Star Wars: The Last Jedi

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This is it the 8th film or 2nd in the new version? I don't know or care that much, let me start by saying that I was never really a huge fan of the whole saga, I think I watched them because my parents liked them. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy the original 3 and I think I even went to the cinema to see the prequels; I was young and naive then and know a lot more now. I was impressed with JJ Abrams aim of revitalising the franchise with The Force Awakens – although that is too similar to a New Hope. But JJ did a very good job of reinvigorating the franchise, with great spectacle and brilliant special effects; all the while keeping the essence of Star Wars, introducing new characters and believable villains. I was therefore actually looking forward to the next Star Wars installment: The Last Jedi, especially to find out how the characters had progressed and finally seeing an aged Luke Skywalker (that the previous film kept promising and hyping up, but we only got a few measly minutes of him).

For me alas, The Last Jedi was disappointing. The film carries on right from where The Force Awakens left off with Luke Skywalker taking the light-sabre from Rey and then immediately throwing it behind him. This was meant to be funny, but it didn’t land for me. Why would a Jedi who was so proud now be dismissive of the power he has gained? That’s one of the things that irritated me in this film, every time there was a poignant or tense moment the levity would pull you out. The film should have had the confidence to stay in those moments and let them linger – it tried to please too many people, the nostalgic fans of the 70s/80s and a new younger audience.

I had real issues with the villains in this film. They were all pathetic, red herrings, built-up from the previous film, only to end up with a dismal and embarrassing demise. I felt there was no real serious threat throughout the film.

Although, credit where credit is due, this film does look spectacular and the special effects arebrilliant, especially the fight scene with Rey & Kylo. However, isn’t this a limp compliment? As the budget was $200 million, is this now not a prerequisite for films? With such a massive budget, we as an audience expect the films to amaze us, especially as cinema tickets are so damn expensive (mine was £14.50)? This might sound harsh but what else are we getting from it if the plot is weak – films needs to look good and dazzle us.

The Last Jedi is just a good romp and popcorn fodder. It’s a Pirates of the Caribbean type film but set in space, and like with those films that have got stale and Carry On-esq the same will happen to Star Wars – soon people won’t take them seriously. The upcoming Han Solo spin-off has had a director change; this doesn’t evoke confidence from the studio in the overall franchise. But who I am to talk, a cigar smoking movie-mogul in this Beverly Hills mansion is laughing all the way to the bank as this film just passed the $1 billion mark. I like a blockbuster like the next 9 year old but I think I should be now investing my cinema pocket money in more thought-provoking independent films.

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