The end of a storyline. Finally, with nine films completing a family’s story from birth to the death of a bloodline. Yet, it’s potential will forever be lost.  

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was rumored in a leak after the film was released to be named Duel of Fates which I probably would’ve appreciated more than the current title but I’m jumping ahead a little.  

Did I enjoy the Rise of Skywalker? As a Star Wars fan, yes, I did. However, I only went to watch the movie because I felt obligated to finish the saga I fell in love with since I was a toddler. Despite my fandom, I still must admit that it was only satisfactory. The special effects were great, but the story almost feels lazy in a way.   

I’m sure a lot of the reader right now is saying, “You think you could do any better?” To that I’ll say that I could pick out random Star Wars fans and they would probably make a better film given the right resources. Is it the actors’ fault? No. They worked with what they had, and they did a great job portraying the characters. Is it the director’s fault? He can only go by the blueprint. I would say the problem is in the story and some of the writing. 

My major complaint is the story. The Force Awakens was okay. The problem I did have was the fact that Rey, an untrained person took down a (I would call him) a Sith who slaughtered the New Jedi Order who was trained by Luke Skywalker himself. Fighting with a staff and a single blade is different and the tactics must be approached in certain ways to obtain victory. I wish they’d explain more of how she learned the mind trick to which I don’t have too much to say about. In this film, she also went into training with Leia so when she fought Kylo Ren in the numerous duels, I could see how she held her own though I feel something a bit strange about the distraction yet it’s a fight. You take every chance you get in a fight for your life.  

The fact that they couldn’t come up with a new villain either or continue with the villains that we’ve seen in the last two films is annoying. Don’t get me wrong, I respect Palpatine’s character. I’m not a fan of him but he is a great fighter and the most powerful Sith Lord in galactic history I’d argue even in the Legends continuity. Most powerful but not invincible I should add. How he’d survive his ‘death’ in Return of the Jedi would not make too much sense. Even though it may be explained in The Mandalorian I’m still not going to be convinced because he was thrown down a reactor, burnt with fire, then the Second Death Star blew up. Although, for those who’ve played the campaign of Battlefront II the Emperor was shown so I must give them some points for continuity. As with my problem with the whole franchise now however, they recycle the same eras and stories. It’s redundant and gets boring.  

Regarding the pacing of the film, I agree that it was a bit too fast. However, J.J. Abrams did not have a lot of time as he was being rushed to create the best product he could.  

Some of the characters lines felt a bit redundant trying to get a laugh out of the audience. I don’t know if I was the only one thinking “How have they not been shot yet?” My brother was hoping that Finn would die because he dislikes the actor. Neither of our wishes were granted.  

Speaking of deaths, Leia’s death was predicted however, it was lame as Luke’s. However, I can’t give too much flak because Carrie Fisher passed away so they did what they could. Palpatine’s death didn’t make too much sense to me after a while but when I thought about it more, Mace Windu did the same to Sidious in his office. So, it’s fair.  

I did appreciate their expansion on some powers such as Force healing though I never remembered anything about transferring life energy. The Force Storm was, okay. I did like the show of power, but I didn’t see it as too threatening. Sure, the ships were falling but it would have been more intimidating if they start having blowouts. Then again, lightning is just electricity.  

There was also planet destroying weapons on all the Star Destroyers and a Sith cult worshipping Palpatine which I was wondering, what? Then the narrating what Rey would do to take the place of Palpatine was overdoing it.  

Those are my main gripes about the film. I appreciate some things but didn’t like most things. Since I’m a fan, I’ll be discussing more Star Wars related topics and how they can improve the story of these films. TV show wise they seem to be doing alright. Don’t forget to leave a comment explaining what you thought of the film. May the Force be with you.