Deron Generally
Deron Generally
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Lucasfilm/ Walt Disney Pictures
Written by Chris Terrio and JJ Abrams
Directed by JJ Abrams
Starring: Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Kerri Russell, Kelly Marie Tran, Billy Dee Williams, Ian McDiarmid, Lupita Nyong’o, Richard E Grant, Naomi Ackie, Anthony Daniels and Joonas Suotamo
Rated PG-13
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron’s journey continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle commences.
With this entry into the Star Wars motion picture universe being touted as the end of the Skywalker saga, the filmmakers have a lot to do in the film’s 2 hours and 22 minute run time to wrap up the main conflicts of this new series of films, create a new potential series for its new stars and honor the series and its stars especially Carrie Fisher. Writers Abrams and Terrio have a lot to cover and not a lot of time to do it in so there is definitely a sense of immediacy to the tone of the film.
The immediacy is both one of this film’s strengths and its weaknesses. The strength comes from the film’s focus. This is a tight film in its plot and story. There is a specific goal to meet and a time period in which to move the story along and that helps to keep the story and action focused on the main cast. At the same time, there is a lot of story in this movie and not all of it will have a satisfactory resolution for many. What the film does satisfy is the Skywalker aspects of the Star Wars universe.
The acting is great and there is a natural sense of connection between the film leads. They have the chemistry of family members and that is one of the themes that the film returns to as Rey discovers the truth about her past and what that means to the return of Palpatine. Speaking of the former emperor, McDiarmid doesn’t miss a beat sinking back into the role of Palpatine. He is ridiculously menacing and every move he makes in the film is pitch perfect for the character. Billy Dee Williams’ return as Lando Calrissian is a welcome moment, but the speed of the plot doesn’t allow for much explanation. Still, Williams drops back into the role with ease and his smooth delivery and performance are a welcome return when the film needs it the most.
The Rise of Skywalker has some interesting twists and turns in its plot that play out well with the overall story. Abrams does some great work in the directors chair and delivers a satisfying and fun conclusion to the Skywalker saga while setting up a future for this new cast of characters.
Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker
0.00
8.9
