Friday, January 5, 2018

Movie Review Madness - Star Wars Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi has more than myth going for it. This is a movie filled with character, emotional arcs, and a real story line.  It’s exciting and rich filmmaking. I still would have cut approximately thirty minutes (yes, I realize I am not the target audience, but some of the air battle scenes go on too long.  We get it – zoom zoom, swish, and shoot)  (And there is one too many trips up and down the mountain with Luke and Rey – we get it. He’s trying to break her down. And gee – she’s persistent).  Picky, picky, I know, but that’s me being a critic.

Otherwise, Rey (Daisy Ridley) is in fine form and showing more and more power. Her confidence grows and she’s learning. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is evil, yet we get more of some emotional undercurrents.  Po, Finn, Laura Dern as a military leader – steely enough, and new Resistance worker bee – Rose – all get to rise to the occasion and be a hero.  I’m not going to delve into more plot line. Suffice to say, the Resistance is battling the First Order and the Supreme Leader Snoke. Take sides and root for winners.

And there’s Leia – the late Carrie Fisher – still in the film, still important. The filmmaking they achieved when she was alive is fabulous. She’s grand, she’s funny, and she lends gravitas. As for Luke, is he the last Jedi? Mark Hamill’s blue eyes are more vulnerable, less piercing. Older, wiser, and weary – Luke is a key to the magic.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is one to see on the big screen. I know it came out before Christmas, but if you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for? A galaxy far, far away….


16 comments:

  1. That's right - the kids have gone back to school. Go see it now!

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  2. Yes, will see it...probably big screen TV. Good to hear Carrie Fisher's appearance is as legendary as she was, and Mark Hamill's performance key to magic. No doubt another magical star wars to be continued. Thanks for review.

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    1. I'm sure it will come to your home soon enough. Enjoy

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  3. Sure a grand one to see indeed, but yeah, a little long.

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    1. glad you agree with me. But that's my complaint with a lot of films. Tighten it up, editors!

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  4. My late husband loved Star Wars, I'm sure he would have loved this film as many people including you did. Great post Joanne.

    Yvonne.

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    1. no doubt he would. And maybe there's a special screening on high, and he's hanging with Carrie Fisher! You never know.

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  5. I'm bummed they killed off Han Solo in the last one though.

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    1. amazing how folks can reappear these days in the movies

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  6. Such a great film. Glad you enjoyed it :-)

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    1. yep - The Crawford thumbs up counted for a lot.

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  7. H Joanne - at some stage I guess I'll get to see it ... I actually need to find where the local cinema is! Cheers but am glad it was fun to watch = Hilary

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    1. Yes, you always need to know where a theater is - just in case for a movie fix.

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  8. I'm so glad to hear that you thought it too long! I thought I was the only one complaining about it, phew! I totally enjoyed the film, but am with you on the tightening bit.

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  9. I haven't seen this one. I will probably wait to see it on DVD. I guess I feel like not much new can be done with the storyline, or maybe I've just grown tired of it. Glad you enjoyed it for the most part.

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