Movie Review: ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ has something for everyone
It’s no secret “The Last Jedi” is a controversial film that divided the Star Wars fanbase, and I have a feeling “The Rise of Skywalker” will create an even larger divide. As a self appointed Star Wars super fan, I have to say even I came out of the movie feeling pulled in different directions, but I really enjoyed it overall. While I think everyone is going to love most of the scenes, there are a few key points in the film that may make or break it for certain people.
While there are a couple of parts I didn’t enjoy at all, I can definitely overlook them to see the film as a whole. It really is the ultimate culmination of everything Star Wars has to offer, and most importantly, it gives viewers that roller coaster ride feeling: one moment high, the next low, never sure which way it’s going to turn. I laughed one minute, then started sobbing the next. At some points I even felt conflicted as whether I was supposed to laugh or cry.
There really is something in this film for everyone: be it fans of just the films or maybe the television shows, books, comics, video games or even those few who may have never seen a Star Wars movie. Fans of the prequels and originals alike will be happy with the return of Emperor Palpatine. But the way his return is handled could’ve used a bit more explanation. Nonetheless, he and his cunning plans are back and more overdramatic than ever. And yes, we do get a resolution to who Rey is and where she’s from.
Personally, I’d like to mention a moment in the film featuring an LGBT couple. While it’s a very short moment and could be considered a “blink and you’ll miss it” situation, it really meant a lot to me to see the community represented in the film. While there have been LGBT Star Wars characters in the past, they’ve only been in the books – never seen. This moment really felt like a step in the right direction for the franchise and for the Disney company. Hopefully the Star Wars shows and upcoming non-Skywalker saga films will feature more than just background LGBT characters.
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is rated PG-13 and features all the violence any Star Wars movie has. There are no end credit scenes.
IN THE PARKS
Starting Friday, guests riding Star Tours: The Adventure Continues at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Disneyland parks in California, Tokyo, and Paris, will be able to visit new locations from “The Rise of Skywalker” including Kef Bir, (the location of the wreckage of the second Death Star) and see more new content from the movie.
Guests can also visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Taking place sometime between the events of “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker”, guests can try a glass of blue or green milk, build their own lightsaber, fly the Millennium Falcon, and even join the Rise of the Resistance in a battle against the First Order, facing Kylo Ren on his Star Destroyer. Unfortunately there was no references that we noticed to any of the events of the land in the film, but it remains the most immersive way to experience Star Wars.
For another viewpoint on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, here’s a video from our reporter Melanie Gable:
