The Last Jedi: A Lifelong Fan’s Reaction and Reflection

It has been almost 24 hours since I saw The Last Jedi. In many ways, I still haven’t decided what I think about it. Was it good? Yes. In the end, I have to say it was a good movie, and that is what most people will want to know. What fans will also want to know is, “Was it a good Star Wars movie?” That question is a little more difficult to answer. This isn’t a review…this is my reaction and reflection about the movie, an immediate perspective.

 

When Star Wars first hit the theaters in 1977, it was unlike anything anyone had seen or expected. It changed everything, from the way movies are made and marketed, to the way fans created a subculture/community surrounding the franchise. Forty years later, multiple generations have grown up in a world where Star Wars exists, and the Force is embedded in our lives.

 

Through the years, Star Wars has had a strong history of delivering the unexpected. The “prequel trilogy” is a classic example. Fans who grew up with the original trilogy were, for the most part, greatly disappointed with the prequels. For many, Anakin’s story misfired in it’s delivery, and the actor choices, abundance of computer effects, and spotty dialogue lacked the charm they fell in love with decades prior.

 

 

Then as time moved on, something strange happened. A new generation embraced Star Wars – a generation that hadn’t grown up on the original trilogy. The new generation who grew up with the prequels loved it. They identified with it it was their Star Wars trilogy! A good portion of them even felt that for them, it was better than the original trilogy. The truth is that it is, and it isn’t. The prequels grew from the acclaimed foundation built by the original trilogy, and would never have existed if it wasn’t for the success and story decisions made by creator George Lucas. And who knows, if the original trilogy was not formulated by Lucas until the late-nineties, perhaps it would have been made with a similar slick digitized gloss the prequels had. It’s fun to speculate, but ultimately we need to accept the films from the era in which they were created.

 

Flash-forward, we have a new trilogy and a new installment in that trilogy. The Force Awakens blasted onto screens a full decade after the end of the prequel trilogy, over 30 years after the close of the original trilogy. It has been lauded and condemned as everything from a cheap remake to the franchise reviving juggernaut we had all hoped for. It was Star Wars, it was in theaters on the big screen, and became a massive box office and critical success. When the credits rolled, the fans had questions, and in the two years since, from those questions came expectations.

 

Star Wars The Last Jedi Luke Watching

 

The prequels carried their own expectations, that all derived from quality, and knowing how Lucas would execute the end-game which we all knew already. Palpatine would rise as Emperor, Anakin would fall to the dark side, the Jedi would be hunted down to near extinction, and Kenobi would slip into seclusion as a hermit. We knew what would happen on the grand scale, but the devil was in the details. Macro yes, micro no. Remember those words.

 

Expectations carry over to the sequel trilogy, but instead of expectations on telling a story we had mapped out, we had expectations on where this new story would go in The Last Jedi. As the middle installment of the sequel trilogy, we looked to the other two middle children, The Empire Strikes Back and Attack of the Clones, as some sense of guides as to what we could expect. We were looking for a darker episode, one that challenged our heroes, thrusting them into the darkest situations. We were looking for the characters to grow, and discover more about themselves.

 

 

This built up expectation in all of heads has culminated to this one moment, where my friends and I, and hundreds of others sat waiting with anticipation in a darkening theater, to watch the latest installment in the Star Wars saga…

 

The screen came to life – “Lucasfilm” glistened.

 

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….

 

STAR WARS – the orchestral horns blaring at us in that comforting familiarity, and it was time! The opening crawl… Episode VIII, The Last Jedi. Regardless of my expectations, what I was about to see was our new reality.

 

Two and a half hours later, I sat stunned in my seat. I had done my best to stay “spoiler free”, and for the most part I had. Two of my friends in Australia had seen it earlier, and I had asked them only, “Okay, no spoilers…but did it go the way we thought it would?” Their answer was perfect, telling me everything and nothing. “Macro yes. Micro no.” That was the first thing I thought about when the credits rolled, and I can’t think of a better way to describe what I had just seen. It was Star Wars, every second of every scene, and it was everything I had hoped for, but nothing I expected.

 

 

So this is my spoiler free reflection/reaction more than a review, in which I haven’t talked a bit about The Last Jedi itself. I’ve told you nothing about the movie, but instead a review of how I felt about it. That is the best way to review this movie to me. To quote Luke Skywalker himself, “This is not going to go the way you think!” It answered all my questions and left me with so many more. It was bold. It was beautiful. It was Star Wars.

 

Stay tuned for our spoiler review next week and also another article delving deeper into The Last Jedi.

 

 

+ posts

334 thoughts on “The Last Jedi: A Lifelong Fan’s Reaction and Reflection

  • December 16, 2017 at 8:11 pm
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    When the trailer showed Luke saying, “this is not going to go the way you think.” Lucasfilm was sending us a message that it literally wasn’t going to go the way we think. Some people listened and enjoyed it thoroughly, like me, and others were hugely disappointed because they had a preconceived list of things they wanted to see and learn and they didn’t. Plain and simple. TLJ is amazing to me! Well written, perfectly executed and beautiful! Can’t wait to see it again!

    • December 17, 2017 at 12:04 am
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      Or they wanted a script that had some level of clarity and a more engaging plot.

    • December 17, 2017 at 1:39 am
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      And THAT, my dear friend, was the point of my whole article… a review that wasn’t a review, told you everything about the movie without saying a thing… answered all the questions without giving anything away… it wasn’t what you expected, but it was Star Wars

  • December 16, 2017 at 8:23 pm
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    Good article.
    I have mixed feelings with TLJ too.
    At least people who will grew up with this trilogy will have, at least, well done films, comparing the silly blockbusters out there. I know JJ got his criticism too but not in the levels i have been reading all day with Rian. In TFA general public gives at least 8,5. In TLJ gives 5,7. Probably this means something. Probably my concern about TLJ is that throws away the excellent character development and questions we got from TFA. I guess, as viewers, always will like some movies and others don’t. Some will like the prequels and others the OT or the stories, or just a movie from each trilogy, or just one movie from the saga. The greatness is we can talk and share opinions of what we love and what we would like to see instead of we have seen and we don’t like, share opinions of this galactic world which is growing very fast.

  • December 16, 2017 at 8:23 pm
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    Good article.
    I have mixed feelings with TLJ too.
    At least people who will grew up with this trilogy will have, at least, well done films, comparing the silly blockbusters out there. I know JJ got his criticism too but not in the levels i have been reading all day with Rian. In TFA general public gives at least 8,5. In TLJ gives 5,7. Probably this means something. Probably my concern about TLJ is that throws away the excellent character development and questions we got from TFA. I guess, as viewers, always will like some movies and others don’t. Some will like the prequels and others the OT or the stories, or just a movie from each trilogy, or just one movie from the saga. The greatness is we can talk and share opinions of what we love and what we would like to see instead of we have seen and we don’t like, share opinions of this galactic world which is growing very fast.

  • December 16, 2017 at 8:45 pm
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    Personally, this is the first SW I have no reservations at all: The Last Jedi was for me all I expected from SW and never knew it. It just takes StarWars themes and breaks away all the filters they had: the force, the way war works, religion as a dogma or as a tool, the nature vs civilization, the fact that anyone can be a hero, the value of failure… every single aspect was explored with courage in this film, yet it had time to introduce new co-lead Rose (which IMO made Fin more interesting), and explore the old hero putting him in inner conflicts we could never have imagined.

  • December 16, 2017 at 9:02 pm
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    Of course people have to it was either the greatest thing they have even seen, or a steaming pile of reprehensible excrement. I thought it was a decent episode, not prequel bad, nor was it a predictable fan service festival like Rogue One. I liked TFA better. I have some issues with TLJ but not to the extent where I would say it was a disappointment. I need more views. Unfortunately my second viewing, in IMAX 70 mm, failed a quarter of the way in when the sound system quit.

    • December 16, 2017 at 9:12 pm
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      Second viewing definitely helped for me, despite the chav family behind me having a big argument throughout the entire movie.

      • December 17, 2017 at 3:31 am
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        Psychologically, second viewings are imperative.

      • December 17, 2017 at 3:31 am
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        Psychologically, second viewings are imperative.

  • December 16, 2017 at 9:08 pm
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    I was disappointed in a few areas. *SPOILERS BELOW*
    I think the angry Luke was overdone. I can see him a bit bitter at first, but the cranky, hopeless Luke was annoying.
    Yoda was misused. He was shoe-horned in just to say he was there. He didn’t really add anything to the story.
    They built up Rey’s parentage, and then ruined it in this movie. It was very anti-climatic.
    Peter Pan Leia was ridiculous.
    Laura Dern’s Vice Admiral. Why did she have purple hair? This isn’t Hunger Games.

    • December 16, 2017 at 9:27 pm
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      He totally added to the story by showing Luke the way.

      Rey’s parentage was done great.

      • December 17, 2017 at 3:45 am
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        Rey also took the Jedi books, perhaps Yoda was preventing Luke from noticing this?

        • December 17, 2017 at 5:13 pm
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          I dont think would have minded

    • December 17, 2017 at 12:00 am
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      I absolutely adore what was done with Rey’s parentage. Two years of fan theories didn’t interest me. I would have been with just about any answer (although I would have cringed at immaculate conception, believe me) but there is a sense of hope involved in the deliberate decision to have her lineage be irrelevant.

      Ask anyone who grew up super-poor, ask anyone who grew up having to delude their young minds into believing otherwise because they couldn’t accept that their parents abandoned them, ask anyone who lost or never even knew their parents, what it means when a massive cultural phenomenon of a story suggests that birthright isn’t the end-all be-all, that a so-called “nobody” can be somebody — that anybody can become a hero.

      Speaking as someone who wrestled with all of that a ton as a child, I can tell you that I feel better and more empowered about Rey’s “anticlimactic” parentage reveal than any fan theory ever could have done for me.

      • December 17, 2017 at 1:35 am
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        Rey and Kylo were set up to be total opposites… male and female… trained and novice… from a loving family and abandoned… changed his name and never knew her name… dark and light…

    • December 17, 2017 at 3:03 am
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      I don’t care about her parentage. I don’t need to know every hero in every movie “who his parents are”. But saying she is really a abandoned child is great. She doesn’t need to be a princess or somenthing to be a hero

      • December 17, 2017 at 7:05 am
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        If only she didn’t jump from complete novice with no knowledge of the force to expert force-user / proto-Jedi in less than 1 week. Her progression in force abilities never felt earned – it was all too easy. I wish they had slowed it down and made it more believable. Luke took 4 years from ANH to ROTJ to reach a similar strength. A little Joseph Campbell’s Heroes Journey would have been good. It appears to be a problem in modern screewriting and for kids in general where they need everything set-up for them.

  • December 16, 2017 at 9:31 pm
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    Honestly most of my issues with the story are pretty minor, and the treatment of Luke didn’t bother me too much either (in fact I thought his scenes were by far the best in the movie). The main problem I had was just that the movie dragged too much and didn’t flow as well or have the zippy energy that Abrams brought to TFA. Which is why I’m really happy now that he’s making the next one.

    • December 17, 2017 at 12:18 am
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      it’s a middle chapter.

  • December 16, 2017 at 9:36 pm
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    For me, anything Disney puts out is not canon anymore.

    I don’t want this timeline, or this Luke or Han or Leia. I’ll see Episode 9, as a casual fan, with no vested interest.

    I will feel sense of vindication to see the numbers when they release 9 without any of the original characters.

    • December 16, 2017 at 10:06 pm
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      “I will feel sense of vindication to see the numbers when they release 9 without any of the original characters.”

      Luke (Force Ghost)
      Chewie
      The Millennium Falcon
      R2D2
      C3PO

      They’ll all be back in 9.

      • December 16, 2017 at 10:10 pm
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        lol @ force ghost Luke.

      • December 16, 2017 at 10:10 pm
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        lol @ force ghost Luke.

        • December 17, 2017 at 1:28 am
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          I don’t see where this is even questionable.. I think it’s pretty close to a certainty

        • December 17, 2017 at 3:43 am
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          Especially with the passing of Carrie now, I think Luke will be back for the ride, hopefully haunting Kylo. See ya round kid!

    • December 16, 2017 at 10:14 pm
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      Thing is, whether you like it or not, the only things that are canon are the things that Disney put out. These are the only things which can be considered genuine, as the canon is written by them. Its nit like Stsr Wars canon is some weird entity that exists independently of lucasfilm. This is the only timeline now and to be honest I was glad to see the back of the bloated old eu. I think you might be let down when episode 9 arrives and does not crash and burn. There are now millions of fans who want to see Rey, Finn and Poe rather than the continued adventures of Leia.

      • December 16, 2017 at 10:30 pm
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        I can choose what is canon to me. I don’t need Disney to tell me.
        And the 57% Rotten Tomatoes audience score doesn’t bod well for you Rey, Finn and Poe theory.

        • December 16, 2017 at 11:55 pm
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          The CinemaScore is an A and the IMDb score is an 8.1. I don’t bring these up as random counterpoints. The difference between RT/Metacritic and CinemaScore/IMDb is that the former is very easily manipulated by a relatively small subset of people (see also: Justice League’s and Iron Fist’s RT audience scores; Iron Fist’s *especially* is not reflective of the experience most people had with that show but they’re both rather high).

