New to On Demand: Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM All Rights Reserved

Long ago in a galaxy far, far, away I was a young boy who was introduced to the Star Wars saga. As a boy, I didn’t care that we started in the middle of the story, I was just overjoyed to see a unbelievable set of characters appear in front of me on a screen. Through the years, I have experienced the magic of the Star Wars films on giant screens and waited, like most, very patiently to see where the universe took us with each new film. I’m happy to say that the latest installment, Star Wars: The Last Jedi takes us to a place that won’t soon be forgotten.

I think it’s important to delve into my love for Star Wars a bit before my review so that you know the perspective that I bring to the table. I started reviewing films only a few years before The Phantom Menace showed up in theaters. I was hungry for a new film and gushed about it, even though, in retrospect that was the fanboy in me talking.

As a veteran of the movie review game by the time The Force Awakens came down the road, I found myself more guarded in my review of the newest film in the franchise. I was harsh on parts of it, only because I expected a lot when I sat in the darkened theater to experience my youth reborn onscreen. Although I may have been incredibly critical of the film, I still liked it, but wanted even more. Rogue One helped, but again it felt more like an action film and less like a Star Wars movie.

That brings us up to date. Sitting down there was a nervous anticipation, but the mood was quickly lightened as the film has some well-placed comedic moments from the start. As Poe (Oscar Isaac) is trying to make contact with the Empire’s ship, we immediately realize that director Rian Johnson is going to have some fun with us. And that is wonderful.

I really hate to give too much away about the plot as you deserve to view the film’s twists and turns in the same unblemished manner that I did, so I’ll be careful here. Rey (Daisy Ridley) has met with Luke (Mark Hamill) in an effort to get him to return to fight with the Rebels. And Luke is a bit resistant as he has exiled himself to a faraway island in an attempt to leave his old life behind. Of course there is a reason for that, but I’m not going to tell you what it is.

Meanwhile Leia (Carrie Fisher), Poe, Finn (John Boyega) and Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) are doing their best to prevent an all-out attack and annihilation by the Empire. To keep the Rebel alliance whole, they must travel to other planets and encounter a number of new people and creatures if they are to succeed. Oh, by the way, I won’t tell you if that works or not, either.

There are essentially two main stories storylines running concurrently in Star Wars: The Last Jedi; one features Rey and Luke while the other is pretty much the remainder of the cast. Both are merged together before we are done, and both are well executed.

There are great themes throughout the film woven into amazing action sequences. Another marvelous light saber battle or two pop up along the way and we get a sophisticated melding of the old and the new.

If you are a fan of old Star Wars, or are more recently drawn to the scene, you will enjoy this installment. It sets the tone for an incredible conclusion to the series and answers some questions while posing far more — and even questioning the answers that are given.

I really love Ridley as Rey. She has energized the franchise and continues to bring new fans to the epic story. Ridley is the reason my daughter waited for months for this film. And the reason this dad was proud to take her as soon as I could.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is an amazing look at iconic characters mixed with new heroes who resonate with viewers in today’s society. These characters and the positivity that oozes from them will be remembered. Well done, Rian Johnson, well done! There is no question the force remains strong with this film.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is available On Demand beginning March 27. Check your cable system for availability.