Rian Johnson delivers an emotional, thrilling, and resplendent addition to the Skywalker saga. Also Porgs.
Two years ago, J.J. Abrams returned us to the Skywalker saga. Episode VII: The Force Awakens was certainly polished with some great moments, but overly reliant on nostalgia, playing like a greatest hits album rather then anything truly new. To his credit, he did lay the ground for Rey/Ren, a new axis for this trilogy, a core that Rian Johnson takes to another level for Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. This is Star Wars no doubt, but as Abrams embraced the past putting familiar tracks on repeat, Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper) riffs off and shreds them in ways that devastate and delight, while deepening the mythology of the franchise.
Picking up immediately after the events of The Force Awakens, we find the First Order, stinging from the loss of Starkiller Base, launching a full offensive on the decimated New Republic. Their primary target is the remnants of the Resistance led by General Leia, stalking them across the galaxy, determined to extinguish their light from the Universe before they can inspire a new rebellion against their might. Meanwhile, on Ach-to, Rey has found the Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, whose embrace of solitude and rejection of the Jedi ways means her hope of him coming to the aide of the resistance and training her in the ways of the Force are dashed. As she strives to convince him of her intent, she finds a link to Kylo Ren clouding her thoughts and feelings, deepening the conflict within each of them.
“This is not going to go the way you think…” intones Luke Skywalker in the recent Last Jedi trailer. He’s half right, as while The Last Jedi does surprise, it certainly delivers plenty of what you’d expect, and want, in a Star Wars film. Breathtaking action, including some of the greatest lightsaber battles yet, superb character moments, a soaring and often moving score, and if the audience I saw it with is any example, a multitude of moments to inspire awe and cheers. It lacks the slickness of Abram’s venture, but is all the better for it. Rougher characters, flawed, from different corners of the galaxy: the unsung heroes of the Resistance, not just it’s shining lights. In this, it feels very true to George Lucas’s original vision. Good vs. evil, and the people caught in between, in a vibrant galaxy populated by colorful characters, droids, planets, ships, and yes, Porgs. Last Jedi has a a resplendent feel to it, and a richness that I’m sure will be more greatly appreciated over time.
Rian Johnson continues to embrace the unexpected, answering some questions and moves set up by The Force Awakens while gleefully tossing others aside (literally, in one case). He delivers what you want, and what you need, but still manages to make you doubt it. To instill concern in you is a rare gift in this blockbuster age. You can tell it’s written and directed by a lover of film, with homages to Westerns, samurai epics, and even crime capers, and a reminder of his indie roots with a focus on the characters. His typical shifts in tone give it a surprising sense of playfulness, and The Last Jedi is undoubtedly the funniest Star Wars film, which ends up being necessary to temper some of the bleakness and loss felt within. Physical comedy, puns, even poking fun at itself — it’s replete with laughs, mixing comedy into high-stakes drama. It does also help keep the pace, which is appreciated, as perhaps the biggest grievance here is the film’s length — clocking in at 2 hours 32 minutes. This is largely felt in the back half of the film where after building to an impressive climax (an emotional and incredibly satisfying act reminiscent of the resolution of Empire and Return of the Jedi), the film continues on. It’s a solid final act no doubt, imbued with the same gorgeous imagery and heart that came before it, but having already climaxed, the film starts to wear.
The Last Jedi does lean into this attrition, an emotional toll as well as the toll of the war being waged against the resistance. Like Rogue One, we get a better sense of the cost of war with personal losses as well as how individuals can turn the tide. The urgency of it all is aided by a compressed timescale (much of the film spans a matter of days). The core of the saga has always been the conflict between the light and the dark, and now with Rey and Ren the franchise has an intriguingly balanced duo to explore it. The symmetry between the two is handled well, each reaching out for something, or someone, both swept up by different sides. It’s a compelling rumination on the ideas of nurture vs. nature, two people wracked by conflict within and the conflict around them.
Adam Driver remains the best decision JJ Abrams and co. ever made, taking the conflict within Kylo Ren/Ben Solo to another level here. His strengthening bond with Rey is a fascinating vein explored by Johnson. Daisy Ridley is as delightful as ever, growing into her abilities, and offering a wonderful challenging counterpoint to the downtrodden Luke Skywalker. John Boyega is a gem, maintaining an expression that says “you gotta be fucking kidding me” throughout, as he’s put through the wringer time and time again. His partner in crime (literally) this time is Kelly Marie Tran as Resistance tech Rose. Her arc is a heart-swelling tale of sisterhood and finding within the strength she had all along. BB-8 is as wonderful as ever as well as his new, comedic foil BB-9E (aka BB-H8). Domnhall Gleeson is a treat hamming it up as General Hux, Benecio Del Toro’s tics thankfully don’t impose themselves on the proceedings, and Laura Dern’s Amilyn Holdo leaves you wanting more.
Much of the film belongs to Mark Hamill who digs deep to deliver his best performance as Luke Skywalker. A weary, tortured character who finds his own arc of redemption and realization, and given the chance to shine as the Jedi Master we all hoped he’d become. You get the sense that this was Hamill’s film and Episode IX would have belonged to Carrie Fisher. Still, she does stellar work here, and there is a aura around her as she embraces her role, her abilities, and her importance to the survival of the resistance. Circling back to these characters is the film’s greatest strength, offering growth, closure, and above all respect to the fates and actions of icons we’ve known for decades. The Last Jedi delivers some beautifully rewarding moments via some very smart choices by Rian Johnson, who never loses focus on the players in this epic tale.
The Last Jedi delivers breathless action, brilliant comedy, and moving drama, imbued with genuine suspense and uncertainty — both in the narrative and most importantly these characters. It’s a film that is expansive yet incredibly intimate, an exploration of conflict in all forms, instilled with a sense of rebellion, that manages to make a broom as powerful as a lightsaber. The Force is strong with this one.
Oh, and the film only mentions the Death Star once. So close, Rian!
Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits theaters on December 15th