          CinemaScore and IMDb on the other hand cannot be “bombarded” like RT and Meta. There are measures in place to prevent it on IMDb. CinemaScore on the other hand is literally a gathering of first impressions via exit polling at theaters. Here’s the cool thing about The Last Jedi receiving an A: it puts it in almost the uppermost echelon of reception among filmgoers. I have a nice little piece of data here to support this. Bear in mind the 2004-2014 part means it excludes the most recent movies but I can’t currently recall where I saw an updated chart. In any case, I think the point stands:

          https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/cinemascore-box-office-table-updated-sheet-1.png

          So as you can see, it’s actually pretty hard (and “impressive”, ha) to get beneath like a B-, and that’s why sometimes trade publications will say things that don’t make a lot of sense to people like how “Batman versus Superman is tracking with a very disappointing B-” and folks will think, “well a B- is still pretty good, innit?” Nah. So it’s all rather strange. But the point here is that an A average is really good. It’s at the top bank of the threshold and just shy of the ultra-rare and much-coveted A+. (The Avengers nabbed that one, for an example.) An A is still quite savvy and that’s where The Last Jedi is currently tracking. So no matter all these disparate internet comments about how nobody clapped at the end at such-and-such theater (mine was full of cheers the whole way through, but I digress), and no matter what people think the present RT audience score (which will rebound, albeit not to TFA’s and R1’s levels) represents, the majority of filmgoers very clearly liked this movie a lot.

          This bodes well for its longevity at the box office. This bodes well for its legacy. This bodes well, most of all — and this is the golden goose here, the reason I spent 6 minutes of my life responding to you — for Episode IX.

        • December 16, 2017 at 11:55 pm
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          The CinemaScore is an A and the IMDb score is an 8.1. I don’t bring these up as random counterpoints. The difference between RT/Metacritic and CinemaScore/IMDb is that the former is very easily manipulated by a relatively small subset of people (see also: Justice League’s and Iron Fist’s RT audience scores; Iron Fist’s *especially* is not reflective of the experience most people had with that show but they’re both rather high).

          CinemaScore and IMDb on the other hand cannot be “bombarded” like RT and Meta. There are measures in place to prevent it on IMDb. CinemaScore on the other hand is literally a gathering of first impressions via exit polling at theaters. Here’s the cool thing about The Last Jedi receiving an A: it puts it in almost the uppermost echelon of reception among filmgoers. I have a nice little piece of data here to support this. Bear in mind the 2004-2014 part means it excludes the most recent movies but I can’t currently recall where I saw an updated chart. In any case, I think the point stands:

          https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/cinemascore-box-office-table-updated-sheet-1.png

          So as you can see, it’s actually pretty hard (and “impressive”, ha) to get beneath like a B-, and that’s why sometimes trade publications will say things that don’t make a lot of sense to people like how “Batman versus Superman is tracking with a very disappointing B-” and folks will think, “well a B- is still pretty good, innit?” Nah. So it’s all rather strange. But the point here is that an A average is really good. It’s at the top bank of the threshold and just shy of the ultra-rare and much-coveted A+. (The Avengers nabbed that one, for an example.) An A is still quite savvy and that’s where The Last Jedi is currently tracking. So no matter all these disparate internet comments about how nobody clapped at the end at such-and-such theater (mine was full of cheers the whole way through, but I digress), and no matter what people think the present RT audience score (which will rebound, albeit not to TFA’s and R1’s levels) represents, the majority of filmgoers very clearly liked this movie a lot.

          This bodes well for its longevity at the box office. This bodes well for its legacy. This bodes well, most of all — and this is the golden goose here, the reason I spent 6 minutes of my life responding to you — for Episode IX.

          • December 17, 2017 at 12:28 am
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            Let’s talk next weekend. And we’ll see how the fan reaction and word of mouth really is.

          • December 17, 2017 at 2:48 am
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            $120 million second weekend – word of mouth is STRONG !

          • December 17, 2017 at 3:01 am
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            Don’t lie. Did a grey haired old man in a Delorean tell you this?

          • December 17, 2017 at 2:47 am
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            There is so much love for this movie & haters can’t handle it – lucky for us the general audience don’t seek out the hate , you can only find the hate if you dig around the net looking for it….

        • December 17, 2017 at 10:27 pm
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          Yeah but who votes on RT?? Not me. Not average movie goers. Its Mostly 30-40 something year old men-children.

          And when you see almost every score is either super high or super low, it becomes clear that the score is a meaningless hyperbolic false dichotomy.

          • December 18, 2017 at 12:41 am
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            Scoreboard.

    • December 16, 2017 at 10:48 pm
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      Then you have the easiest thing to do in the world. Just stop following the Disney Star Wars era.

      • December 16, 2017 at 10:56 pm
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        Already beat you to it. Cannceled my comics at my shop already.

        Starting read Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void. Forgot how good Star Wars can be.

        And I get to look forward to a jedi academy ran by a powerful confident non-shitty Luke Skywalker.

        • December 16, 2017 at 11:17 pm
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          I’m doing the same. After I read the spoilers I decided “that’s it, this is not my star wars anymore” I’ll stick to the EU books that were released and the 6 movies. Oh, and Ewok Adventures of course HEHE.

          • December 16, 2017 at 11:22 pm
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            Im going to be started a site dedicated the real EU. Also would like to start petitioning to get more books writen in the EU.

          • December 16, 2017 at 11:48 pm
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            Good. Please leave this site. You are the most negative, whiny person I have ever seen on this site. Literally the only gripe I’ve seen you talk about is Luke, and you’ve said you enjoyed the rest of the film. So because Luke didn’t live up to your expectations you’re willing to write off the entire Disney Star Wars era? Even though you said the rest of the film was okay? I respect other peoples opinions, but yours goes beyond opinion and into downright stupidity.

          • December 16, 2017 at 11:50 pm
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            But if I left what would have to whine about?

          • December 17, 2017 at 7:22 pm
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            All the other people like you who refuse to leave this site despite hating everything Star Wars puts out nowadays.

          • December 17, 2017 at 3:38 am
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            A break off faction devoted to the EU. Love it! Fan Resistance.

          • December 17, 2017 at 4:40 am
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            Interesting, when you read the first issue of Dark Empire or when Luke confronts Jacen Solo could you share your opinions please?

          • December 17, 2017 at 4:46 am
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            I’ve already read them. This will be 2nd go round. But needless to say, in either instance, Luke doesn’t turn into a whiney coward and run off.

          • December 17, 2017 at 3:35 am
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            “This is not my star wars anymore.”

            That’s the point.

      • December 17, 2017 at 12:56 am
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        when you see your web traffic plummet for episode 9, you may change your tone. it’s the “fanboys” who have kept star wars alive for 40 years.

        • December 17, 2017 at 1:49 am
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          I don’t give a damn about my web traffic. I didn’t start the site for this. I fully enjoyed this movie and many other fans did too. We will continue to do what we do no matter what other people say. 😉

        • December 17, 2017 at 1:49 am
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          I don’t give a damn about my web traffic. I didn’t start the site for this. I fully enjoyed this movie and many other fans did too. We will continue to do what we do no matter what other people say. 😉

          • December 17, 2017 at 3:59 am
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            Sorry man. I appreciate your site. But I am calling bullshit. If the sole purpose of the site was geared toward user experience, it would not be bogged down with click-thru ads. And good for you. Not going to knock anyone for making money.

            PS: you should really take a look at your javascript, some of it is really bogging down the site.

        • December 17, 2017 at 10:21 pm
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          Nope. For every old grumpy “fanboy” this site, or Lucasfilm, loses, there’s another young broom-grabbing young force user to take their place.

    • December 17, 2017 at 12:14 am
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      I’ve kinda felt the same in regard to the Saga since TFA. I had concerns after TFA and hoped that Lucasfilm had realised TLJ now needed to be grounded in its own story and not require callbacks to the OT, but to also have that balance of fan-service. Yes, in that regard I mean the green lightsaber, Rey’s parentage being a bit more of a twist and some basic information on Snoke’s origins (the latter I’m sure to be in a book or whatever).

      I’ll still follow, more because I loved R1 and looking forward to Solo, but to me the Saga is my blu-ray box-set episodes 1-6.

      How it can continue to be the Skywalker saga when the main antagonist (Kylo) is the last Skywalker I’m interested.

      • December 17, 2017 at 12:25 am
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        hpw can you whine about this? Star Wars is so bast that now you have two different timelines to choose. May you choose EU, my you choose Disney canon. a bit of both maybe?
        do whatever you want and stop whinning. Live is short and Star Wars is long. Don’t waste your time.

        • December 17, 2017 at 12:32 am
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          Why are you whining about me having an opinion?

          • December 17, 2017 at 12:51 am
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            sorry, my comment went to smr9

      • December 17, 2017 at 6:53 am
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        It looks sadly, that the Skywalker line will be extinct when the credits roll on IX. Such a depressing end…

        • December 17, 2017 at 8:54 pm
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          That’s what I just don’t understand with what been set up. KK said the Saga was about the Skywalkers, now the last one has to be killed for the good guys to win. The story is a bit of a mess IMO. The whole trilogy could of had an original story, instead we’ve had JJ do a soft-but-fun reboot and now RJ split the fans.

    • December 17, 2017 at 3:32 am
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      That’s the point. This isn’t about the original characters.

      • December 17, 2017 at 8:36 am
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        I just can’t wait for that day when Star Wars won’t need to rely on OT characters to bail them out. Unfortunately, I had thought that day would come a lot sooner than 2019.

      • December 17, 2017 at 8:36 am
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        I just can’t wait for that day when Star Wars won’t need to rely on OT characters to bail them out. Unfortunately, I had thought that day would come a lot sooner than 2019.

    • December 17, 2017 at 10:15 pm
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      The prequels had no original characters (no Han Luke leia falcon or chewbacca or Vader really) and they did fine.

      Ep9 will do just fine. Like all “part3s” it won’t do quite as well. But it will be fine numbers-wise.

      You will not be vindicated.

      • December 18, 2017 at 12:39 am
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        Lol. Maybe you should watch the movies before you make stupid comments.

  • December 16, 2017 at 10:19 pm
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    I’m glad so many people enjoyed it. While there certainly were parts I thought were good, overall I thought it was only slightly less meh than Episode VII. There were, IMO, too many unnecessary subplots and unnecessary characters that seemed to be there primarily to… do what? Sell action figures? The movie would have benefited from some fat trimming. And, just like with Episode VII, there were too many moments that felt like gratuitous callbacks to the earlier movies, once again as though the filmmakers had a checklist of references they wanted to include.
    Overall, I thought the whole thing didn’t really “feel” like Star Wars. It’s like listening to a band that is trying to play music “in the style of” the Beatles; whether it’s good or bad, it’s just not the Beatles. Once again I’m glad so many people loved it. I would have loved to be one of those people. Oh well. Obviously I’ll still watch Episode IX so they’ll still have my money.

    I’d really really love to read Lucas’ treatments at some point to see if that was any better.

  • December 16, 2017 at 10:29 pm
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    My first viewing was like watching a car crash. I had high expectations and few if any of those expectations were met. Very disappointed! I went with my 10 year old today with little enthusiasm for a second viewing, and in all honesty it seemed somewhat better. Perhaps I needed to get over the shock of it being not what I wanted it to be. I don’t think I’ll ever rate it as high as other SW films – it hasn’t left me with that same child-like excitement as the other films did. It might take episode 9 to fully appreciate where Disney/Lucasfilm/whoever is going with this new direction, but sadly I feel it’s perhaps just not for me any more. If anything, I look forward more to the stand-alones from here on.

  • December 16, 2017 at 10:31 pm
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    I think TLJ was a good movie but a terrible sequel. It failed to connect with TFA in a satisfying way. After watching the movie for the first time I was wondering if Disney might have made a mistake and released part 9 before part 8. This is how disconnected TLJ feels from TFA. I can honestly not say how I would rate this movie. If JJ manages to put TLJ into context with the release of IX than this could end up to be a fantastic part of the saga. However, If JJ cannot connect TLJ with TFA and IX in a meaningful way then this Episode will be a major letdown, now matter how well it is executed. Unfortunately this is exactly the situation I was afraid of when all we heard about TLJ was “it’s different. it’s different”. I’ve been a lot more sceptic about TLJ then I was about TFA and R1 and as it turns out unfortunately I was right. I wonder how people feel about RJ setting up a new sequel trilogy now that TLJ has been released…

    • December 16, 2017 at 11:54 pm
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      I’m going to guess that what you saw as a failure to connect, I saw as a masterful reversal of expectations. The fandom obsessed over Rey’s parents and Snoke’s origin, and this movie told us that neither of these things matters. It isn’t a story about origins in the past – this is why Yoda burns the tree. It’s a story about these characters, their connections, and their struggles. I’ve seen it three times, and now that the disorientation of the twists is gone, the character dynamics are very rich.

      For example, one unifying theme is parent-child/mentor student relationship. We have many pairs exploring this theme from many different angles: Poe-Leia, Holdo-Leia, Rey-Luke, Kylo-Luke, Kylo-Snoke, Luke-Yoda, and even Rose-Finn to a certain extent.

