Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the highly anticipated and epic conclusion to the Skywalker saga, a cinematic journey that has captivated audiences for over four decades. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this film brings together a remarkable ensemble cast, led by the talented Daisy Ridley as Rey, Adam Driver as the complex Kylo Ren, and John Boyega as the courageous Finn. Alongside these familiar faces, the movie features appearances from beloved characters like Chewbacca and C-3PO, creating a sense of nostalgia while paving the way for a thrilling new chapter. With a gripping storyline and thrilling action sequences, The Rise of Skywalker picks up where The Last Jedi left off, presenting the Resistance with its most formidable challenge yet.
The Rise of Skywalker: The Review
Picking up from the events of The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker finds the remnants of the Resistance facing their most formidable challenge yet. Emperor Palpatine, the villainous mastermind thought to be long gone, resurfaces with a sinister plan to obliterate the Resistance and assert his control over the galaxy. In a race against time, Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron embark on a treacherous mission to uncover a way to defeat Palpatine once and for all.
Expanding the Star Wars Universe with New Characters
One of the notable aspects of The Rise of Skywalker is the introduction of intriguing new characters who play vital roles in shaping the fate of the galaxy. Zorii Bliss, a mysterious figure from Poe Dameron’s past, brings valuable knowledge and a complex dynamic to the story. Jannah, a fearless warrior with a hidden connection to the Force, adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. Additionally, the adorable and skilled Babu Frik, a tiny alien mechanic, brings humor and charm to the film. These new additions, alongside the beloved characters, enhance the richness and vibrancy of the Star Wars universe, captivating audiences with their unique contributions.
A nice surprise is the First Order Jet Troopers. An elite division of stormtroopers, specifically trained for aerial combat and tactical maneuvering. These Jet Troopers excel at providing crucial air support to ground forces during intense battles. With their jetpacks granting them enhanced mobility, they can access otherwise hard-to-reach areas, conferring a tactical advantage over regular troopers.
They make a striking appearance during the final showdown between the Resistance and the First Order on the planet Exegol. Their presence adds an exhilarating element to the battle, as they soar through the skies, unleashing their firepower and contributing to the grand spectacle of the conflict.
Underutilized Characters: Missed Opportunities
However, while The Rise of Skywalker succeeds in many aspects, there are certain missed opportunities and underutilized characters that leave fans wanting more. One such example is the Knights of Ren, a group of enigmatic and powerful warriors introduced in The Force Awakens. Armed with an assortment of bladed weapons and ranged firearms, they demonstrate their versatility and lethal prowess in battle.
Regrettably, they are relegated to the role of mere bodyguards in The Rise of Skywalker, with minimal impact on the overarching story. This underutilization is a disappointment, as the Knights of Ren held great potential for exciting confrontations and further exploration of their enigmatic nature.
Another character that falls victim to missed potential is Rose, portrayed by Kelly Marie Tran. Introduced in The Last Jedi as a significant character with a crucial role to play, Rose faced unfair criticism and harassment following the film’s release. In The Rise of Skywalker, rather than building upon her character arc and providing her with a meaningful presence, Rose is unfortunately sidelined, leaving fans yearning for a more substantial and satisfying conclusion to her story.
Similarly, Finn, portrayed by John Boyega, undergoes a diminishing role in The Rise of Skywalker. In The Force Awakens, Finn is established as a central protagonist. A former stormtrooper turned hero, wielding a lightsaber and playing a vital role in the Resistance. However, in the final installment, his character takes a backseat, often serving as a supporting player who primarily shouts “REY!” during crucial moments.
This regression of Finn’s character arc is disheartening, as it fails to deliver on the potential established in earlier films.
Despite these missed opportunities, The Rise of Skywalker excels in bringing together the various storylines and character arcs that have been developed throughout the trilogy. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the nods to previous movies and the closure provided for beloved characters, allowing for a satisfying sense of continuity and emotional payoff. The return of Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian evokes a nostalgic charm, while his newfound alliance with the Resistance showcases the enduring power of friendship and camaraderie.
Visually Stunning and Immersive
Visually, The Rise of Skywalker is a feast for the eyes, with stunning cinematography, intricate set designs, and breathtaking special effects. The film takes audiences on a thrilling journey across exotic planets and into epic space battles, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The lightsaber duels are particularly intense and exhilarating, evoking the iconic battles that have become synonymous with the Star Wars franchise.
In terms of the overall narrative, The Rise of Skywalker is undeniably ambitious. It attempts to tie up loose ends, answer lingering questions, and provide a satisfying conclusion to a saga that has spanned generations. While some plot developments may feel rushed or convoluted, the film successfully delivers on its promise to deliver an action-packed adventure filled with emotion, spectacle, and the enduring themes of hope, redemption, and the power of the Force.
In conclusion, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a grand and epic conclusion to the Skywalker saga. It brings together beloved characters, introduces intriguing new additions, and provides a visually stunning and emotionally satisfying experience. Although it suffers from missed opportunities with certain characters and rushed plot developments, the film ultimately succeeds in delivering a thrilling and nostalgic adventure that honors the spirit of the Star Wars universe. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, The Rise of Skywalker offers a cinematic experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of Star Wars and its impact on popular culture.
So, what do you think of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker?
If you enjoyed the movie, check out The Art of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
The official behind-the-scenes book of concept, production, and post-production art for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Go inside the creative process behind the most anticipated film of the century. The latest trilogy in the Star Wars film series brings the Skywalker Saga to a close and The Art of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will take readers into the creative process behind visualizing the epic worlds, creatures, characters, costumes, weapons, and vehicles of the landmark conclusion more than 40 years in the making.
Also, the list I did for Star Wars Movies And All The TV Shows In Chronological Order.