(I will give a more in depth review a week from now after further viewings.)
NO SPOILERS.
Not even innuendos, because no matter how vague I think I may be, I'm sure someone will pick up on it.
I was very fortunate to count myself as one of those who got to see an early viewing, and am very thankful to the kind and dear friend who got me the ticket. Truly, I owe you a lot and remain moved by your loving gesture.
As anyone who has read my posts here knows I am a fan of Star Wars in every sense of the word, but given that, I still am not blind to the fact that some of what has come before were ... let’s say they were not as beloved as the Original Trilogy.
What I am trying to say is that I can be critical when it counts. Do we not hold friends and loved ones to task when it is called for?
THE REVIEW
The audience I went with comprised mostly media and film industry folks. You will be hard pressed to find a more jaded group of scum and villainy anywhere.
I am fairly sure there were more than a few skeptics among the viewers.
Then the lights dimmed, the familiar music filled the room, the opening crawl started.
And there I was surrounded by some 800 adults wearing expensive evening attire who despite themselves managed to reconnect with their wide eyed, opened mouthed, popcorn eating 6 year old selves again.
There were many a loud cheers throughout the whole film, there were a few "full applause" moments and those were well within the first hour alone.
I shed many a tear, and more than a handful of adults next to me did the same.
Why?
Simply put, because after many a decades of going to see Star Wars films, we once more, can look up on the silver screen and proclaim,
This IS A STAR WARS FILM!
By the first few minutes of celluloid alone it is beautifully clear, JJ Abrams and his team have created a fitting end to our multi-generation’s Space Opera that is compelling, exciting and larger than life.
We live in the days where we can finally and proudly claim we once again have a movie that is well worthy an heir to the Originals.
There can be no doubt JJ Abrams made a film for the fans, and there maybe those who decry this story beats as simple fan service. Well butter my popcorn and tip of my root beer because that’s what I’m here for.
For those wondering, I can say that many unanswered questions (and even derisive complaints) are addressed in the narrative. Certain issues that may have been wrought by the last film are tempered and smoothed out.
The first half of the film may seem a little jarring, the pacing of the story is a blitz and more rapid than a supped up speeder bike.
Scene cuts to another scene and Abrams & company assume the audience can keep up with the story twists and controversial turns, giving the viewers what they want right when they want it, at times BEFORE the audience realizes they wanted it.
Of course Carrie/Leia is honored, and C3PO gets a story arc, the new leads get to shine.
There is more than enough parts nostalgia, emotional investment for the characters and good natured humor thrown in the film experience help let you escape to a Galaxy far, far away.
As fans, we owe John Williams a Life Debt. The musical score is BEAUTIFUL. I could watch the whole movie sans dialogue and still be awestruck at the grandeur of the compositions. John Williams unequivocally remains the uncontested Jedi Master. He gets my vote for the first human we clone.
There are some DEEP cuts in the film, I am happy to say that some Legends material are once again Canon, some dealing with The Force, the Jedi and the Sith.
Was it as good as The Empire Strikes Back?
Oh come on you scruffy looking nerf herder!
In a New York minute see if you can name me five pieces of art as profound and memorable as Episode V.
MY Imperial ADVICE BEFORE YOU WATCH THE MOVIE
Avoid the rampant spoilers and naysayers, butter the popcorn, wear comfy clothes, hit the restroom, the sit down and SMILE.
No need to be skeptical or have low expectations, leave your life's worries behind for two hours, and invite your six your old self along for the ride.
Be a kid again.
You owe it to yourself. Meet the movie half way, the movie will Wookiee charge to meet you.
The Rise of Skywalker is deserving successor of the all three Trilogies.
Thank you George Lucas, Thank you JJ, Thank you Mark, Harrison and all the rest.
We miss you Peter, Kenny, and Carrie!
Thank you all for making me a fan of the Saga.
I’m going to find baby Yoda, I need a hug.