      • December 17, 2017 at 12:01 am
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        That’s honestly why I enjoyed upon thinking about it. To be fair, I was never really married to any fan theories or concepts, surrounding Rey, Snoke or even Kylo. Namely, because that could set one up for disappointment, even if it is fun.

        But I enjoyed that message very well. That, along with the Force, allowed me to overlook a lot of the issues I had with the movie and made me happier than say The Force Awakens.

        But really, I do think this movie does feel a bit disconnected from The Force Awakens in that it basically tossed out that mystery box. And for granted, I hate mystery boxes so I’m not too hung up.

        But much as I am not a fan of Abrams, I do feel like RJ should have at the very least entertained Abrams’ ideas in TFA, before just subverting them. But really, I can see that being more on the Story Group which in all honesty I’m skeptical of them.

        • December 17, 2017 at 12:10 am
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          Actually, remember that JJ was an executive producer on this film. I would bet real money that this was the plan all along, and JJ was in on it: set up the fans in TFA to obsess over various things based on analogies to the OT, and then pull the rug out from under them in VIII. It was really the only way to make a film that could send its audience on left turn, like ESB. When ESB came out, nobody expected a twist: it had never been done before. With TLJ, *everyone* expected a twist, and this seems like the only way they could possible have pulled a real one (or actually, a dizzying series of them) off successfully…

          • December 17, 2017 at 12:16 am
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            I can see that, actually. But really, if that is the case, then I do think this could have been done better. Namely, with Lor San Tekka and the Knights of Ren. A single line of dialogue about them would have been fine. The Last Jedi, I argue is in the vein of ESB where it twists things in such a bold way.

            And really, like ESB it is getting a mixed reception in that it plays with expectations. But beyond that, I do have one glaring flaw with the ST ,beyond the world building, in that it just feels like a big reset button. Namely, with the OT cast.

            For granted, I get that it has been 30 years. But compounded with the fact that we will never see the OT trinity reunite every again; a part of me is sad. I can get behind Han’s death because Ford never liked SWs, but (SPOILER ALERT FOR TLJ) Luke’s death while very well done is sad. Namely, because we only get to see him in one film.

            Maybe, I wouldn’t feel this way if Carrie Fisher was still around, but the fact she won’t be in the movie is a sad reality. Hence, why I can see Luke being more active in Episode Nine as a Force Ghost or depending on the reactionary status of LF; being brought back to life.

            I mean George Lucas considered bringing Obi-wan back to life.

          • December 17, 2017 at 12:24 am
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            Not reuniting the big three is sad, yeah. But I loved what RJ did with Luke: I really felt for him in his sense of failure. People are saying he sucks in this movie, but I think his despair comes straight out of his goodness and nobility. I mean, imagine how you would feel if you literally almost murdered your nephew, because at the time, it seemed like the moral thing to do. Anyone with a shred of decency would be tormented by that.

            And, I adore what RJ did with Leia. JJ wasted her inexcusably in TFA, in my opinion. TLJ has the Leia I’ve always dreamed of seeing: a brilliant and wise military leader, willing to make the hard decisions, but who grapples intensely with the question of whether to send people to their deaths, or whether to run away. She was the ultimate bad-ass in this film, and I’m *not* talking about her Force powers. She was Leia: the historically outstanding leader…

          • December 17, 2017 at 12:32 am
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            Agreed on Luke. I loved seeing how human he was, in that many individuals(as well as fans) put him on a pedestal and make him out as this messiah-like figure. When in truth, he isn’t like that at all. Plus, it has been 30 years and really that can change a person. A lot.

            And really, I can see Luke feeling sorry about himself and questioning the Jedi. Really, Luke’s death and everything was fantastic. But I’m just sad that he had to die in this movie. Why couldn’t have been Episode Nine? A lot of it is because we never got to see the trinity reunited, and with Fisher no longer with us; this just sucks.

            That said, I have a sneaking hunch Episode Nine is going to prominently feature Luke as a Force Ghost or they may bring him back to life. Given that George I believe wanted to do that with Obi-wan; I wouldn’t put it past Abrams or even LF to do this due to the backlash of Luke’s death.

          • December 17, 2017 at 12:39 am
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            Oh yeah, definitely! I love that they gave Luke Mark Hamill’s razor sharp wit, and hope they continue doing so in EPIX: I can’t wait to see Force Ghost Luke’s antics…

          • December 17, 2017 at 2:06 am
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            He will be back to haunt Ben for sure – a spin on the force Ghosts helping him. Rey has the Jedi books I predict a time jump before the next film, possibly a decade, which can account for the death of Leia and give some time for the resistance to rebuild.

          • December 17, 2017 at 8:34 am
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            I’m not hearing people say Luke sucked. He’s the only reason I’ll go back to see this film.

          • December 17, 2017 at 8:32 pm
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            I’ve run across lots of people who said that RJ ruined Luke’s character. Personally, I loved what the movie did with him. It’s because he’s so noble and good that he briefly considered killing Ben. It’s because he’s so noble and good that he was torn apart by guilt at this. Imagine if you actually almost murdered a member of your family: anyone with a shred of decency would be torn apart by this.

            But at the end, we got a Luke who was the most transcendent hero imaginable. To me, the Force projection was absolutely perfect: it gave us *both* Luke the warrior *and* Luke the mystical sage all at once. I always dreamed of seeing an older Luke that had that combination of characteristics, so it paid off so damn well for me…

          • December 17, 2017 at 12:17 am
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            I wouldn’t call it a success when it divides the fan base. I get what you’re saying, but it seems it should be more a mixture of twists and fan-service to keep people on board.

          • December 17, 2017 at 1:17 am
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            All Star Wars divides the fan base. I am glad they did this, another uninspiring play it safe film and I’d go back to the legends. This movie took ideas straight from the legends and the Force is stronger than ever.

            I could see anything happening in 9, even all the Force gohst Jedia taking on Snoke in the astral plane while the forces of light and dark fight for control of the physical.

          • December 17, 2017 at 1:17 am
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            All Star Wars divides the fan base. I am glad they did this, another uninspiring play it safe film and I’d go back to the legends. This movie took ideas straight from the legends and the Force is stronger than ever.

            I could see anything happening in 9, even all the Force gohst Jedia taking on Snoke in the astral plane while the forces of light and dark fight for control of the physical.

          • December 17, 2017 at 8:33 am
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            They should have changed the story to properly finish Leia’s arc…. keeping her there as it is was a bit uninspiring.

      • December 17, 2017 at 1:13 am
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        Agreed! To me there are two epic battles shaping up in Ep 9. Astral Force demigods and the orders of light and dark. And this movie seems to given answers that could easily be red herrings. I love it.

        I’m sick of play it safe.

      • December 17, 2017 at 8:32 am
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        …Also could have shown how those books got from the burned tree to the spaceship… and maybe, perhaps, tell us a little bit about what’s inside those books?

        • December 19, 2017 at 2:26 am
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          Or how Rey managed to escape and how she pop up on the Falcon…

    • December 17, 2017 at 2:50 am
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      I thought they connected really well. I agree though Episode IX can significantly improve TLJ. In that case TLJ could become a truly amazing part of the saga.

  • December 16, 2017 at 11:03 pm
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    I loved The Last Jedi. Seen it twice and will see it a few more times before it leaves theaters. It spoils nothing to say that the Canto Bight scene was the only part that, for me, was unnecessary—they just keep trying to re-capture the magic of the original cantina scene, and they need to stop. But in a two and a half hour movie it’s nice to have a perfect moment for a bathroom break. I’m listening to John Williams’ score now and that’s another reason I love the movie—what he brings to this, once again, is amazing. I was right in George Lucas’s strike zone when A New Hope came out (age 12), and I’ve enjoyed the whole damn 40-year ride. Bring on Solo!

  • December 16, 2017 at 11:57 pm
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    Let me be clear; I enjoyed The last Jedi a lot. Unlike The Force Awakens, I left the theater with a lot to think about. I want to see it again, but really on the surface I give maximum praise to Rian Johnson for being so balsy with this movie. But this is where I need to be critical.

    This sequel doesn’t really connect well with The Force Awakens. Look, I’m not the biggest fan of Abrams’ work. He’s a fine producer and guy, but his directing for me leaves much to be desired. But to be honest; It felt like Rian Johnson neglected Abrams ideas.

    And yeah, I enjoyed what he did with Rey, Snoke and Kylo, but really in my view Rian needed to have better respected JJ Abrams’ mystery boxes. Namely with (SPOILER ALERT FOR TLJ) The Knights of Ren and Lor San Tekka. Elements that could have very easily been explained. And heck, even the map to Skywalker which I don’t get why that ever existed.

    But in my view, this all goes back to the LucasFilm Story Group. And I hate saying this, but I am skeptical they had a plan going forward. Maybe, a semblance of a plan, but nothing codified. Yeah, the OT; I argue wasn’t really well planned. I mean heck, you see it with ROTJ and Leia being Luke’s sister.

    And given how Kathleen Kennedy wants to turn Star Wars into a Marvel like brand(like it or not), quality and consistency control I argue is essential going forward. As well as, keeping directors in check. Because, as I stated, I like TLJ. But in the context of The Force Awakens, it falters. But hey; I know some fan is going to demand why I don’t love everything about SWs or why I hate SWs so much.

    But really, given how divisive this movie is, I wouldn’t be shocked if Kathleen Kennedy becomes more reactive. Namely, with Episode Nine going back to TFA levels of safe. And Rian Johnson’s new trilogy, much as I’d love to see it, basically going away. And that sucks.

    • December 17, 2017 at 12:34 am
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      Breaking news for you: there’s still an episode coming.

      Ryan Johnson enritched pretty much everything that Abrams created for VII and made a far better movie: specially because he hadn’t the pressure Abrams had, as Disney requested JJ to make a sequel/remake.

      That said, good thing here is that Abrams can’t scape the mystery box as he did with Lost. He’s held to conclude this trilogy so he can resolve all the mysteries he introduced if he wants: Rens, Santeka, Saber…

      • December 17, 2017 at 12:43 am
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        I’m well aware of that. do enjoy TLJ a lot more than TFA. Namely, for its bold risks and expansion upon the Force and the Jedi. Those parts outweighed a lot of the bad for me. Heck, it makesTFA better. As for Abrams, yeah; that is a good sign.

        His dumb mystery box won’t work here. He will need to wrap everything up, Kylo, Rey, Luke, Leia’s situation.

    • December 17, 2017 at 12:39 am
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      Dare I venture in investegetory hypothesis — but perhaps Kathy knew that Rian was a one-and-done, decided to take him out of the running for IX, and came up with the old “corporate lateral move” tactic to save face for both herself as well as Rian. Speculative point being that there won’t be a Johnson trilogy.

      Daisy cried (joyfully) when she learned of J.J.’s return, and now I understand why. She’s a professional who wants to do justice to her career-defining alter-ego. I’ll even go so far to assume that she felt creatively compromised this time around, and is somewhat relieved to be back in more capable & familiar hands.

      • December 17, 2017 at 12:47 am
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        That I can see. I may have lost respect for her due to her decisions, but I’m not stupid to not acknowledge she is a shrewd individual. And really, that decision may have saved her.

        As for Rian Johnson; I’m not so sure. I love the guy and his work, but given the divisiveness of TLJ it could affect that new trilogy a lot. Namely, if the dropoff for The Last Jedi is affected by it.

        As for Ridley; I can see that. Really, The last Jedi is a Rian Johnson movie in terms of how it is structured, paced and everything else. And really, I can see these actors not being used to that. As for Rian’s career, I’m not so sure right now. He could be fine, or really like Gareth Edwards is pushed to the wayside.

        Which I hope not! Because, I do love his work and I do think he can do some cool things going forward.

        • December 17, 2017 at 12:50 am
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          The sad thing about Gareth is that he’s arguably got the best visual sense of style. Not his fault the writers couldn’t get their act together.

          • December 17, 2017 at 8:29 am
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            I actually liked rogue one better than TFA and TLJ combined.

      • December 17, 2017 at 1:09 am
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        Johnson movie is very much still gonna happen, in fact he will soon start the real writing. THey okey the planning. I have seen few who don’t like this, and that’s fine. I loved it. Because it’s new, forward thinking, and it Kay’s ground work for an epic astral battle come Episode 9 with the backdrop of rebuilding the orders of light and dark.

      • December 17, 2017 at 3:34 am
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        If that was the case Jimsy, then we would never had received the announcement that he is to helm a new trilogy. There’s nothing to suggest that Kennedy is disappointed with The Last Jedi. It’s tracking very well at the box office. Granted, not as well as The Force Awakens, but then again we’re now 3 Disney SW movies in.

        • December 17, 2017 at 4:15 am
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          More speculation–
          I think that in light of her past few director snafus (whether it be her fault or not) Bob Iger has stepped in. I think that the bottom line for Iger is that the franchise finally penetrates the Asian market. Rian’s weirdo sensibilities just might achieve that (by design). Iger doesn’t give a shit about maintaining the traditional style of the franchise in America — they’ve already roped us in with two decent nostalgic films (that was their Phase I) — audiences will adapt to the bait ‘n’ switch towards the Disneyfication of the franchise (Phase II). I don’t see Kathy being creatively okay with this, but she really has little choice but to defer to her boss. She’s already showing subtle signs that she might be consciously bowing out soon, which is perfectly understandable.

