Critique of “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019): A Movie Review

Disney and Lucasfilm faced a daunting task in ending the Skywalker Saga, the ninth installment of a series that revolutionized filmmaking, and introduced viewers to the free-wheeling space opera arcs and settings. This task carries the risk of polarizing an emotional fan base, and ending “Star Wars” in a “lukewarm way”. Despite all odds, Star Wars Rise of Skywalker is helmed and penned by J.J. Abrams. The film, which was inspired by ” Star Wars The Force Awakens“, checks off many boxes. The most important of these is that it honors George Lucas’ mythology, and the cast who have gained so much fame over the years. The finale of his film is a two-and-a half-hour tribute to the Jedis, Skywalkers and Resistance, Siths, Emperor Palpatine, and the overall lore from Lucas’ original trilogy. This most recent film is lacking in its overall narrative competence. This will always come back to the latest trilogies’ directional tug-of-war and competing philosophical approaches: A Galaxy powered by midichlorians, bloodlines, or walking back this concept to suggest that a commoner could ascend to the highest heights (think of Rey’s humble beginnings, or ” Star Wars The Last Jedi“. The latter was suggested by “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” written and directed by Rian Johnson. Abrams’ introduction and outro, however, suggest that The Chosen One really exists. The Skywalkers royal bloodline and the ever-exclusive Jedi Council are the true vehicles for success. The result is an uneven trilogy, which, although technically and visually stunning, doesn’t leave fans with “Force balance”. Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron continue to inspire and build the Resistance. Rey is in Jedi training while Finn and Poe are patrolling the Galaxy. Rey is forced to search for a Sith “wayfinder” when rumors spread that Palpatine, the long-dead former Emperor (Ian McDiarmid from “The Lost City of Z), has returned in order to rebuild the Empire. This search takes her all over the Galaxy, and even into conflict with Kylo (Adam Driver from “Marriage story“), the new Supreme leader of the First Order. Both use the Force in a brutal battle between good and evil. While General Leia Organa, played by Carrie Fisher, continues to fight the First Order with the help of Rey, Poe, Finn and Han Solo’s ex-copilot Chewbacca, (Joonas Suotamo), droids R2-D2, C-3PO, (Anthony Daniels), and BB-8. The group decides to follow Rey’s Jedi mission, which is to track down the Emperor in the hidden planet Exegol. Along the way they face off against a former Jedi Hunter named Ochi, Allegiant General Pryde’s growing fanaticism (Richard E. Grant from “Can you ever forgive me?“), and Kylo’s plot to seize the Sith throne with a “bride of the Dark Side”. Star Wars Rise of Skywalker is a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat (if not a smooth one). It takes place aboard the Falcon with this likeable group, and they attempt to fight the underground Sith Fleet. Rey also has to face her past, in a confrontation that she knew would happen. Most fans of “Star Wars”, a franchise that has been around for decades, will appreciate the grandeur and scale of any film in the series — Star Wars Rise of Skywalker. Abrams maintains a tight grip on his film, including the narrative risk. However, he offers fans a look at “Star Wars’ past by adding a few peripheral characters. These characters are able to make viewers smile and populate this vast film universe. The performances of Ridley Driver are even better as they grapple with their shared ambitions, past and dueling lightabers. The core of the acting is good, and it’s complemented by Dan Mindel’s vibrant lens, John Williams’ powerful score, and Maryann Brandon’s and Stefan Grube’s capable editing. If Star Wars Rise of Skywalker left a short-term legacy it was that of a film ambitiously paying respect to its fans while guiding a brand new trio – very similar to Luke Leia Han – to scrolls of Jedi texts and history. Abrams quickly returned the Force to its familiar surroundings, namely Imperial cruisers. Resistance XWings. And Force-spirit knowledge. It remains to be determined how Star Wars Rise of Skywalker is interpreted in the future. Let’s celebrate the impact and work of the Skywalker saga. This franchise will always be a part of the Force.