7. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
In 2019 J.J. Abrams returned to the trilogy he started, rounding out the saga with The Rise of Skywalker. Following the mixed reception for The Last Jedi, and the disappointing box office of Solo, expectation was left in a state of limbo.
Fans were undeniably excited for the finale to the saga, but hesitant to stray too close to the fire lest they get burned.
The movie released to a somewhat lukewarm reception, with many fans debating its quality in comparison to the other Sequel Trilogy movies.
Abrams attempts to play it safe by retconning the more controversial decisions from The Last Jedi, but all that does is create an experience that feels disjointed from what came before.
He should’ve been creative and built upon what was established in the last film. Instead, he rewrites the plot to fit the plan he may or may not have had whilst crafting The Force Awakens.
When Abrams does build upon it, the film really works. Abrams took the force connection shared between Rey and Kylo and developed the physical aspect of it. This pays off in a very satisfying moment when Rey passes him the lightsaber.
The biggest change J.J. made is undeniably Rey’s heritage, and it’s here that the film falls apart. Having Rey come from nowhere is considerably more compelling than being the offspring of an old Sith.
Still, it’s a joy to see the whole gang back together for the adventure, and the way they play off one another is great fun to watch.
C-3PO gets more to do here then he usually does and his funny idiosyncrasies always land. The return of Lando Calrissian is a welcome one, and Billy Dee Williams slips back into the role comfortably.