          Maybe Kathy finagled a compromise to get Rian out of the saga films. Contracts are up after IX — I can’t imagine that Daisy, Adam and potentially Mark (or the ghost of Luke) will ever want to work with Rian again. Best way to get him out without it blowing up like the other incidents is either (a) to come up with a diversion — a vague new trilogy idea that’s potentially just as disposable or shelveable as the Boba Fett concept was, or (b) perhaps he actually does make a unique series that’ll appeal more to foreign markets and non-Star Wars purists here in the west. I’m just trying to figure it out, ’cause there have obviously been changes, adaptations, and flat out 180 degree turns from what we were led to anticipate a few years ago.

          • December 17, 2017 at 5:30 am
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            I’m not sure I agree that Rian Johnson was sidelined out of the saga films. He was never in the frame to direct Episode IX. To suggest he was brushed aside, by being given the role of the architect for a whole new trilogy, makes little sense to me. I agree Lucasfilm are trying to crack the Asian market, but surely not with the west being treated as the sacrificial lamb.

            Aside from Mark Hamill’s initial reservations about Luke’s character development, I was under the impression that production on this movie was one of harmony. It seemed to sail through without a hitch. There wasn’t even any reshoots.

            Maybe I’m just being naive.

          • December 17, 2017 at 2:47 pm
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            You’re not naive. It’s all a mystery and we’re just speculating.

    • December 17, 2017 at 1:06 am
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      THe map has been explained. The best part of the Last Jedi is all the answers are open to interpretation and could very well be lies. Things are not exactly sure at the end and I love it.

      • December 19, 2017 at 2:20 am
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        I’ve seen the movie twice. Where was the map explained? Luke went to the planet to die, to hide FOREVER. Yet somehow there are two parts of map, one inside R2 another “found” Lor San Teka. why there are even these two parts of the map? Why is one part in R2??? I don’t get it. Luke said hedidn’t want to be find!

    • December 17, 2017 at 5:47 am
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      I agree with you on RJ negleting JJ’s ideas. He clearly steers the movie in a different, and in my opinion much more interesting direction. Now JJ needs to step up his game and really deliver on the 3rd film.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:31 am
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      “And I hate saying this, but I am skeptical they had a plan going forward.”

      This is not even up for debate. Rian Johnson has said it many times in interviews, but for some reason no one seems to believe him: “The perception of these films is that they’re all planned out on a secret sheet of paper in advance, but that’s just not the case. I wasn’t given an outline of where it goes or even a list of things to hit. It really was just, ‘Okay, what’s next?’”

      • December 17, 2017 at 8:28 am
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        After watching this, they needed a better plan going forwards.

  • December 17, 2017 at 12:54 am
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    I want no trailer for episode 9 and then we go into it blind

  • December 17, 2017 at 12:54 am
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    I want no trailer for episode 9 and then we go into it blind

  • December 17, 2017 at 12:58 am
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    I think as time goes on… I didn’t like it. Not enough to say it’s outright bad. I’m conflicted because some of it was so good. I’ll wait for a second viewing. Which will be quite a wait for the blu-ray.

  • December 17, 2017 at 1:14 am
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    This movie was the old Expanded Universe, where TFA was a safe retread. After TFA I hoped Ep. 8 would be good. After Ep. 8 I know Ep. 9 will be great.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:15 pm
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      I hope so. Rian Johnson has kind of forced JJ Abrams to do something new. Let’s see where it takes us!!

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:15 pm
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      I hope so. Rian Johnson has kind of forced JJ Abrams to do something new. Let’s see where it takes us!!

  • December 17, 2017 at 1:19 am
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    May be a spoilerly Post, warning.

    I said this below, this movie took ideas straight from the legends and the Force is stronger than ever.

    I could see anything happening in 9, even all the Force gohst Jedi taking on Snoke in the astral plane while the forces of light and dark fight for control of the physical.

    Not even the answers we got are for sure, who lied, who didn’t.

    • December 17, 2017 at 2:54 am
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      force ghosts battling would be great. JJ Abrams would´nt do it, but Rian Jhonson surely would. Hope he mades his crazy trilogy

    • December 17, 2017 at 2:54 am
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      force ghosts battling would be great. JJ Abrams would´nt do it, but Rian Jhonson surely would. Hope he mades his crazy trilogy

  • December 17, 2017 at 1:20 am
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    That was my reaction too. It took me hours of reflections upon what I’ve seen that made me finally opt for a positive reaction. I realised the film had a more complex time-non linearity than at first sight, and the superiority of the Luke storyline convinced me ultimately. But I do undrstand all those who criticise its negative aspects. Episode VIII is certainly the most divisive Star Wars film ever.

    • December 17, 2017 at 1:34 am
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      Agreed. If I am to compare movies to food, The Force Awakens was like an elevated double cheeseburger. It has some tasty elements, but as an item was simple and straightforward.

      The Last Jedi is like this rich Fillet mignon where there is a lot to it. A lot of similiar tastes and flavors(the subversions of tropes we’ve seen), but there is a lot of different aspects to the dish. Aspects, that may leave people confused/ disagreeing.

      Namely with Luke Skywalker and Snoke. And really, given how radical those takes were, I can see people being taken aback or disagreeing which is perfectly fine.

      Either way, I appreciate the movie in spite of its flaws as it leaves Episode Nine in a very interesting place. And I can say that I enjoy it more than The Force Awakens not just because it was original, but because thematically and character wise; I was much more satisfied with it.

      Even if, its connections to that movie seem really paper thin.

  • December 17, 2017 at 1:27 am
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    A big reason as to why I was underwhelmed with this movie is because of the promotional material/strategy this time around.

    The first time I saw the “Training Featurette” video it was very clear to see that both Rey and Kylo fight the Praetorian guards at one point. So I knew that was coming.

    In the behind the scenes featurette it has a shot of Fin and Rey dancing on what is obviously the planet Crait. I didn’t like knowing Rey and Fin would somehow end up on Crait by the end of the movie.

    And I especially dislike that Disney put Rey asking for Kylo’s help as he reaches out to her in the final trailer. It made all of the force-skype scenes way less impact because it was already hinted at. The trailer was already amazing that last part absolutely unnecessary!!!!

    I’m SO disappointing that the Supremacy was a complete waste! I wish the movie would have started like A New Hope but in reverse where the Supremacy is flying above you and it keeps getting bigger, bigger, bigger, bigger, and bigger. Then you see the fleet behind it giving it even more scale.

  • December 17, 2017 at 1:27 am
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    A big reason as to why I was underwhelmed with this movie is because of the promotional material/strategy this time around.

    The first time I saw the “Training Featurette” video it was very clear to see that both Rey and Kylo fight the Praetorian guards at one point. So I knew that was coming.

    In the behind the scenes featurette it has a shot of Fin and Rey dancing on what is obviously the planet Crait. I didn’t like knowing Rey and Fin would somehow end up on Crait by the end of the movie.

    And I especially dislike that Disney put Rey asking for Kylo’s help as he reaches out to her in the final trailer. It made all of the force-skype scenes way less impact because it was already hinted at. The trailer was already amazing that last part absolutely unnecessary!!!!

    I’m SO disappointing that the Supremacy was a complete waste! I wish the movie would have started like A New Hope but in reverse where the Supremacy is flying above you and it keeps getting bigger, bigger, bigger, bigger, and bigger. Then you see the fleet behind it giving it even more scale.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:14 pm
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      The Supremacy was a waste? It was part of one the most visually striking scenes in the whole movie!

  • December 17, 2017 at 1:30 am
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    SPOILER: Was Luke’s line “See you around, kid” purposefully or coincidentally identical to the Joker/Jack Napier line in Batman 1989?
    https://youtu.be/MwUMoBgkF-A?t=2m

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:14 am
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      No, it’s because Han Solo said the same thing, and it will clearly irk Kylo to hear Luke tell him something his dad would say.

  • December 17, 2017 at 1:30 am
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    I’m surprised more people are not talking about Rey/Ben. I can’t be the only one that thinks Ben LIED about Rey’s parents. The shots leading up to him making the announcement were mirroring Luke and Leia – then there was a beat – and Ben looks confounded and says, “your parents were nobodies!”. To me, that is clearly setting up Ben discovering he is somehow related to Rey – but not understanding it. No?

    • December 17, 2017 at 2:35 am
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      It would be more dramatic to me if her real mother is among the dead at the jedi temple and Luke saw that future in Ben’s mind.

      • December 17, 2017 at 1:04 pm
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        No, Rey is not a princess

    • December 17, 2017 at 6:09 am
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      I missed some hints of how affected Ben knowing who was his grandfather. It is in the books, so Rian could have used it, may be they are keeping it for Ep. IX.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:12 am
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      I will not be surprised if that ends up being a lie and a story point in IX. But I don’t think it is, because she’s connected to Kylo in the force. As his power rises, so does hers. She had that vision when she touched the lightsaber because of her force connection with Kylo. The lightside was calling to her.

      It’s interesting how they’re essentially two sides of the same coin.

    • December 17, 2017 at 8:40 am
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      Ben didn’t lie though, he said to Rey after killing Snoke ” You know the truth about your parents, say it”

      Rey “They were nobody”

      Ben” The were filthy junk traders who sold you off for drinking money, they are dead in a paupers grave in a Jakku desert”.

      So Rey knew they her parents were nobodies, but she was searching in the hope it was something more and lied to herself, she longed for another life.

      I too was disappointed in this outcome but hopefully this ends the speculation for the next two years before Ep9…Rey is not related to anyone we know and just happens to be strong with the force (like many thousands of other kids in the galaxy).

      • December 17, 2017 at 9:28 pm
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        So what was that ship leaving the planet we saw in the force vision vision of Rey in TFA ? i think Ben lied aswell. 9 will hopefully tell

  • December 17, 2017 at 1:57 am
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    The movie is literally about expectations leading to disappointment. Brilliant.

    • December 17, 2017 at 5:44 am
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      Interesting observation!

    • December 18, 2017 at 5:45 pm
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      If that’s what you wanted out of the movie then fair play

    • December 18, 2017 at 5:45 pm
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      If that’s what you wanted out of the movie then fair play

  • December 17, 2017 at 2:06 am
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    Why does Rey have visions of the island when she clearly should have no reason to?

    • December 17, 2017 at 2:36 am
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      Because she was meant to meet Luke, it was part of her destiny.

    • December 17, 2017 at 2:59 am
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      Either she had visions of her future or Luke lied to her and she has been there.

    • December 17, 2017 at 8:26 am
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      ^ this and a million other things left unanswered in TFA.

      • December 17, 2017 at 11:40 pm
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        I guess it hardens back to Luke saying about dagobah “there is something familiar about this place”

        But maybe that was because yoda was like” this one, a long time have I watched.”

        Rey shows up, and Luke has no idea who she is, so I don’t fucking know

  • December 17, 2017 at 2:31 am
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    A MASTERPIECE. I loved the movie. The end was an psychiatrical attempt to make all the 40-50 years old whiny ones to have a life. Felt like exploding the granpa’s and uncle’s bedroom full precious 70’s SW toys. (I’m 44, love the franchise, and have never bought a SW toy- except for an Revell X wing)

    • December 17, 2017 at 6:38 am
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      There really is no need to insult other people.

      • December 17, 2017 at 1:02 pm
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        Yes, I agree. I agree even that all the insulting words of the dictionary should be burnt by master Yoda.

      • December 17, 2017 at 1:02 pm
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        Yes, I agree. I agree even that all the insulting words of the dictionary should be burnt by master Yoda.

      • December 18, 2017 at 2:27 pm
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        The only person he’s insulting is himself by calling this movie a masterpiece. A masterpiece! Lol

      • December 18, 2017 at 2:27 pm
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        The only person he’s insulting is himself by calling this movie a masterpiece. A masterpiece! Lol

  • December 17, 2017 at 2:49 am
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    Another thing I love about The Last Jedi is how it used suspense so effectively. (MINOR SPOILER:) Like the way they continue to lob shells at the rebel ships, even though they know they’re just out of range, and the low-on-fuel plot point. There’s all but a stopwatch ticking as the First Order remains so perilously close to wiping out the rebels. Really effective. It was nail-biting. Well done.

  • December 17, 2017 at 2:59 am
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    What Luke did at the end was actually based in reality to some degree. Many of the Indo-Asiatic monks implement something called Atulpa, where you manifest an entity to accomplish a goal or task. Luke’s astral projection not only demonstrates how powerful he is, it solidifies his place as master.

    • December 17, 2017 at 3:35 am
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      Don’t forget he used this power under similar circumstances in the old EU (Dark Empire).

    • December 18, 2017 at 12:55 am
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      Re: “What Luke did at the end was actually based in reality

      Reality? I don’t think that means what you think it means.

  • December 17, 2017 at 4:05 am
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    I thought it was incredible. Few minor hiccups, but I absolutely loved this film. I dont understand the overwhelming amount of hate I’m seeing online. I hope they dont cancel Rian’s planned trilogy because of it.

