One of the most highly anticipated movies of the year, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was released in cinemas this weekend. Grossing over $105 million on Friday alone it has set itself as the second highest opening weekend in history.
One of the most highly anticipated movies of the year, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was released in cinemas this weekend. Grossing over $105 million on Friday alone it has set itself as the second highest opening weekend in history. With generally positive reviews of 8/10 or over from that of revered critics, it gives the appearance of being an amazing movie.
However, if you delve into the IMDB user section you will see a clear opposition to this apparently fantastic movie. This is a movie which has distinctive differences in opinions between critics and average moviegoers. Most recently, audiences have left dissatisfied and that Disney has tainted the Star Wars franchise for the worst.
Many individuals will be walking into the cinema with excitement and anticipation bubbling in their stomachs. They may even release a squeak of pure joy as the iconic opening of theatrical music and rolling credits filled the cinema. In all honesty, that will be the last positive feeling had during this two and a half hour sloppy cheese fest of a movie.
The opening scene brings forth reminiscent emotions from that of Rogue One. Self-sacrifice and a sense of honour are palpable within the first scene. Afterwards, the editing becomes so jarring, the flow is choppy at best and it becomes quickly apparent that there is no system to it. The film tries to showcase every lead character's story but it becomes far too wrapped up in the details to realise there has to be a graceful progression in the storyline.
The characters, for the most part, are decent. However, it’s clear to see the writing isn’t up to par with that of its predecessor. The dialogue is overtly cheesy and the humour is not well timed. Any form of wit is superseded by the barely tolerable not thought out response.
As a viewer, with a basic understanding of human connection, i.e. how love forms between two people, it is quite astounding and ridiculous how the connection between Finn and Rose is told. It comes from apparently nowhere and is just simply silly. There was no chemistry between the characters and it played out almost robotically between them both. Their entire storyline could have easily been missed. There was no point nor reasoning to it except to form a love triangle between Finn, Rose, and Rey.
The chemistry between Rey and Kylo Ren, however, was as electrifying as the crackle between two lightsabers hitting full force off of one another. The tension sizzled in each scene extremely well. The substance was there and you felt hope for the two of them even though you shouldn’t. Kylo in his brief moments with Rey almost became wholesome, liked if not misunderstood character. Yet, the storyline took a complete u-turn and you were left with the question: “what was the point in giving him substance to only have it taken away again?!”
The biggest disappointment, however, was the main man himself – Luke Skywalker. Not so much his character but his plot. The writers had no care or love for him. He wasn’t written with the refinement needed for such an iconic character. It left you shaking your head with a sense of bitter sadness as you were dumbfounded by the lack of respect given to Luke.
Whilst it was bittersweet to see the late and great Carrie Fisher on screen, she reprised the role of Leia Organa well. She was comforting in her wit and still a highly respected leader to the Rebels. The only complaint to make is her random source of manipulating the force? She was only ever force sensitive, why the change now?
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a disheartening mess of bad dialogue, cheesy humour, forced chemistry and choppy editing. It is truly a shame to say that this movie lost its way and thus, the true magical essence Star Wars is supposed to have. It only leaves you with a feeling of overt discontent and the question of: “why did this have to be made, this way?” It’s definitely, hard to miss the influence Disney had over this movie. It was not written with love or understanding of the iconic characters. It was made only to make money. A truly sad reality.