Episode VIII marks the much awaited full return of Luke Skywalker (Hamill) to the new sequel series. Hooked onto sci-fi since I beheld the deserts of Tatooine, I still don't love VIII, even though teenagers rave about it, but it was better than Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
Fortunately, J. J. Abrams is limited to executive producer, instead of writing and directing as in The Force Awakens. Abrams is not even good for the new Star Trek, as I mentioned before. Rian Johnson directs this one, from the well-acclaimed Looper; better but still not the right cut. I started confused again, as in VII, noting more gaps in the Prologue. It read that the First Order is now as powerful as the previous Empire and the Resistance is more overwhelmed than ever. Didn't the First Order's planet killer just get blown up and their champion Kylo Ren (Driver) was out dueled by amateur Rey (Daisy Ridley) in Episode VII? Also, the restored humor descends into corny levels from the outstart.
This film is best rated on its disappointing movie form: it's really about Luke and his nemesis Kylo Ren. Luke's development sucks while Ren's peaks. Luke went on anti-Jedi rants? Ghost of Yoda appears, treating Luke like a total novice again. Luke throws his light saber away!!! We waited all these years for this tomfoolery?? Kylo Ren was the real centerpiece!?! Ren continues to display his struggles with the Force, having to prove anew that he is Sith enough. Ren deals with Luke, Rey, and even his own Supreme Leader (Andy Serkis). Rey's development is the worst, as the elephant in the room. We know the rest of the series depends on her, but casts her aside to make room for more subplots to make it the longest Star Wars flick ever. As if begrudging this, Rey loses it and raises a light saber against Luke. Yet, the twists and turns, and the swan song performance of Carrie Fisher as Leia keeps it worth reviewing.
George Lucas, ...how could you go on TV and give VIII your blessing??? The ending was anticlimactic and unStar Wars-like. Of course, Luke battles Ren. Although, Force wielders always act within the realms of the physical, these act like DC Comic heroes. The much expected battle was a nothing burger. Luke's fate is unlike any other Jedis'. Another embarrassing episode of this trilogy, but I move it up to the Winning 35 yd. Line, due to improvements since Episode VII. Only Star Wars: Rogue One has recaptured the flash of the original Star Wars for me.
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