anymore.

While working on accepting that “Star Wars” has changed, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. The future of the franchise is strong and will be around for years.

Although I don’t like a lot of the changes Disney made, especially their decision to almost totally part ways with Lucas, I’m glad that there will be “Star Wars” for a long time.

But that leads to the question, is it better to stay and play on a table that is hot until you lose, or better to take your money and run?

All I know is that the world is getting more “Star Wars” and I’ve enjoyed what Disney has given us so far.

But, it’s not the Skywalker Saga anymore and nothing will ever top “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Score: 8.9/10

Highs and Lows

The Highs:

• Yoda. I had a feeling he was going to show up. It just felt like perfect timing with Luke training Rey. It was great, classic Yoda.
• Luke pulled off the greatest Jedi Mind Trick of all time. When it was happening, I was very confused, which is exactly what they wanted. Luke sacrificed himself to save the Resistance by pulling off the biggest and best mind trick ever. I’d say that was pretty awesome.
• The pacing was good. Two-and-a-half hours could have felt much longer.

The Lows:

• Rey’s parents. Kylo Ren claimed they are nobody’s who sold her. The director confirmed that.
• The dialogue. Not as strong as the originals or even the prequels.
• The ending. Nothing was set up. What is there to look forward to?

Published By: Paige Parise