“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” was released in theatres on Dec. 19. The episode marks the end of the new trilogy, which began with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in 2015. Photo fair use of Disney
While by no means perfect, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is a thrilling, entertaining and fitting end to the Skywalker saga.
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” the final entry in Disney’s sequel-trilogy, was released in theatres on Dec. 19. The movie not only puts an end to the new storyline that began in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” but also recontextualizes the previous two trilogies to some extent.
The film follows Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as they lead the Resistance in combating the resurgence of the First Order with Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) as its Supreme Leader following the death of Emperor Snoke. As Finn and Poe work to hold the rebels together, Rey confronts her darker side as she attempts to hold firm to the Jedi way. In the ensuing narrative, old and new characters alike reunite to battle over the fate of the galaxy one last time.
With strong visuals, an engaging, although somewhat predictable story and great acting from Ridley and Driver, The Rise of Skywalker captures the initial Star Wars magic that made the original trilogy compelling. While it will fail to please every fan, director J.J. Abrams tells an exciting story that builds off of the previously-established lore of the series. Likewise, while larger critics might wrongly deride this latest entry as a cynical, fan-baiting cash-grab, the tale at its core is undoubtedly an entertaining one.
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” ends the saga with a bang. While it may not abide by the genre-subverting likeness of every critic or fan, it takes viewers back to that galaxy far, far away for a welcome ride. Its redemptive focus further develops several of its characters and makes for an engrossing sci-fi movie.
