‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ finally hits theaters
Category: Movies
Star Wars fans have been waiting anxiously for this next installment in the franchise. Episode VIII opens December 15, 2017 and will undoubtedly be enjoyed by die-hard fans. This is a typical Star Wars story, with good vs. evil, adorable critters, droids (of course), and characters that have become Hollywood history along with some fairly new ones.
The story is a continuation from Episode VII, with Rey (Daisy Ridley) seeking out Luke Skywalker to help the resistance against the evil Supreme Leader Snoke. Luke has been in a self-imposed exile on a far-away island. In the meantime, Leia (Carrie Fisher) is commanding the resistance. Her Vice Admiral (Laura Dern) is just as intelligent and cunning as Leia, and together they make a force to be reckoned with (no pun intended).
Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) was introduced in the past episode as the son of Leia and Han Solo, and is on the path to being the new Darth Vader character. Also returning is John Boyega as Finn, a man who finds himself in situations he never expected but manages to rise to the occasions.
Ok, so what does this film have in store for audiences? It strikes all the same chords as the previous films and actually parallels the first film, Episode IV. Luke becomes an Obi-wan/Yoda to Rey, while Finn becomes the Han character who finds himself smack dab in the middle of the fight between good and evil. And yes, as stated above, there is the force and plenty of “May the force be with you” scattered throughout the film.
C-3PO, R2D2, BB-8, and Chewbacca are all part of this tale and along with Leia and Luke are the threads that connect all of the episodes. It’s definitely surreal seeing Carrie Fisher on screen a year after her untimely death. She portrays her signature character with grace and charm, along with an uncanny sense of what must be done. Unfortunately, she cannot ask Obi-Wan Kenobi for help this time. Now she is at the helm, figuratively and literally.
There are some new critters to entertain audiences, namely the Porg, who, with their sense of excitement and expressive faces, are the most endearing characters this time around. There are also some interesting crystal foxes. And even though they are man-made, the droids are also endearing and entertaining and convey emotions as well as any human.
The worst thing anyone can say about this film is it is a typical Star Wars story with no surprises. The best thing anyone can say about this film is it is a typical Star Wars story with no surprises. The story of the force continues and as characters age and die, new ones take their place. Star Wars fans will enjoy their characters and the force once again.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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