    • December 17, 2017 at 6:05 am
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      And it has something great, this movie continues growing inside us.

  • December 17, 2017 at 4:08 am
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    Please stop intellectualizing the simple truths. Was it filled with awesome moments duh, but it was also filled needlessly stupid humor, character and plot inconsistencies, and even neglect of the cool things that JJ brought in.

    That being said it was a cool movie, but deeply flawed under the shiny surface.

  • December 17, 2017 at 4:08 am
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    Please stop intellectualizing the simple truths. Was it filled with awesome moments duh, but it was also filled needlessly stupid humor, character and plot inconsistencies, and even neglect of the cool things that JJ brought in.

    That being said it was a cool movie, but deeply flawed under the shiny surface.

    • December 17, 2017 at 5:42 am
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      I think you’re still under the buzz, like all of us, pretty much, and are over dramatizing it. It def. not without issues and I hear you on some points. Phantom Menace is deeply flawed. Attack of the Clones is deeply flawed.. TLJ has a few rough spots, but it’s miles ahead of those any many other movies Hollywood produces.

    • December 17, 2017 at 5:42 am
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      I think you’re still under the buzz, like all of us, pretty much, and are over dramatizing it. It def. not without issues and I hear you on some points. Phantom Menace is deeply flawed. Attack of the Clones is deeply flawed.. TLJ has a few rough spots, but it’s miles ahead of those any many other movies Hollywood produces.

      • December 17, 2017 at 6:02 am
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        Totally agree… I often get bored of most action/adventure movies Hollywood bring us lately.
        I didn´t get bored at any moment watching this movie.
        Add to it all the meanings of SW.

  • December 17, 2017 at 5:12 am
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    Can we talk about how freaking amazing the score was? Written by an 85 year old man. Go buy the soundtrack if you haven’t already. I am honored to share the same planet as John Williams.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:07 am
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      I hope he’s around for the IX soundtrack. It’d be great for him to finish this trilogy too.

    • December 17, 2017 at 9:43 am
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      There was no new themes… except Rose’s, which was forgettable. So I disagree

    • December 17, 2017 at 1:32 pm
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      Loved the ” Here they come ” during falcon Vs tie’s on crait. I refer to the sequence from a new hope when the falcon is chased by tie fighters after escaping the deathstar.. same music motif.. Amazing!!

  • December 17, 2017 at 5:30 am
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    just speechless…I fully understand why Mark Hamil disagreed with this direction early on. If you liked the movie, great and I understand. For me, it goes completely against who Luke is. The movie makes me miss the old EU more than ever. The answers for Snoke, Rey….and how this movie and TFA flow with first 6 is just laughable in my opinion at this point.

    I now feel like Luke on the island….no hope. And honestly, a little sad. I’m gonna go back and read some good EU novels to get the bitter taste out of my mouth from TFA and now TLJ. I really hate to feel this way about my favorite past time.Damn….

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:05 am
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      People do change you know. You’re molded by your experiences and surroundings. It’s stupid to believe that Luke would be the exact same person in the original trilogy. This was a really organic change for his character, and It mad sense.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:05 am
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      People do change you know. You’re molded by your experiences and surroundings. It’s stupid to believe that Luke would be the exact same person in the original trilogy. This was a really organic change for his character, and It mad sense.

      • December 17, 2017 at 7:44 am
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        no it didn’t….this was the man that saw through the darkness to redeem his father and in the face of the emperor did not give in.
        he had 30 years, a 900 year old Yoda force ghost, obi- wan force ghost and Anakin come back from dark side force ghost to assist. They would have together figured this out, that was the whole point of the whills training of Yoda. Disney just blew it by wanting to sale tickets. these movies were all about getting rid of the old to try and build a new fan base. it may work, but it doesn’t mean it works from a story perspective and tying in all the movies as it should.

        • December 17, 2017 at 1:04 pm
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          But he DID “give in”, in the face of the Emperor: that was the entire point – he stop fighting.
          And there’s also the matter that SW wants (rightfully so, IMO) to build its villains as The Absolute Worst Ever – Vader kills children, chokes his wife, strikes down defensless opponent and straight up murders those who disappoint him; Palpatine get off on torture, manipulation and emotional abuse; the Empire destroys planet and murders people left and right.

          Now, this is all good but, from a storytelling point of view, you can’t ignore the consequences of that for too long, or all that “evilness” becomes pointless and less impactful.
          You can tell me Luke sees through the darkness and finds the strenght to give his father a chance at redemption – because that’s exactly what he does – but Vader’s actions must have some consequences, on Luke.
          And I think this movie deals with those consequences in a way that – overall – manages to depict Luke as both a normal, flawed, human being AND a true Hero (at the end of his journey).

          • December 17, 2017 at 5:14 pm
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            nope

          • December 17, 2017 at 5:19 pm
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            once again….your acting as if all the ghost weren’t there to help, guide, etc…They wanted it all to connect. So in Cw ….yoda is trained by whills because he found a way for the Jedi to win for all time. Did Yoda, Obi wan, Anakin desert Luke? It’s B.S….. they burned the first 6 to the ground with this sequel. Kill the past, that’s there mission.

          • December 21, 2017 at 11:49 am
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            Sorry, I just found time to answer this.
            I guess that’s where we have a vastly different vision of things: I realized I never considere the idea that the Force Ghosts could be there to teach and help Luke out – and, thinking about it, I realized the reason I never considered such idea is because, to me at least, it would completely nullify the importance of Luke and the entire point of him becoming (the last) Jedi.
            If such was the case, why would they need Luke (or Leia) so desperately? Why, before and during Empire, for example, wouldn’t OB1 been using the obvious advantages of being a Force Ghost to – I don’t know – spy on Vader and the Emperor? Why wouldn’t they have a list of thousands of Force Sensitive kids, to give Luke to find and bring them on Dagobah? Heck, even Qui Gonn could help out since, you know, you CAN teach with just your voice 😉 and, actually, we know QGJ is in “Voice over Force” Ghost mode at least from the times of AotC, if not before. He can even get a voice cameo in Yoda’s head, when Anakin is slaughtering sandpeople left and right, so… why didn’t he reach out to Anakin (and/or Yoda and/or OB1) *way before* that, to help prevent young Skywalker’s fall?
            Kenobi, another example, seems to communicate with Luke (and to come out with the truth) only in the most desperate moments and mostly AFTER something bad happened.

            No, to me it was always clear that they couldn’t “be there full time” or even just intervene too much, or else the entire thing becomes moot and EVERYTHING can be solved with “oh, but we have the ‘Force Ghost Four Committee’ on our side”.

          • December 21, 2017 at 3:45 pm
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            I certainly see your point and this item could be debated for years. They certainly don’t tell us the force ghost rules. But if Yoda can arrive as he did in TLJ….then he could’ve shown up to assist in some way before.

      • December 18, 2017 at 2:24 pm
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        Show us how he changed. Now, you just have to accept he’s different, because that’s what the plot demands. Why not show us how he changed? One lousy flashback of him trying to kill a child and all of a sudden we have to believe that he feared weak Snoke and emo Ben so much he almost turned to the Dark Side and is now living on an island as a depressed, sad man? For me, that doesn’t work, and clearly, I’m not the only one who thinks that.

        • December 18, 2017 at 2:54 pm
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          You need to lower your blood pressure, dude. Maybe you weren’t paying attention but this isn’t Luke’s story. Clearly, he’s been through some shit and realized that the Jedi haven’t really accomplished anything. Rian explained what was necessary to understand Luke’s mindset in VIII. There are so many things going on in this movie, did you think they were going to get caught up in explaining that whole fiasco with Ben, Luke and Snoke? No. Bigger picture here, look at it.

  • December 17, 2017 at 5:40 am
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    Just came home from seeing it. I went into theaters with two “simple truths”. A) This film is for a new generation of fans, with modern film-making sensibilities and B) I already have my perfect trilogy, the originals. Nothing will touch that. While TLJ was still rough around the edges, with a few pacing issues, a couple of needles characters and some humor that doesn’t stick, it was an overwhelmingly beautiful film. I didn’t have to intellectualize it or convince myself. It’s def. the best one out of three new films, and I can proudly call it SW. I’ve never dreamed some of the heights its reached, and I’m grateful for that. Don’t need a perfect movie to enjoy it. With that being said, LOGAN to me was the greatest piece of Hollywood blockbuster cinema I’ve seen in years. Not a single shot or a line of dialogue was wasted. Just because Last Jedi didn’t reach those technical heights, didn’t make it any less enjoyable! Bravo Rian Johnson.

    • December 17, 2017 at 5:43 am
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      Well said 🙂
      and even the humor can change.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:03 am
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      Blade Runner 2049 > Logan

      • December 17, 2017 at 8:18 am
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        I haven’t seen it. Not a fan of the original at all. I’m a huge hardcore sci-fi film and literature fan and I think the original is the biggest pile of gibberish called “intellectual, visual cinema” ever! Kubrick’s 2001: Space Odyssey was genius, Blade Runner I’m on the fence about. It looked nice. I haven’t seen the new one so I’ll get back to you on that when I do. Hope it’s good, everything the fans say it is.

        • December 17, 2017 at 8:26 am
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          I guess it depends on your interests, but it was a really well made film. Probably one of the best experiences I’ve had in years. That whole world is like a sci-fi dream.

          • December 17, 2017 at 8:51 am
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            I’m glad you enjoyed it. I find Ridley a very inconsistent director. He’ll give us a classic like Aliens and then produce a crap pile like Prometheus, have another hit with American Gangster and then tarnish the Alien franchise with Alien: Covenant. So, I’ll have to watch it for myself before I judge it.

          • December 17, 2017 at 8:59 am
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            He didn’t direct the sequel. Denis villeneuve did and that man is a genius.

          • December 17, 2017 at 9:16 am
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            Yes. I’m aware. I absolutely loved “The Arrival.” Main reason I want to give this movie the chance. But if it’s the same brooding philosophical nonsense I won’t be impressed. Within past few years I’d say “Ex-Machina” is the greatest serious sci-fi film I’ve seen.

      • December 17, 2017 at 10:08 pm
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        2049 was brilliant. Top 5 sequels of all time. I damn near cried at the end. My kind of movie. I heard a lot of great things about Logan. Bought it on bluray, watched it, forgot it. It was a movie. Lots of violence and action. Had a young Logan girl. Shrug. Disposable movie.

  • December 17, 2017 at 5:58 am
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    ***spoilers??***
    I understand Luke said in the movie something like: “you don´t need more lessons, you already have all you need/want”… and he was talking to Rey but talking to us, fans.
    We didn´t need an old Luke doing young Luke stuff, that is the reason he throws away the lightsaber.
    Younger Luke is in Rey spirit, clearly. Young Han is part in Poe, part in DJ, part Finn, or Leia could be Rose.
    I believe it is hard for some people to move away and see their myths getting old, but their spirit is in the new characters.
    The ending scene some people don´t like, seeing it as “too Disney”, it is about it.
    In my first view I felt Finn and Rose were the genuine Star Wars characters in their essence. I was in love with Rose since the her first scene.
    And in my second view I saw all the rich relationship between Rey and Kylo, and all the paths open for JJ in Episode IX, that was wise and generous from RJ.
    Obviously Luke mistake cannot justify all the later killing, Han murder, but I believe everyone in the theater sympathize for a while with Kylo Ren, bullied by Snoke and saving Rey. And that feeling in our seats, that belongs totally to Star Wars, to the OT we knew.

    • December 17, 2017 at 12:36 pm
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      I don’t agree that he “saved” Rey – he acted out of anger, lust for power and a feeling of jelousy/possession/greed towards Rey – this has nothing to to with saving someone.
      I do, however, agree with pretty much everything else you said (with some minor caveat, but not all that important) 🙂

      • December 17, 2017 at 1:43 pm
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        Thanks!
        Well, just in the moment he killed Snoke and we didn´t know he was going to be the new supreme leader of the First Order, those few minutes, for us he saved her. 🙂
        I think he will regret in Ep. IX.
        Actually I think he had 2 choices, Rey or Snoke, and as you have said he picked the best for himself.

        • December 17, 2017 at 5:18 pm
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          Yes – Snoke’s plan worked like a charm, pushing Ren in a position where he can’t accept the one chance at redemption Rey is offering. That was “something truly special” indeed 🙂

          • December 17, 2017 at 10:08 pm
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            Why Snoke? He was in 2 halves at that moment.
            Mmm I believe that mistake did himself :), well, Snoke out and Kylo Ren become Ben Solo… difficult Ep. IX. Like this is easier.

          • December 18, 2017 at 11:00 am
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            We shall see 🙂 I’m pretty sure the whole thing went according to Snoke’s plan. I have little doubt we’ll see the horrible bastard again, in Ep. IX, either as a force-ghost or in some other form.
            With Snoke’s taunting, Kylo Ren just went from a Vader-wannabe to someone who’s in the same situation of a young Palpatine right after killing Darth Plagueis.
            Now, I DON’T subscribe to the “Snoke is Plagueis” theory but, even without considering DP, Snoke is still someone who clearly survived a LOT of physical damage. So much so that you could even say he seems able to “cheat death”.

