Star Wars Episode IX: Rise of Skywalker Review – Better But Not The Best.

This is a non-spoiler review for Star Wars Episode IX.

The conclusion of the Skywalker saga is finally here. After 3 movies, the fandom & critics end up somewhat divided about the story they just witnessed, & with good reason: It became more of a Disney product than Star Wars itself.

Some of the things you read about the initial Rise of Skywalker reactions are true: the movie is fun, but not thrilling. It has its share of fan service moments that maybe weren’t necessary to move the plot forward but to generate a reaction.

If you enjoy Ryan Johnson’s movie read our Knives Out review.

The movie, as any Star Wars movie, is full of stunning visuals, with top of the line effects (practical and CGI alike), making it quite a technical achievement.

On the other hand, it lacked the emotional impact needed at least throughout the first two acts where key plot points occur, largely due to the fact that many impactful scenes become inconsequential as the writers undid whatever happened just minutes after. This is also reinforced by the fact that the screenplay relies heavily on cliche & childish dialogue; Disney’s input & style is evident, & that dragged it down.

Hope has always been the running theme of Star Wars and Rise of Skywalker is no exception, but in this case, it feels like it was forced into the third act with a recycled side plot dynamic that relied on an end of the universe gimmick to destroy thousands of ships before they destroy thousands of planets. When the stakes are so high & the big scale plot formula is repeated, the emotional response of the audience starts to diminish. The stakes become unbelievable to them since they already know what will happen, as in other Episodes of the Saga.

That’s what happens when you have as many side plot characters that the writers need to involve in the climax. For instance, Finn’s presence in this movie and the last could’ve been completely wiped out, and the story would’ve been better for it. He becomes non-transcendent to the plot and becomes just a manufactured gag. The initial premise to his character in Force Awakens was excellent, but his part in the story should’ve ended there. Everything else just feels as forced inclusion.

Sometimes more closed and personal stories are enough, and this leads us to Rey’s and Kylo’s story throughout the trilogy and in this final outing.

Rey’s and Kylo’s journey is what actually holds the movie & trilogy together. The connection & chemistry between them & their actors is phenomenal. Both actually gave out standout performances but in no way worthy of an award. One can actually feel their connection and invest in their on and off team up and fights.

Rise of Skywalker also had its fair and square share of vague explanations about key plot points that relied on new powers of The Force; some felt useful and well set up, but others just lacked the background to sell it off and felt more like cheat devices as with the fact that “The Dark Side is a pathway to many abilities some would consider unnatural”. On other matters, the movie had some good pay-offs but ultimately missed some others that where laid out in previous episodes.

Veredict:

7/10: Rise of Skywalker was the best of the 3 movies in the Kylo & Rey Trilogy, but still lacked what was necessary to be on the level of many other Episodes that came beforehand.

It had a solid & satisfying conclusion to Kylo & Rey and was a stunning visual journey, packed with well-chorographed action set pieces.