Review by: John M. Delia, Jr.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the beginning come full circle. After 42 years the Lucas Films brings the saga to a conclusion in this awesome finale. And like in 1977 when it all began, the exploits still amaze. The space adventure phenomena continues the same credo, “everyone seeks the belief that good will always triumph over evilâ€. Bringing in a new set of heroes that are fighting for the same causes as their predecessors, carries on the belief that what is right will always prevail in the end.
With a successful and devastating defense by the Empire First Order, the resistance needs to regroup to somehow finally defeat them. General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) is desperately looking for a way to defeat the Dark Side and is also trying to help Rey (Daisy Ridley) complete her Jedi training. Searching for answers, Leia knows that she still has a big part in the final outcome and her decisions may risk her life. But she also knows it will save the souls of many. Rey could also be the key to the resistance’s chances for victory, but her importance will depend on other key fighters.
With the demise of supreme leader Snoke (Andy Serkis), Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) has now assumed the position of supreme leader and has reorganized the First Order to seek and destroy the resistance. Understanding the powers Rey now possess, Kylo knows the key to their victory is forcing Rey to turn to the Dark Side and join him on the throne.
The resistance now needs heroes more than ever. With Rey’s friends becoming strong leaders, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) ex-fighter pilot, Finn (John Boyega) ex-Stormtrooper, Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), R2-D2 (Jimmy Vee), BB-8 (Dave Chapman), and now Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), must locate and find a way to destroy the one important element that the First Order has planned against them.
Director and writer J.J. Abrams does a magnificent job with the storyline just like he did in the previous two installments. He develops the characters, settings, and overall atmosphere to make this outstanding production come alive. His impressive resume of successful films is definitely shown in the making of this soon to be epic classic. The impressive blending of archive footage for Leia looks so real it seems as if her spirit is still alive in this one last effort to win the key battle. As always the special effects are state of the art and make this science fiction world truly seem realistic. With an outstanding performance by all the actors, this might be the best conclusion to the sci-fi fantasy tale we all grew up with.
Looking back at the successful history of the remarkable story telling and the many new television spin offs that are now appearing, makes it kind of sad to see this movie legacy come to a close. The good news is it definitely goes out with a bang that we will all remember. Every twist and turn created in the Star Wars legendary tales over the years that have now be revealed by the writers, directors, producers, and actors, show the true winner will always prevail.
I recommend that Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker needs to be seen in the theater and the best way to see this film is in IMAX or Dolby Digital.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the excellent storyline, the CGI seamless special effects, and an extraordinary conclusion. 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars
Additional Film Information
Cast: Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, Keri Russell, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Jimmy Vee, and Anthony Daniels.
Directed and written by: J. J. Abrams
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action.
Running Time: 2 hours and 21 minutes
Release Date: Â December 20, 2019
Distributed By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release In: Standard, Dolby Vision, D-Cinema, Dolby Digital, IMAX, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Surround.