          • December 18, 2017 at 12:30 pm
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            I guess it is not a closed rule, but dark users cannot be Force Ghosts. Or I believe I read that to Pablo H. I could be wrong.
            The good thing of the situation, we are not repeating the situation Emperor-Vader… Kylo Ren at this point have done better than his grandfather, that connects with the main topic of the movie: younger are the ones to surpass their masters:
            You see in Kylo.
            You see in Finn.
            You see in Rey.
            You see in Poe.
            And it was what Luke at first could not accept, until the end of the movie.
            If Kylo Ren didn´t do better than Vader, from the dark perspective Vader path would have been useless. And he absolutely said in TFA: “I will finish what you started”.
            Well, Kylo Ren is finishing what Darth Vader couldn´t.
            That is the reason I believe Snoke has gone for ever, thankfully in my opinion, as Kylo Ren is a much more interesting character.

          • December 18, 2017 at 12:30 pm
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            I guess it is not a closed rule, but dark users cannot be Force Ghosts. Or I believe I read that to Pablo H. I could be wrong.
            The good thing of the situation, we are not repeating the situation Emperor-Vader… Kylo Ren at this point have done better than his grandfather, that connects with the main topic of the movie: younger are the ones to surpass their masters:
            You see in Kylo.
            You see in Finn.
            You see in Rey.
            You see in Poe.
            And it was what Luke at first could not accept, until the end of the movie.
            If Kylo Ren didn´t do better than Vader, from the dark perspective Vader path would have been useless. And he absolutely said in TFA: “I will finish what you started”.
            Well, Kylo Ren is finishing what Darth Vader couldn´t.
            That is the reason I believe Snoke has gone for ever, thankfully in my opinion, as Kylo Ren is a much more interesting character.

  • December 17, 2017 at 6:28 am
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    I went into TLJ with high expectations and genuinely enjoyed many aspects of the film… but when the credits rolled all I could feel was sadness, not anger. I never expected to leave a Star Wars film feeling depressed and heartbroken. I believe many people feel the same. I was genuinely shocked I felt that way. On my 2nd viewing I had the same response. It’s not hating… it’s just disappointment, sadness and grief. I appreciate and was looking forward to something different from Rian Johnson but the film just sapped every positive emotion out of me. Even worse as I know this is Carrie Fisher’s last film. She was magnificent and I would have loved to see her larger role in IX – alas that was never to be. The quieter moments were the best but the inherent sadness and lack of hope in the story just brought me down into a very dark place.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:02 am
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      I’m not really sure how the movie affected you. Because you didn’t like it, it made you feel depressed or because the movie dealt with some dark elements?

      • December 17, 2017 at 7:09 am
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        The sad, depressing end to the life of Luke Skywalker. Full of failure and regret. The fact that in TFA / TLJ the OT heroes are shown to have failed in almost all aspects of their lives… with all their accomplishments in flames.

        • December 17, 2017 at 7:14 am
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          I don’t think Luke’s end was all that sad. He saved the resistance. Because of him, they have a future. You can’t always be dealt the good cards in life. This was realistic.

          • December 17, 2017 at 7:31 am
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            But his life really amounted to nothing in the end despite all his previous trials. It was a very sad end to the character. The failure of all the OT characters is used to propel the new characters forward which seems damn unfair. And the Skywalker line will end. I really wish Disney had just not used them at all to be honest.

          • December 17, 2017 at 7:31 am
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            But his life really amounted to nothing in the end despite all his previous trials. It was a very sad end to the character. The failure of all the OT characters is used to propel the new characters forward which seems damn unfair. And the Skywalker line will end. I really wish Disney had just not used them at all to be honest.

          • December 17, 2017 at 7:38 am
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            By that logic you would have to say that Obiwan and Yoda’s lives “amounted to nothing” as well, since they lived many of their final years in hiding after the Jedi failed to defeat Palpatine. Yoda didn’t even get a final heroic moment like Luke and Obiwan.

          • December 17, 2017 at 7:09 pm
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            Agreed.

          • December 17, 2017 at 7:45 am
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            Actually…. this movie specifically pointed out the importance of every lost life… heavily emphasised I think.

          • December 17, 2017 at 12:29 pm
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            @Godlikesaliartoo
            but this means reading people’s (or characters’, in this case) lives in terms of “failure/success”, establishing such terms as the RESULT of their actions, instead of focusing on the actions themselves and the choices that lead to those actions.

            Simply put: you CAN give someone a chance to do something good; you CAN choose to help someone out who’s in a bad place – and you can do that even when it all seems in vain: this is the ‘heroic thing’ to do; what you CAN’T do, however, is to decide what this “someone” will do with that chance, with that help.

            As of right now, Luke’s life amounts to a LOT of both failures and successes – and while I’m pretty sure he still has a role to play in IX, in TLJ he goes out doing the ‘most Jedi thing’ ever shown in a SW movie: he teaches Kylo a lesson (or, rather, gives him the chance to learn a lesson), without fighting him, without stepping down to where Kylo wants to take him. And, much like Han Solo, he does this, sacrificing his life, DESPITE *everything* screaming that Kylo Ren is beyond redemption – and just as a father ready to risk everything to save his son, this is the truly heroic legacy of Luke Skywalker.

          • December 19, 2017 at 1:58 am
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            My first thought when announced new movies was that it will be in more distant future when original characters are already dead. Big surprise that the holy trinity returnet. Didn’t want to see them old. I was afraid this trilogy would fail..

          • December 17, 2017 at 7:41 am
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            I don’t feel that way at all….. I wasn’t sad…. It just… FELT RIGHT to me…. It wasn’t tragic… on his own terms….you

          • December 18, 2017 at 4:51 am
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            Well, he saved like fifteen people at least.

    • December 17, 2017 at 10:37 pm
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      I thought it was beautiful. Luke becoming one with the force. A child looking at the stars… a galaxy of optimism.

      • December 18, 2017 at 12:26 am
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        Agreed.

      • December 18, 2017 at 12:26 am
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        Agreed.

  • December 17, 2017 at 7:35 am
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    I felt nothing but happiness …. I really don’t understand why some people did not. Kinda bewildered at the hostility over this…. I just don’t get it. I was thoroughly satisfied

    • December 17, 2017 at 9:38 am
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      And I just didn’t. I don’t know why. Just didn’t feel anything, except shock, of course. Strange, huh?

    • December 17, 2017 at 10:37 am
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      I agree Darth.

    • December 17, 2017 at 11:55 am
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      The movie is excellent.

    • December 17, 2017 at 11:56 am
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      I hear you. There were so many beautiful, bold and cleverly crafted parts to the film… and man that that third act. wow.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:07 pm
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      Same here. TLJ seems like a real crowd pleaser.

  • December 17, 2017 at 10:34 am
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    Seriously, I’ve never seen a fan base hate their fandom as much as Star Wars fans. If they’re not complaining, they aren’t happy. I don’t like special editions, prequels, spin offs, Clone Wars, Rebels, Sequels, Hasbro, EA or Battlefront or anything. Yawn… Tired of fans whining.

    • December 17, 2017 at 11:38 am
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      So what, fans must love everything in the franchise without question?

      • December 17, 2017 at 6:06 pm
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        No. But the people whining about TFA being too much like ANH are the same whining that TLJ is too different. News flash, none of the saga is perfect. Yes, even the OT. Plot holes, bad acting, bad dialogue plague the ENTIRE saga. Stop pretendin that Lucas is some flawless prophet. Go, watch, enjoy, get on with your life. People spend more time writing an op ed piece on why they hate it than the length of the movie. Do I like all Star Wars equally? Of course not. Do I feel nerd rage to tell the universe? TLJ is the second in a three part act. Put it in perspective.

    • December 17, 2017 at 2:51 pm
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      I disagree as TFA and R1 were pretty well received by the majority of the fanbase. Yes there are always people that hate everything as that’s natural. TLJ is TRULY dividing the fanbase and is deserving of that moniker because I question a lot of the decisions by RJ.

    • December 18, 2017 at 1:39 am
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      Star Wars fans are the most loyal whiners in the galaxy…

  • December 17, 2017 at 12:01 pm
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    ****small spoilers****
    The equivalent to “I am your father” of ESB is:
    “Poe: Hello
    Rey: I am Rey.
    Poe: I know.”
    She was waiting for her family, and she finnally found them in Leia, Chew, Poe, Finn, Rose, BB8, the porgs… and obviously Kylo too.
    It is funny the ending of this movie is a similar scheme to Star Wars Rebels, changing The Ghost for The Falcon.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:06 pm
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      I now ship ReyPoe. FinnPoe is dead, long live ReyPose and FinnRose

    • December 18, 2017 at 1:11 am
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      She found her “family”. I like that.

  • December 17, 2017 at 1:53 pm
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    Honestly I’m a bit surprise of what some people have said or the Rotten Tomatoes rating. I like the movie a lot. I understand some people don’t and I don’t expect everybody is going to like it, and it’s normal.
    But… the fact that it has the same rating than Attack of the Clones… AotC was a movie IMO with big problems (not talking about plot): the dialogues, the performance of some casting, the digitial effects (the best they had by then, but it was so difficult for me to “believe” in what I’m watching when everything seem cartoons) and the love story between Anakin and Padme could be develop faaar better…
    Last Jedi was a movie well done: good performance, a lot of amazing moments, good casting, good cinematography, picture, good rhythm… and a plot that it was fresh and different being Star Wars at the same time.
    Seriously as a movie it could be compare with AotC?
    Maybe I’m going to say something stupid, but I feel like some people is mixing the concept of good movie with the concept of what a plot makes you feel. In other words, maybe not the best example, but it’s like if you go to opera to watch La Boheme and you say is bad because at the end Mimi dies and you expected it to finish in other way. I think it’s wonderful that it moves in ways we didn’t expected, and the movie I think is really good.

    • December 17, 2017 at 2:37 pm
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      The Justice League Movie has a high audience score. So that tells you all you need to know about the veracity of that thing.

      • December 17, 2017 at 8:54 pm
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        you are absolutely right

  • December 17, 2017 at 2:47 pm
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    Rian Johnson should have directed a Stand-alone or just waited to direct his new Trilogy, as he is not the right man for a Skywalker Saga movie.

    This is the worst SW Saga movie because it essentially ignores most of JJ’s mystery box questions and when it does answer them, it makes no sense. Why is Luke/Anakin Lightsaber calling out to Rey if she is Random Rey? Why did they play Luke Skywalkers music in TFA when she force grabs the Lightsaber if she is Random Rey?

    Why didn’t anyone say, “I got a bad feeling….” in TLJ? Oh wait, RJ clarified it and said BB8 said it. The problem is the audience doesn’t understand BB8 unless someone interprets it!!! Every previous SW Saga movie ends in a montage and the last shot is always of a Skywalker, so how does TLJ end? With some random kid who may be able to use the force?

    This movie will stick out like a sore thumb when you watch them 1-9 because RJ wrote his own standalone story. And I haven’t touched the ridiculous plot holes like Leia flying like Superman……

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:05 pm
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      That’s not a plot hole. Leia uses the Force. Star Wars fans need to realize that not EVERY plot decision they dislike is a “plot hole”. Learn what a plot hole is.

    • December 18, 2017 at 1:04 am
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      How is leia using the force a plot hole??

      She is strong with the force. She simply “levitated” herself back to the ship.

      • December 18, 2017 at 4:50 am
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        Too bad no one told Mace Windu that Jedi could simply levitate themselves…

        • December 18, 2017 at 1:23 pm
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          There is virtually no gravitational force on a human body in outer space. She literally would have to use like one ounce of thrust to propel her back to the ship. That’s a little different than stopping your electrocuted armless body from at least 9.8m/s ^2 of acceleration towards the ground.

          • December 18, 2017 at 4:44 pm
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            stop.using,science. We don’t need any experts here !!

          • December 18, 2017 at 4:47 pm
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            Oh. My bad. Maybe she farted and that’s what propelled her back to the ship. This would also explain how she held her breath for so long. I mean princesses shouldn’t have to smell things like that, right?

    • December 18, 2017 at 1:37 am
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      As every being o the planet, when in life treathening danger our bodies (or specifically the adrenaline in our bodies) tend to mobilise all the last energy in us to overcome the obstacle with one last push. So it only makes sense that Leia’s force sensitivity responded in a similar fashion. She is a Skywalker after all, the daughter of Darth Vader. Remember how Anakin kept himself alive after being sliced and diced by obiwan and left to burn?

    • December 18, 2017 at 1:52 pm
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      Isn’t she just using a pretty low effort force pull? That’s well established as a basic force power. She’s in zero G, there’s no flying, just a small amount of force needed to send her back in.

      • December 19, 2017 at 1:49 am
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        I assume the bombers were not in zero gravity. And was there no decompression when they opened the door for Leia?

  • December 17, 2017 at 3:15 pm
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    I’m not exaggerating here but I really hated this movie. It suffered with pacing issues and as such was too long. I wanted to see TFA again as soon as I’d finished my first viewing. But I have no desire to watch TLJ again anytime soon.
    Has the whole franchise become a metaphor for debunking fan theories about new characters? Are they that desperate not to make any fan theories right that they abandon key characters or go with the lowest common denominators every time?
    The whole Luke thing is probably akin to Padme’s demise in ROTS. He didn’t die of a broken heart. What was wrong with actually taking the real Luke off Ach-To and having him save the day?
    The movie was self endulence by Johnson of the highest order. He should have been given his own standalone movie rather than a middle chapter of the main series. Big mistake!

