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| The recently released US IMAX poster for EPISODE IX. Art by Paul Shipper. All images: Lucasfilm/Disney. |
POTENTIAL VERY MILD SPOILERS AHEAD...
Thrilling and superbly executed for the most part, The Rise of Skywalker is a very satisfying conclusion not only to the new sequel trilogy but most of the iconic saga that preceeded it. The film gets off to a great start with an exciting scene-setting title crawl and the genuinely creepy haunted house-like return of the Nosferatu-esque Palpatine, once more superbly played - with some new character facets - by Ian McDiarmid. On the other side of the galaxy, the Resistance responds, as our three main heroes and buddies - Rey, Finn and Poe, finally reunited and sparring well together, react to Palpatine's seemingly omnipotent return, getting started on an epic adventure to stop the Empire and First Order over a wide range of new planets, whilst also picking up lots of new help along the way- both capable (Naomi Ackie's Jannah and Kerri Russell as Zorri Bliss) and cute (the hilarious miniature technician Babu Frik). It's great to see John Boyega get more of the heroics pie this time out as Resistance hero Finn, whilst the arc for Daisy Ridley's Rey is well thought out and successfully closed in many ways.
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| The gang's all here. |
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| And Lando's back too! |
The return of the saga's legacy characters is equally well handled- the use of deleted footage of the the late Carrie Fisher proves remarkably integrated into the film, whilst Billy Dee Williams returns to Lando as if putting back on a familiar pair of comfortable shows- it's really great to see him. Special plaudits to for Anthony Daniels as Threepio, who has some great dialogue, despite his character (alongside Artoo) still not having enough to do in the story telling. Joonas Suotamo delivers a performance as the mighty Chewbacca that's a wonderful tribute to the late Peter Mayhew. Plus, a few surprise returning characters make great cameo appearances that will have audiences cheering with delight.
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| Adam Driver impresses as Kylo Ren, notably in the film's first half. |
As for Rey's nemesis, in dark side 'monster' Kylo Ren, Adam Driver continues to deliver a complex and satisfying character turn- his scenes with Daisy Ridley as electric as ever. But how his arc ultimately turns out will likely prove debatable with fans for years to come. In support, Richard E. Grant figures well in the film as the First Order's thinly-sketched but capable and sneery baddie Allegiant General Pryde, whilst Domnhall Gleeson has a couple of great laugh-out moments as General Hux.
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| The spirited and emotional adventure continues... |
Chris Terrio and J.J. Abrams build on what was established with The Force Awakens, and build on, yet cleverly side stepping at the same time, many of this issues that had been a thorn in the side to fans with The Last Jedi. With such an ambitious journey, a few loose ends and the odd not fully explained sequence loiter expectantly here and there, too. As for the ending... prepare for action and danger, joy and tears- one sequence in particular certainly had me leaking cheek water thanks to the marvellous and emotional performance of one specific actor. You will need a hankie or two, so be ready.
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| The Resistance makes its last stand. |
Its time has come - buckle up and get ready for the (supposed) end of the Skywalker saga. Though the Sequel Trilogy will never equal the incredible accomplishments made by George Lucas with the Original Trilogy, and there is a sense here of mild fan/box office pandering in critical storytelling decisions, EPISODE IX is certainly deserving of your time and hard-earned money, requiring at least two or three viewings to take in the hugeness of it all. May the Force Be With You always at the cinema this Holiday Season for which this film is so perfectly primed, as we equally send a hearty congratulations to J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy and Lucasfilm for their accomplishments...
With thanks to Disney UK for allowing STAR WARS AFICIONADO to attend their advance screening.
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