Star Wars: The Last Jedi : Review

Following on from The Force Awakens, Rey (Daisy Ridley – Murder on the Orient Express, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) begins her first foray into using the power that is growing within her. Setting out with the rest of the rebel team, Finn (John Boyega – The Circle), Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Poe (Oscar Isaac – Suburbicon, X-Men: Apocalypse), she seeks to enlist the help of Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill – Kingsman: The Secret Service), as evil once again peruses the alliance, and threatens the galaxy, and the dangerous Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) continues his dastardly quest of destruction.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi continues, and adds, to the latest trilogy, in the space saga. The story has the usual onslaught of space craft, and special effects, but at its heart there is a story. The film is also a lot funnier in several scenes, than one would expect. But do see it in a cinema with a decent screen. Still, all too many cinemas in South Africa have screens that are not aligned correctly, and that are way too dark. The cinematics of the film would be spoiled, and lost, on these many sub-standard setups.

As the title imparts, there is a nagging question as to whether the Jedi are at an end. Following the main saga’s previous instalment, the galaxy has all but lost these noble knights of The Force. Is Luke the last Jedi? Are there others? What of Rey? The musings of The Last Jedi’s plot, and ultimate goal of The Empire.

While fans will flock to the film, and it is indeed thoroughly enjoyable, audience members with a bit of discerning taste might feel there is a little something missing from this latest outing. One might wonder exactly what this is, but it feels as if the story and characters lack a little substance, that little extra that makes Star Wars some of the most anticipated releases of a year, and have some of cinemas greatest moments, in those films. The introduction of Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran), as another important member of the rebel group, does go a long way to quell this feeling, but just a little more development, and story insight would likely have been welcomed.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens 15 December 2017 in South African cinemas, with a handful of screenings on the 14 at places such as the 4DX.

A fun, enjoyable film, and one that continues a great story that is massively relatable, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is set to be one of the festive season’s biggest hits.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb