Hello, and welcome to Movie Night - I'm your host, Jonathan Paula.
Tonight's one and only film will be an opening day review of the latest entry in the "Star
Wars" saga.
Before we begin, a word of warning - although I'll be avoiding any major spoilers; I will
still be discussing the film in broad strokes, sharing footage from the trailers, and describing
some smaller moments in detail.
So, if you'd like to experience this film completely blind, as I did (which I highly
recommend) - I suggest you hit the "Watch Later" button, and come back after you've
seen it.
With that said, here's my glowing review of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi".
The Force is strong with this one.
Like, really strong.
The ninth installment in the juggernaut space-opera / fantasy / action franchise was released
worldwide on December 15, 2017.
If word of mouth and historical trends are any indication, it should break the two-billion
mark in ticket sales, becoming only the fourth movie in history to do so.
The second entry in Disney's updated "sequel trilogy", and the eighth episode in the main
franchise - writer and director Rian Johnson may just have crafted the best one yet.
At two-hours and thirty-two minutes, "The Last Jedi" is the longest film in the franchise
to date; but it doesn't feel like it.
The tension and stakes have never been higher; as the vaulted Resistance is whittled down
to only a handful of ships.
With the dreaded First Order hot on their trail, their last-ditch survival depends on
increasingly bleak odds; but if there's a thematic message to this film it's finding
hope from hopelessness.
Elsewhere, Force-sensitive scavenger Rey trains to become a Jedi while evil forces attempt
to draw her in.
All four of the breakout stars from "The Force Awakens" return; Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver,
John Boyega, and Oscar Issac - each handle their increased responsibilities with impressive
performances.
Ridley is especially adept at balancing her emotionally and physically challenging role
like a veteran; sparing off against returning "Original Trilogy" star Mark Hamill with surprising
ease.
He plays the downtrodden and isolated Jedi legend with more bitterness than we've seen
before - but it fits into Johnson's singular vision remarkably well.
The scenes between them are the real heart of this story, with Skywalker warning his
new apprentice, "This is not going to go the way you think."
And even though the 'impatient student receiving Jedi training from a grumpy mentor in a remote
setting' exhibits obvious shades of "The Empire Strikes Back" - it does result in some of
the film's most effective emotional moments.
Thankfully though, besides that, "The Last Jedi" borrows far less from its predecessors
than "The Force Awakens" did.
Indeed, instead of leveraging fan-service, this film succeeds because of the strength
of its core characters.
They're supported by equally interesting turns from Carrie Fisher, Andy Serkis, Domhnall
Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, and Benicio del Toro.
Thanks to bold choices in the PG-13 rated script, our heroes no longer feel 'safe'.
When someone's fate teeters on the brink of death, a last minute rescue isn't always guaranteed.
The opening space battle, a bombing-run against a Dreadnaught-class starship is particularly
awesome.
It might just be my favorite action sequence of the entire franchise.
When Issac jams the airbrakes on his X-Wing to perform a slick J-turn to swoop behind
a couple of TIE Fighters?
My theater went nuts.
Oftentimes, these galactic dog-fights are a mess of cockpit cutaways and exploding ships.
Not here.
Johnson's deft direction clearly lays out the stakes and consequences, illustrates the
action and players with concise geography, and boils down all the dramatic tension to
a single character's determined sacrifice.
The result is flawless storytelling and raucous entertainment.
Meanwhile, Boyega is paired up with newcomer Tran in a somewhat uninteresting side-quest.
This sequence, which explores a vibrant new casino-themed planet (think Monaco, but with
horse-size goat things) lets the slack out of the extremely taut pacing and simply isn't
as engaging as the rest of the film.
Although critical to the story, it feels like an unnecessary detour, and the lone blemish
on an otherwise excellent script.
Well, except for a couple weird character decisions - like deliberately withholding
information from an ally - but we're talking about a $200-million dollar space-western
with magic samurai wizards; not Shakespeare, so...
While C-3PO and R2-D2 make their requisite appearances, it's the spunky little BB-8 ball-droid
who once again delivers a great deal of this picture more lighter moments.
Whether he's clumsily rolling into walls because of a boxy disguise, or saving our heroes with
a unique solution; he's a clear audience favorite.
"The Last Jedi" is also packed with loads of inventive new creatures - from cute little
Porgs to somewhat gross sea-cows.
Last, but certainly not least is Fisher in her final film role.
Before her tragic and untimely death in 2016, she completed all of her filming for "The
Last Jedi"; lighting up the screen with poise, beauty and hope.
The emotionally turbulent picture is dedicated to her honor with a simple but remarkably
poignant message, "In loving memory of our princess."
If you go into this film with theories or predictions - prepare to be surprised; because
"The Last Jedi" is wonderful at subverting expectations.
Some of the character decisions, jokes, or reveals will be divisive, but I for one loved
the risks this picture took.
It's a brave new direction for "Star Wars", and it pays off in a big way.
Visually speaking, "Episode VIII" is gorgeous.
A cinematic painting in every frame; from the harsh landscapes of Luke's island solitude,
to the red salt plains of Crait.
The lightsaber fights have never looked better; shot from static wide-shots, which allow the
sword-swinging action to figuratively, and literally shine.
After nine movies, it almost goes without saying, but the effects-work from Industrial
Light and Magic is predictably impeccable - computer elements are seamlessly blended
with the practical, while animated characters go face to face with their human counterparts.
50-time Academy Award nominee John Williams once again delivers a beautiful and powerful
score.
The 85-year-old borrows plenty of leitmotifs from his earlier work - "Rey's Theme", and
"The Force" are recycled quite often - but it's harsher and intense string-led concertos
that make up the bulk of the new material.
With time, I'm sure it'll be revered as some of his best work since "Harry Potter".
Speaking of time - it's the only thing preventing me from giving a more comparative review.
Without any additional viewings, it's hard for me to assess where this film ranks among
its extraordinary predecessors.
After a lone opening-night viewing with all the hype and adrenaline therein?
My jubilation may fade, but I dare say it's the best "Star Wars" movie yet.
And as a lifelong fan of the series, I realize that might sound like a blasphemous thing
to say... but this really is a thrilling, complex, and incredibly satisfying adventure
all fans will adore - I can't recommend it enough.
Nitpicks aside, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" is definitely an AMAZING film - and one I
can't wait to rewatch again and again.
For tonight's poll question; how would you rank the nine "Star Wars" films?
Does "The Empire Strikes Back" still deserve top-honors?
Let me know with a comment below!
I still plan to review the DC superhero movies at some point, but it's probably best if I
stop teasing episodes I never get around to creating, so let's say the next episode will
be a surprise!
Until then, I have plenty more videos for you to watch.
Between my reviews, gaming let's plays, and news coverage, I've produced over 30 videos
about the "Star Wars" franchise - so click or tap here to visit that playlist, or here
for a video YouTube thinks you might enjoy.
Once again, my name is Jonathan Paula, thanks for watching and have a good Movie Night!