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:10 pm
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      What are these “lowest common denominators” you refer to?

      • December 17, 2017 at 7:19 pm
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        Was referring to the Rey parentage ‘reveal’. The movie knows you’ve been waiting a couple of years to potentially find out, builds you up with the vision sequence and then just goes with the obvious: that she’s the daughter of drunk junk traders.

        • December 17, 2017 at 9:46 pm
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          The problem was it was one anticlimax / subversion after another. I don’t mind challenging known tropes… but when the whole movie does that again and again it just feel self-indulgent and undermines the whole storyline. Johnson went too far.

          • December 18, 2017 at 1:47 pm
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            I feel like this will be the thing that is most debated for the next 2 years. I’ve seen it twice and really it doesn’t feel at all unearned upon second viewing. It just makes sense for the characters to act that way, based on the story being told. But yes, it does subvert tropes. The second film in a trilogy is meant to show the hero characters failing, but rarely do we see that in the villains as well. Ultimately, the death of Snoke and Luke will be earned in the next movie. I hope we learn a bit more about where someone as powerful of Snoke came from and how he came to power and seduced Kylo – it could all make sense to learn this in 9. As for Luke, his presence will likely be important in 9 “See you around, kid.” As he says. And Rey being no one – it’s a matter of perspective. She’s not related to anyone, but that doesn’t mean she’s not The Chosen One or special in terms of the Force.

            I really, really love the debate this film has sparked. It’s not comfortable, but it’s not like it’s a poorly made film. It’s an excellently made film that we don’t all agree with. What a gift for fans to tide us over till the conclusion!

        • December 17, 2017 at 10:15 pm
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          Well… you choose to believe is the truth… I thought it was a Kylo Ren strategy… let’s wait for episode IX… and in case she is no one, I think thats much more interesting that find out that she is daugther of one or other, isn’t it?

        • December 17, 2017 at 10:36 pm
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          Way better than any other obiwan/skywalker/clone etc theories.
          She’s no one special.
          The force is for anyone. Like the kid with the broom looking at the stars.
          It’s perfect.

          • December 17, 2017 at 11:09 pm
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            That’s fine if she is Random Rey, but…..Why is Anakin/Luke Lightsaber calling out to HER in TFA? Why does Luke’s theme play when Rey force grabs the Lightsaber in TFA? Either they were messing with the fans in TFA or had no idea and RJ just made his own story for her in TLJ. This was weak storytelling and my biggest problem with the ST. I am on board with any character arc or any mystery box answer, but it has to make sense!

          • December 17, 2017 at 11:09 pm
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            That’s fine if she is Random Rey, but…..Why is Anakin/Luke Lightsaber calling out to HER in TFA? Why does Luke’s theme play when Rey force grabs the Lightsaber in TFA? Either they were messing with the fans in TFA or had no idea and RJ just made his own story for her in TLJ. This was weak storytelling and my biggest problem with the ST. I am on board with any character arc or any mystery box answer, but it has to make sense!

          • December 18, 2017 at 1:01 am
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            Because she is strong with the force. That lightsaber was “haunted” to those who could sense it.
            Sure, they’re making it up as they go. But I, for one, am Glad Rian avoid going to literally any place that was guessed at by fans. Or that JJ had in mind.
            Fans all had small ideas. Obiwan granddaughter. Luke’s daughter. Clone. Midiclorians.

            Not one person predicted this movie. Love it.

        • December 18, 2017 at 4:31 pm
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          Rey Kenobi. Rey Palpatine. LMFAO!!!!

    • December 17, 2017 at 10:32 pm
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      Nope. It was perfect. Luke didn’t want to be involved. He caused enough trouble. He became obiwan. He created another Vader. He thought he was different. Better. Nope. He’s human. And His ego and hubris got the better of him like it had to other Jedi before him so many times.
      So he pulled off one last trick. the greatest Jedi trick ever. Giving his friends another chance. Then he was done. It took everything he had. He Became one with the force.

    • December 18, 2017 at 1:32 am
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      a real luke saving the day?
      First, that would be the lamest and most predictable thing to ever happen in a Star Wars movie.
      Second, did you even listen to what he was saying to Ray? “What do you think was gonna happen? That I’m gonna walk out there with a lasersword and defeat the first order by myself?”
      That’s how shallow we Star Wars fans have become. Serve us an easy meal from McDonalds instead of something surprising and nurishing…

      • December 18, 2017 at 7:31 pm
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        Yeah that would have been about as lame as a real Han saving the day at the end of IV… how predictable!!!

    • December 18, 2017 at 7:28 pm
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      I agree with everything you’re saying except that I’m never watching Farce Awakens again. These new movies are crud

      • December 18, 2017 at 9:15 pm
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        I enjoyed it when I watched it. I deliberately bought into the hype. Time hasn’t been as kind to it – TLJ way, way more

  • December 17, 2017 at 3:55 pm
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    The delays to TFA; the toys of characters that were cut at the 11th hour; the plot that was twisted out out of proportion compared to the first drafts; the Rogue One reshoots; the Solo director sackings…. and now TLJ.
    All of this points to the fact that Disney don’t know how to handle this franchise. There is so much too-ing and fro-ing. Everyone has a basic idea of how the franchise should go. But I get the feeling that any other creative direction for TLJ would be better than what played out to me at the theatre yesterday…

  • December 17, 2017 at 4:51 pm
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    People, please be patient. Story arcs will wrap up and questions will be answered in IX. All we are is in star wars purgatory. Granted that we have been pushed out of our comfort zone more so than ever before, have faith that IX will make us look at VIII and say wow TLJ really is a great movie and was genius. Don’t believe everything you hear in TLJ.

    I will admit that after my first viewing I was stunned, lost in a fog and left speechless, but I saw it again and I’ll tell you, what a world of difference. I was able to take it all in, process, experience the emotions, yet I was able to see beyond this film and realize that the last jedi will fit perfectly in the 9 film saga. “You must embrace a larger view of the force”

    • December 17, 2017 at 6:58 pm
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      Let’s hope so! Thanks for this positive view on things!

  • December 17, 2017 at 5:00 pm
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    Why was force-projection Luke younger? And why did he have such a bad dye-job on his beard?

    • December 17, 2017 at 6:18 pm
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      He had not seen a mirror since he moved to the island

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:03 pm
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      He was younger because he wanted to look the way he did the last time Kylo saw him. That’s my theory.

    • December 17, 2017 at 7:58 pm
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      Another possible explanation – linking in with the special edition ROTJ – is that he takes a form of his previous pure self – like Anakin.

      • December 18, 2017 at 2:12 pm
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        Exactly. That’s the way I saw it.

    • December 18, 2017 at 12:56 am
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      It was as ren last saw him. It was projected in their minds. Ultimate Jedi mind trick.

      • December 18, 2017 at 2:46 am
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        That makes zero sense at all. Threepio could see him. Is Threepio connected to the force? Does Threepio have a mind?

        • December 18, 2017 at 12:04 pm
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          Everybody could see him?

        • December 18, 2017 at 4:30 pm
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          Luke knew how to look to get the most out his confrontation with Ben. DUH!

  • December 17, 2017 at 7:03 pm
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    I agree with this review so very much.

  • December 17, 2017 at 9:17 pm
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    Star Wars films are by tradition, hyped up a considerable lot by the media (and fans). So I tend not to pay a great deal of attention to anything beforehand, or the ‘ravings’ right after it comes out.

    Case in point. I was one of those who thought Episode 7 was okay, but not particularly memorable, and lacking quite a lot in the creative department.

    So I’m not in any great rush to go see it, nor am I one to care that much about spoilers.

    But my only real query is, how was Phasma handled here compared to TFA. Or was Gwendoline Christie wasted once again?

    • December 17, 2017 at 9:47 pm
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      Wasted, sadly.

      • December 18, 2017 at 12:55 am
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        Good. She was unimportant.

    • December 18, 2017 at 1:26 am
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      Phasma came a little short, but had an awesome fight scene!

      • December 18, 2017 at 7:25 pm
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        Right, she got wasted by a janitor, totally epic…

  • December 17, 2017 at 9:41 pm
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    Spoilers.
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    What is the threat now that Snoke is gone? General Hux is a laughable goon. Tarkin was threatening and sinister. None of the Imperial Officers were played for laughs. Veers, Piett, Ozzel felt like real military officers – they may not have been competent but they felt real.

    And what for Kylo Ren in IX…. the same duality, emotional outbursts…. haven’t we done all that already?

    • December 17, 2017 at 10:03 pm
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      I understand what you mean about Hux, but at the same his attitude could be even more dangerous because he is considered stupid… Although I guess the big role will still be for Kylo. Do you think he will move into redemption or he is completely lost?

      • December 17, 2017 at 10:07 pm
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        He might as well paint a target on his forehead for SuperRey to force fling a lightsaber into. The Skywalker line and name is now dead evidently.

        • December 18, 2017 at 12:56 am
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          Good. For star wars to move on the story must move on.

    • December 17, 2017 at 11:18 pm
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      This is the first time we get an evil Skywalker be literally the king of the universe. I think it’s the greatest idea to finish the trilogy of trilogies.

    • December 18, 2017 at 12:26 am
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      Hux is a nazi type scumbag that deserves to be mocked. Rian is right

      • December 18, 2017 at 1:22 am
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        But the humour undermines any threat the character represents. Imagine the same slapstick humour with Grand Moff Tarkin….

        • December 18, 2017 at 1:27 am
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          I didnt feel slapstick, the Poe`s joke in the beginning was like his in TFA to Kylo, its his style. And the Kylo’s throw is time perfect. Also Hux is totally discredited in between all lines. funny and wise

    • December 18, 2017 at 12:54 am
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      You miss every point.

      The empire was destroyed. The first order are the left-over scraps. Snoke was a left-over scrap after the empire and Vader died.

      Now ren will lead the first order. Or will he?

      Rey will try to turn him. Or will she?

      The resistance is doomed.

      Or is it?

      There is a paradigm shift.

      Finally.

      • December 18, 2017 at 1:21 am
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        That’s not a pardigm shift… it’s literally the same story as the OT. Change is fine but this isn’t really change… it’s essentially the sane story again.

        • December 18, 2017 at 2:40 am
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          No. No it isn’t.

        • December 18, 2017 at 2:40 am
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          No. No it isn’t.

          • December 18, 2017 at 7:23 pm
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            The movie ends with a “spark to light the rebellion against the first order”, how is this not a total reboot of the Empire vs rebellion cycle?

        • December 18, 2017 at 6:49 am
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          Its WORSE tho.

      • December 18, 2017 at 6:49 am
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        There is a boredom shift.

        Finally.

    • December 18, 2017 at 4:28 pm
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      Ever heard of Caligula? The psycho emperor of ancient Rome? I see a lot of parallels between Kylo and Caligula. A crazy, unhinged ruler is always scarier.

  • December 18, 2017 at 12:13 am
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    I absolutely hated the dialogue… “chrome dome” , “hope that big ass door holds” , “I’ll hold for Hux” , etc… took me right out of the Galaxy. Also hated space angel flying princess and if you wish upon a shooting star, you can become a real boy… er, I mean Jedi
    …total crap
    …can’t believe this happened. I’m so heartbroken. I loved TFA and was so excited for this…

    • December 18, 2017 at 5:14 am
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      People saying words like: snake, bastard, cops, dammit, and “I think he is tooling with you.” was out of place and character for these films

      • December 18, 2017 at 6:48 am
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        When did they say Bastard ?

        • December 18, 2017 at 10:29 am
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          I’m sure it was when Finn he shouted out to DJ after he was betrayed. Surely a better line he could have shouted was “TRAITOR!”

        • December 18, 2017 at 6:36 pm
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          Finn called DJ a Bastard

        • December 18, 2017 at 6:36 pm
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          Finn called DJ a Bastard

      • December 18, 2017 at 10:01 am
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        There actually were snakes on Dagobah in Empire. Luke moves one out of the way. So that one should get a pass.

        Just sayin’

      • December 18, 2017 at 7:09 pm
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        Thank you….
        No one else seems to be as upset about this as I am.
        Hope “Solo” fixes this pit in my stomach.

  • December 18, 2017 at 12:21 am
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    This movie is amazing, people are not getting its spiritual and almost
    anti-war message. Perfect for our present time. The force is beyond Jedi dogmas in this episode. Rian flipped all shallow creations from JJ, reseting the storyline . He took out the darkside decisions from 7 storyline, mocking them. He twisted fans exectations showing them an adult take from the character. He gave a GOT shocking like moment.He pointed the own Star Wars cinism in explore the infinity war from both sides: empire and rebels . And even that shit patricide decision from TFA , was mention giving Kylo a second chance ,that he goes on evil direction all the way. The non-reaction to fight was Luke’s style since ROJ . Leia intergalactic force moment was astonishing.

