And I read that and just thought, ‘Christ, I’m one of those people.’ It makes me feel awful.” I won't delve into spoilers, but let's just say that this 153-minute film has many powerful things to say, and it says them with cinematic splendor.“I feel so ashamed of the fact that there was actually a victim, a human victim in that,” Pegg said “I think most people were regarding Jar Jar Binks like he was a real creature and wailing on him for being annoying, or whatever, or not liking him. That's not necessarily surprising - though the irony of Disney making a deal to further their monopolistic power on the first night of this movie's release shouldn't be lost.īut "The Last Jedi" also promotes individuality against the principles established by our elders, finding your path, fighting our growing evils, and, of course, absolute resistance towards any of its conformity and normalcy. Much like the original 1977 film, it challenges fascism and tyrannical oppression. Thankfully and shockingly, however, "The Last Jedi" is not that film.
It's easy for Disney to make a crowd-pleasing blockbuster that plays it safe and stays true to tired story conventions, indulging in excessive references and cameos to familiar beats and characters. One doesn't merely watch a "Star Wars" movie they devour them. A new "Star Wars" movie isn't just your average public outing. We need hope.īut "Star Wars" is a different beast. Several of your favorites have shown themselves to be problematic this year. Natural disasters, ballistic political movements, Twitter meltdowns, sexual assault allegations, mass shootings, - it's not worth reminiscing too much. These past 12 months have produced a ruthless stream of constant sadness. That's what makes it fantastically, unexpectedly vital in 2017: the gruesome year of the never-ending dumpster fire. But best of all, this film is unabashedly democratic and vigorously relevant. Every emotional beat is both fully commanding and warmly realized. The direction is, at once, somber and spellbinding. The writing is surprisingly dense, layered, even poetic. It isn't just the best "Star Wars" movie since 1980's excellent "The Empire Strikes Back." Rather, it's the first truly really good "Star Wars" movie in over 30 years, and the first sequel to live up to the promise once laid in Lucas' grand vision since Disney's rich acquisition. "The Last Jedi" is a smart, thoughtful, thematically compelling continuation to George Lucas' groundbreaking franchise.
Abrams' charming, rousing, re-energized, and overly nostalgic contribution to the prolonged space-based saga, while also exemplifying everything eager fans to casual viewers will want to see. The newest installment builds upon Disney's massively successful "The Force Awakens," J.J. The magic of the movies is extravagantly on display in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," writer/director Rian Johnson's epic, entertaining, engrossing, invigorating, and politically conscious new sequel. The newest movie is wonderful and, in my opinion, the best "Star Wars" installment in the past 30 years. But for one special weekend, it seems like everyone pays them a joyous visit. Movie theaters have dwindled at an alarming rate. Families, friends, lovers, maybe even amicable rivals gather together to offer good cheer to their nearest chain theaters (or, hopefully, their loyal, locally-owned arthouse joints). Tickets are pre-purchased like boxed gifts. It's a time of tremendous celebration, one that rivals the holidays in its social and cultural relevance. "Star Wars" is no longer a science fantasy franchise it's a monumental annual seasonal event.