To start off, let me have you sign this agreement. It pretty much states that I will not spoil anything about the latest installment in Disney's Star Wars franchise, and you can hate me for my opinion! Also I reserve the right to ignore you.
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Your Name Date
Got that all out of the way? Good. Don't expect to see to many of these, I'm not much of a "go to the theater" guy. But my work rented a theater for their employees tonight, and the stars aligned to bring us a baby sitter. Also, one last thing, keep in mind that I'm not a Star Wars fanboy. In fact, I feel like a lot of the time the series hasn't lived up to its potential. Now that you know where I'm coming from, let me say that this is a clear step up from "The Force Awakens".
It's hard for me to talk about this movie without spoilers. There's awesome fights, actual acting and character development, shirtless Kylo Ren (if I start seeing licensed axe spray with Kylo on it...), and there's explosions. Lot's and lots of explosions. Visually the movie is a treat, and not just because of Sith nipples. For the first time I actually felt like this universe was real. There is an excessive amount of care lavished on the creatures, aliens, sets, props and costumes. As far as the world building component goes, they have put the visual medium of cinema through its paces.
Also while we are ranting about the visuals, there are themes and motifs which feel purposeful. The use of darkness, light and color often tries to be directly pertinant to the story. This is not a film which only knows how to make pretty shots yet not construct a scene, (ehermm Zack Snyder *cough cough*), everything has a purpose and I'm sure the fanatics on the internet will be writing many blog, video and...cartoon essays on it.
But all is not well in the kingdom. The story starts to break down after some scrutiny. Most stories do, but this breakdown comes from what I feel are unfulfilled promises. I can list at least four characters who we were promised development, impact and purpose and they just didn't get to deliver. That's not to say the movie is terrible in the character/story department. I loved what they did with Adam Drivers Kylo Ren, Mark Hamills Luke Skywalker, Oscar Isaacs Poe Dameron and John Boyega's Finn. The actors delivered solid performances, the characters were given interesting situations to act and react in, and in general they were a joy to watch. If anything, there are too many interesting characters, so some just aren't going to get the time they deserve.
I have a couple of complaints. There are moments where it feels a little to much of Empire Strikes back. Also, one of the longstanding flaws with the magic system is revealed. Namely that there are no laws with the force. Characters can just do things with little to no explanation. But these are minor complaints. This movie isn't one of my favorite movies of all time, in fact, I'll probably forget about it in a week or so (or I would if my culture would let me). But, Star Wars The Last Jedi is a wonderful experience which I fully recommend going and seeing in theaters.
Parker Monson
P.S.: Some scenes might be a little too intense/scary for the little guys. Just be aware of how sensitive your child is and realize that it might be better for them to wait until they are like I don't know, 10 or 12?
P.P.S.: If anyone wants a spoiler review, leave a comment or something and I'll write one.
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