    • December 18, 2017 at 6:38 am
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      Star Wars movies should not be made for “our present time” — they should be made timeless.

      • December 18, 2017 at 1:35 pm
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        I’d say messages about the corrupting influence of greed and power, the importance of saving those you love, over destroying those you hate, of learning from your failures and accepting them, of letting go of the past, are all extremely timeless and mythic. This movie feels shockingly out of kilter on first watch, though impressive, but after seeing it again all the choices are earned and the themes resonate in the smallest details all the way through. It’s very Lucasian, in that way. Definitely not a simple crowd pleaser, like VII, but that’s as it should be at this point in the story.

        • December 18, 2017 at 3:56 pm
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          I think that’s probably why I was disappointed. Star Wars has always been a form of escapism for me. I don’t want to be lectured about real-world issues (or the personal views Rian Johnson feels we need to be indoctrinated in). That’s what I pay my money to forget about for 2 hours! Any moral messages in previous Star Wars films were far more subtle and not so in-your-face as TLJ was.

          • December 18, 2017 at 5:13 pm
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            Yeah, perhaps it is a little heavy handed. I’m generally quite happy to have ‘messages’ in my escapism. I do kinda love how ballsy this film is in that way. How bold its choices are and its use of striking symbolism. Blockbuster entertainment is not always the best venue for that stuff, but I think it can and should use it where appropriate. I’m in the camp of loving VII for it’s simple good guys vs. bad guys plot. It’s just such a great ride. VIII is a denser more ponderous movie. I will love rewatching it and discussing it. But I do hope we have a simpler, rollicking and grand episode 9. J.J. is a good bet to deliver on that. It’s pretty much his style.

    • December 18, 2017 at 6:38 am
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      You know that JJ was an executive producer for TLJ right?

    • December 18, 2017 at 12:43 pm
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      I agree completely with everything you say!

  • December 18, 2017 at 2:39 am
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    Ultimately there are little things in this movie that didnt work for me. And maybe they’ll diminish with time.
    But the BIG things. I love the big things that happened in this movie.
    Can’t wait to see it again.

  • December 18, 2017 at 5:16 am
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    Really? We waited 30+ years for two swings of a lightsaber and a matrix-style dodge? Sad. None of the setup of Force Awakens was followed through on. Snoke = wasted character. Phasma = wasted character. Luke = wasted character

    • December 18, 2017 at 6:08 am
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      Luke was pretty much more powerful than any Jedi we have ever seen.

      • December 18, 2017 at 12:40 pm
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        Snoke too. Which makes things a bit weird.

        I agree, though, that this new ‘battle meditation’ technique was over-powered in a nice and grand way so fitted for our hero!

    • December 18, 2017 at 6:17 am
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      Snoke was completely waisted but not wasted. He could even be back.

    • December 18, 2017 at 6:37 am
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      Rey’s lineage = wasted. Finn & Rose on Canto Bight = wasted.

      • December 18, 2017 at 12:01 pm
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        We all as fans made Rey’s lineage out to be a bigger deal than it ever was supposed to be so any disappointment you feel with that is on you, not on the film itself. When you go back and watch the Force Awakens closely, they make it clear that Rey is related to nobody important.

        • December 19, 2017 at 12:38 am
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          Exactly. Remember the first TFA trailer…

          > Who are you?
          > I’m no-one.

          It was in front of our faces all along.

    • December 18, 2017 at 9:21 am
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      I don’t think we have seen the last of Phasma.

      • December 18, 2017 at 12:38 pm
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        Oh no we haven’t! That’s for sure! Phasma is nowhere near dead.

        • December 19, 2017 at 6:18 am
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          I mean, i need to get her comics, but i know her arc is about survival. i LOVED seeing that naboo armor deflect Finn’s blaster shots lol. She aint done. Neither is Luke. Force Ghost Luke is on.

          • December 19, 2017 at 11:07 am
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            If you haven’t read the book yet (and I strongly recommend you to avoid this utter crap), I can tell you already that indeed, she’s all about survival.

            Also I believe that she let herself be beaten once her mask has been cracked, which is why she lost seemingly so easily.

    • December 18, 2017 at 4:06 pm
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      I agree about Snoke [unless there’s more to him] but everything else was fresh and necesary/

  • December 18, 2017 at 10:13 am
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    Totally agree with the writer.

    It was time to create a new formula, instead of following a rhyming structure (ring theory). With TFA, we saw that the orginal Star Wars magic and nostalgia could be recreated. With TLJ, we saw the first steps in creating fresh Star Wars magic. And I love it for being so surprisingly clever, effective and aesthetic.

    Lucasfilm finally democratised Star Wars. Even my wife loved it.

    • December 18, 2017 at 4:05 pm
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      One could argue this movie makes TFA look like Superman Returns.

    • December 18, 2017 at 7:17 pm
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      My wife was not impressed. This movie is for 12 years olds, which is fine if you’re 12.

  • December 18, 2017 at 10:19 am
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    I general I liked the movie. It’s not what I expected or hoped for though. I hoped to see an heroic Luke Skywalker. What I just don’t understand is why the First Order did not put 1 or 2 star destroyers, via hyperspace, right in front of the resistance. And why didn’t the resistance ships all run off in opposite directions or make a jump to hyperspace separately and to different destinations? Why does a spaceship, in the Star Wars universe need someone (Holdo) and doesn’t it have auto-pilot. They could’ve, and should have, used that ship as a weapon much earlier.

    We’ve seen a new Star Wars formula … but it’s still the same saga. Maybe they should have waited until episode X … oh well, tonight I’m going to watch it for a second time.

  • December 18, 2017 at 3:46 pm
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    My two biggest gripes:

    – They cheated Luke on a great saber duel
    – too much ill-placed humor

    • December 18, 2017 at 4:03 pm
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      Luke has had his duel about 30 years ago. New characters now.

  • December 18, 2017 at 3:47 pm
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    Do you think Luke returns in Ep. 9 and do you think they re-introduce Anakin or Kenobi ?

    I have a feeling they will.

    • December 18, 2017 at 4:02 pm
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      9 will take place years after.

      • December 19, 2017 at 11:09 am
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        I also think so. It would be the best thing (also to introduce tons of novels and comics in between).

  • December 18, 2017 at 4:47 pm
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    That’s one flyby of Kylo’s ship tho…..sound design was so good.

    • December 19, 2017 at 1:35 am
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      Sound was totally star wars, that was good.

  • December 18, 2017 at 4:50 pm
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    I get that fans dont like it, but some are missing the point of a lot of the movie on the first go round.

    Finn and Rose took a chance and ultimately failed – taking this out of the movie does affect the plot but moreover the theme of personal failure and how it is important to the collective whole. Poe demoted for a reckless decision at the beginning, so Holdo is given command. Poe does not know the escape plan so makes his move with the codebreaker. They are acting on the information they have so Finn and Rose go to that planet. It is purposefully outside the main narrative as it gives space to the story to look at the mechanics of the First Order and Resistance in a way that does not ape the originals. The flip side is Kylo’w ‘move on from the past, burn it if you must’ an unhealthy way of moving on, Rey taking the books at the end a major sign that there is riches in the past.

    It highlights the struggle of the common people under it that are repressed by the upper class who do not know a life outside of affluence. Every one is playing a part without realising. Even Finn and Rose are part of an underclass within the Resistance, fighting for their cause… However Rey’s vision she understands that she is a part of many just like her but this is her time. (it is not alternate time lines before anyone jumps in) That is the point of the echoing finger snapping and her taking part when her moment comes. This leads up to the questions she yearns for an answer for, but it also exposes her need for her parents to be special. This is the end of her childhood dreaming, and the start of her role as a leader.

    This film works for me on many levels, a few points I would like to make that I have not seen about self actualisation in the film:
    Luke became a much more realistic hero in my eyes. Flawed, and over time none of us get through unscathed…. however I particularly like that he did not leave the island to face Kylo. It was important that he did not continue to take responsibility for Kylo turning out as he did. Even if Luke made a mistake, Kylo has made his own decisions and Luke owed it to himself to forgive himself and provide Rey and the Resistance safe passage. He needed to realise that he made mistakes but that did not justify him not partaking in life. Love it, rich character development without pandering or avoiding challenging a pop culture icon.

    Rey being let down by many father figures, facing her past but closing the door on Kylo. She connected with him beside Snoke’s link but she is defining herself and her boundaries, on the way to realising her potential. Not getting Jedi training like the prequels, but really learning lessons from experience. For the most part her arc ends in the throne, but she has come to terms with her past. Her upbringing and parentage do not need to define her. Like everything with the Force users, the strength comes from within, but drawn out by teachers and mentors.

    I also look at Leia’s space trip as a bit silly in execution but I do think she was supposed to look like a celestial being who like the other key Jedis will move on to another form when she has completed her purpose. I do think it is important to Rey’s story that she has role models within the story, but learns that she needs to stop blaming/fantasising mentors when they are not available. Leia is a survivor and I think it would have made more sense to the celestial being to give herself up to the Force as Luke did once she had helped the Resistance out of the cave.

    Which brings me to one of the key themes that was missed on many critics and fans but this story is about growing up and taking responsibility for yourself. It is empowering, and we never really do it when we can look to our parents for definition. Rey even does it when she doesnt know who she is, Luke gets arrogant when he takes his parentage as entitlement. Self sacrifice, not giving up despite many failures and most prominent, not losing hope when help from other parties is not forthcoming. The past does not define us, it does not define this film. We are alive and engaged, we need to choose wisely the people we keep as friends and mentors, and we are not responsible for their actions.

  • December 18, 2017 at 9:56 pm
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    The author is obviously living in denial. He can’t fathom the rape he has witnessed.

    • December 19, 2017 at 1:34 am
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      that word “rape” is not the word to describe the movie, but I agree with the rest of your opinion.

  • December 19, 2017 at 1:58 am
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    I know this movie pisses us, the old-school fans, off. But consider this:

    Millennials are the most cynical people ever. They do NOT look up to anyone, real or imagined, and they LOVE to dissect and deconstruct heroes and stories. They love to tear things apart online (which, admittedly, we are all doing to Episode 8) and they don’t understand hero worship.

    So the fact that this film (and TFA) takes classic heroes and turns them into broken-down losers isn’t bad to them. I’d be willing to guarantee that they actually LOVE that idea. I’m sure they LOVE the idea that some old characters turn out to be losers while the young are awesome and uber-competent. Trust me, I teach millennials and work with them every day. They HATE the idea of experts, heroes and elites. So the idea that Rey is perfect and comes from nothing probably really resonates with them.

    I am so disappointed in this film but I’m pretty sure that young people probably really love it. If Disney learned anything, it’s to do MORE of this shit. I’m guessing that Lando and Chewie die in the next film (after we learn that Lando is some kind of loser) and in 5 years we’ll get an Episode 10 that features none of the original cast, is sopping with snark and wacky, wacky comedy and completely subverts whatever is left of the OT’s mythology.

    • December 19, 2017 at 11:27 am
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      That’s a fun analysis. I agree that deconstructing heroes is very much something millenial, although it has been there since the eighties.

      I think the OT was fun and had some comic moments but the overall tone was very much serious. What was at stake, the moral implications of every character decision, it was not light at all.

      Then the PT came (which I grew up with) and it was still more serious, almost hieratic at times, with all the Old Republic decorum and the strict rules of the Jedi Council. There were very few humorous tones and most of them felt a bit out of place (especially, the jokes between Anakin and Obi-Wan in II and III); as for Jar-Jar, the fact that no one pays attention to all his silliness indicates that this world is very much focused on serious matters. Law. Institutions. Traditions. The buffoon is all the more crucial in the extent that he does not bring anyone in his wake. Everyone remains completely stoic, if not a bit pissed off. Also, the “I’ve got a bad feeling about this” of TPM is the most grave an serious of all the saga.

      And people hated the prequels (which I don’t). So, when it came to make new movies, people think: why did the prequels stir up so much hate? What was missing from the OT? Sympathetic young and naive characters. Humor. But they forgot in the process that Star Wars is also about gravity and seriousness.

      But I feel that this movie has much more of this gravity than the previous one where no one cared a lot about anything.

    • December 19, 2017 at 11:23 pm
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      Not trying to be rude, but can I ask how old you are?

      I’m about to turn 40, so I don’t consider myself one of these reviled “Millennials” I hear so much about. I have to disagree emphatically about (and I’m paraphrasing here) “Millennials dissecting and deconstructing heroes and stories.” Have you seen any movie from the 1970’s, other than the original “Star Wars?” The Godfather? Chinatown? The French Connection? A Clockwork Orange? Death Wish? One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest? Deliverance? The Exorcist? Apocalypse Now? Taxi Driver? Dirty Harry? All of them feature unconventional – or as you put it – deconstructed heroes. They are all cynical movies. This is nothing new. This is not because of “The Millennials.” But that’s exactly why the original “Star Wars” was such a breath of fresh air in 1977. It wasn’t cynical. It was optimistic and fun. It changed movies forever. But that doesn’t mean “Star Wars” can’t evolve. The truth is, it has to. If you don’t evolve, you die. And personally, I don’t want to see “Star Wars” die…

  • December 19, 2017 at 10:57 pm
    Permalink

    Um, okay…

    What?

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