Like $200 million dollars worth of people this weekend, I made it to the local theater to watch the newest Star Wars. Don’t worry, no big spoilers in this one.
The Last Jedi picks right up where the last film, The Force Awakens, finished. Rey has met Luke Skywalker and wants to get trained by him to become a jedi. Kylo Ren and the New Order are chasing the final remnants of the resistance across the galaxy. The opening scenario has some similarities to Empire Strikes Back, and I had just enough time to think, “Great, here we go again, with a loose remake” when it quickly changed and went in a new direction.
To put it simply, this movie is a blast from beginning to end. It’s a long one at over 2 ½ hours, the longest Star Wars movie to date, but never did I feel like it was dragging. The film has its dramatic moments, but it is really an action film from the get go, with dazzling battles throughout its length. The epic fight at the end is fitting, and sets up well for the conclusion of the trilogy, but still, it feels like a whole film that stands on its own. I saw this one with my adult son who remarked this may be his favorite Wars film yet. Not sure I’m ready to take that step, but it is a fantastic entry and breathes fresh air into the series. Excited to see the grand finale in 2 years!
Jons Movie Takes 