Saw it today, and in light of what I want to say, Ill just post it in here.
Loved it. Genuinely enjoyed myself, with a stupid grin on my face multiple times. I had already been spoiled, so I went in expecting the worst.
All the risks paid off. Everything with Luke, Ben and Rey was spot on. I liked Lukes chracter.
Performances across the board were great, and I felt Daisy Ridley has obviously grown as an actress. Adam Driver continues to be immerse, and Kylo is once again my favourite character in this new generation.
I was braced for Leias space flight, but didnt find it too bad. Bit weird, but I was more indifferent than repulsed.
The biggest downer I can give the film is what it neglected to show us. Who was Snoke? How did he manage to consolidate the remaining forces of the Empire?
Whilst it worked to have Luke how he was, a part of me is sad we havent, and probably wont, see a peak Luke Skywalker. His arc in this film was satisfying though, and liked how it ended. He WILL be in IX, I dont doubt it.
I also really enjoyed Poes arc. From hot-headed and careless, to growing into a leader. Theres a look Leia gives that shows that Poe will be the leader the Resistance needs. Much improved importance over TFA.
Finn and Rose...I enjoyed their part, and whilst I liked what it highlighted about the galaxy at large, it was largely throwaway. Rose was more compelling than Finn, believing in what she was fighting for and wanting her sisters death to be meaningful. Canto Bight was a great insight into a part of the galaxy that weve never seen, but has obviously always existed. Theres a part of me that almost LIKES the fact that Finn and Roses plan was meaningless. It showcases that not every thing goes to plan ultimately.
I was also braced for the humor to be awful and cringeworthy, but actually I laughed when I was meant to and didnt find any of it cheesey. Totally subjective obviously.
The BEST thing about the film though, is how it handles the idea of the Force and also the legends of the galaxy. Ive long been a believer that the Jedi were flawed, and that the series could do with highlighting how the Force isnt uniquely attributed to the Jedi or the Sith. Youre not powerful or skilled just because youve had training, and thats a notion I can get behind. Reys story is more compelling than Lukes; theres no destiny attributed to her, no bespoke bloodline to ride upon. Theres something fluid about her that I really like. That juxtaposes brilliantly with Kylo IMO.
I also loved Lukes sacrifice. Very Obi-Wan, stalling and distracting to allow friends to escape. He became a symbol of defiance and strength when the Resistance needed it. Cowering, expecting deaths embrace, and a lone figure walks out with his head held high. Awesome. I teared up when Luke watched the sun, finally at peace and at one with the Force.
Cant possibly rank it yet, need to digest it, see it again.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I CANNOT understand people claiming its the end of the series or the worst Star Wars ever. Its EASILY better than four of the main films IMO.