Star Wars – The Last Jedi: The Saga Continues in the Eighth Explosive Episode

Before I can give my comments on the overall film, I feel I must address the elephant in the room first. “Star Wars – The Last Jedi” is the final appearance of actress Carrie Fisher, who tragically passed away on December 27, 2016. It’s heartbreaking to think a woman who played one of the most iconic and memorable heroines in fiction has passed away at the age of 60. Nevertheless, she will forever remain as the face of Princess Leia, and no one can ever take that away from her. Now, on to the review.

“Star Wars – The Last Jedi” takes place directly after the events of “The Force Awakens.” The empirical First Order is chasing the remnants of the Rebel Alliance with the intent of wiping them out once and for all. Meanwhile, Rey (Daisy Ridley) has finally located the legendary Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). However, the aging Jedi has little interest in training the young heroine, and even less interest in continuing the Jedi Order, having lost his faith in the Force after losing his first apprentice to the Dark Side. That very apprentice being Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), the Sith leading the attack against the Rebels out in the void of space.

With time slipping away, General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), Finn (John Boyega), and their comrades need to hold out until Rey can return with Master Luke to help turn the tide. But if Rey can’t prove to Master Luke, and herself, that she has what it takes to be a true Jedi, then the Jedi Order and Rebel Alliance will perish, along with the last beacon of hope for the galaxy.

I found the overall film to be a fun and pleasurable experience. If you’ve seen any of the previous installments and enjoyed them, then “Star Wars – The Last Jedi” will give you what you expect. I’ll admit that it may not rank up there as one of the best in the “Star Wars” filmography, but it’s certainly a good one to see. It has its funny moments, its serious moments, and plenty of action; and the film does a grand job in balancing them all. The action scenes are mixed with ship battles in space, on land, sword fights, shoot-outs, and even more creative action near the end as well. I’d comment on the special effects, but let’s be honest, it’s “Star Wars,” the series practically invented special effects.

“Star Wars – The Last Jedi” is rated

PG-13 for sequences of Sci-Fi action and violence. This is an entertaining film that kids of all ages will enjoy; family included. I would recommend giving this film a watch if only for the action scenes and special effects. As for die-hard “Star Wars” fans out there, whether or not this installment will meet your expectations is a matter of opinion. With that said, the final score for “Star Wars – The Last Jedi” is an 8 out of 10.

Marco Island resident and avid moviegoer, Matthew Mendisana is a Lynn University alumnus. While he possesses a bachelor’s degree in science, it’s the arts that attracted his attention. In his four years at Lynn, Matthew managed to achieve Magna Cum Laude status, earn three publications in the Lynn University magazine, make a short documentary featured in the university’s Film Festival, and created a radio PSA that was later broadcasted overseas.