This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
Serge The Movie Guy’s review published on Letterboxd:
This review may contain spoilers.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Directed by Rian Johnson.
Starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, and Benicio del Toro.
VIEWED IN 3D.
*SPOILERS*
"Strike me down in anger and I'll always be with you."
I had to see this film again. I was certain I was overhyping it. I needed to know if it's as great as it set out to be or if it's actually just an okay film. The difference from watching this a week ago was that there was only 3 other people in the auditorium with me. I had a chance this time around to really look at the film for what it is.
The 3D effects were also very nice. It might have also been a 4K projection this time around but I can't be certain.
After watching this again I realized something important: I love this film.
I was originally going to bring this rating down but after watching it again I realized that this deserves the full 5-stars. It's funny, I actually enjoyed it a hell of a lot more this time around than the first.
Director Rian Johnson has created one of the best films of the year and one of the best Star Wars films ever.
Let's talk about spoilers.
-I think Snoke is a fascinating villain and Andy Serkis does a perfect job at portraying him. I can't even tell he's CGI. It looks like he's actually standing there in the flesh.
Then he just gets killed. Don't get me wrong, the way he was killed off was perfect. Having him being split in half by his apprentice put a big smile on my face. I just expected Snoke to be similar to the emperor in the sense that he's watching over Kylo throughout all 3 films. You can tell just by looking at Snoke's face that there's a story to his character. I want to know what that story is. Perhaps it'll come up in Episode 9 but it'll most likely be written in an upcoming novel. I don't know, I would have preferred his story being shown on film. None the less, now we have Kylo Ren unleashed. Nothing's holding him back now. I'm excited to see where they take his character because Adam Driver was made for that role.
-Some people have complained about what they can do with the force in this film. Honestly, I don't care. It's a movie so they can literally do whatever they want. I thought the things they added to the force were kind of small so it doesn't bother me that much.
-Finn and Roses adventure is where the film kind of slows down for me. However, this time around, I found myself actually being okay with their journey. I don't know what it was exactly but I didn't hate the casino planet as much as I did the first time around. Granted, I think there should have been a better way at telling the story, because the whole animal abuse plot really is out of nowhere. I was actually a little entertained this time around. It still does feel a bit like Attack of the Clones, but not as bad.
-Another thing involving Finn and Rose. Was it a love journey between them or a journey of bravery for each of them? Okay, I'm probably thinking too hard but I just can't see Rose and Finn going anywhere with their relationship. Maybe she'll fall for someone else in the next film. Shit, I don't know. Great performances, questionable where the studio takes the characters.
-By the way, I had a stupid fan theory that Poe is Rey's sister but ultimately I realized it didn't make sense. Anyone have any theories for the next film?
-HOLY SHIT, Yoda shows up! That put a giant smile on my face. I heard rumors he was going to be in TFA but I had no idea he'd be in this. It was so great to hear Frank Oz's voice again as this character. He looked incredibly realistic, especially since he's a force ghost (or whatever the correct name is).
-Luke at the end fighting Kylo Ren was great. There are details I noticed that showed Luke was a force apparition the whole time which didn't register with me on first watch. Like I knew what happened when he's walking and there's no salt footprints but my brain just told me 'he's using the force'. The details on second viewing were so much in my face yet I couldn't even see it. Great direction during those scenes.
-The opening action scene was great. This film had some of the best action scenes of any Star Wars film. Rey & Kylo vs Snokes guards was probably my favorite fight scene in the movie. So much style & brutality, I love it.
One thing though that bugged me on the opening battle. When the girl was releasing the bombs, was there a gravity shield so she could breathe? Maybe I missed or it's discussed in the making of the film somewhere. If I missed something in that scene, please tell me.
-John Williams' score, while it isn't my favorite, is really damn great and deserves an Oscar nomination.
-The Visuals were perfect. If Blade Runner 2049 hadn't come out, this would most likely win Best Visual Effects. Oh wait, War for the Planet of the Apes also came out. Never mind.
-After a second viewing, I really appreciate how there's nothing special about Rey's parents. I just love the idea that greatness can come from nothing.
-Mark Hamill is Luke Skywalker and he will always be my favorite character. The sunset at the end with the music playing is enough to put tears in my eyes. You can rest now Luke. You deserve it.
-Porgs don't have a real purpose in this film but they don't annoy me at all. They honestly might be my favorite creature in the Star Wars universe. I want one. #PorgforPresident
I know this didn't cover everything, but I just had to put out some things off the top of my head.
The flaws I have with this seem to shrink with every watch. This is really starting to become my favorite film of the year if BR2049 hadn't come out.
This film has criticized praising it (rightfully so) and fans being split on it (rightfully so). This is one of those few times where I actually loved a film much more upon second viewing. A lot more emotional and engaging than I realized. I actually got chills.
First Viewing: Liked it, but was more disappointed than I'd like to admit.
Second Viewing: Loved it, realized it's everything I wanted in a Star Wars film.
I think they should start Episode 9 with Leia's funeral because I don't know how else she'll be incorporated in the story.
Rest in Peace Carrie Fisher. You'll be loved by all always.
"Godspeed Rebels."
10/10 (A+).