I just got back from watching it. It was ok. I think I prefer it over TFA, as it wasn't just Empire reskinned. This movie brought something new to Star Wars, rather than something we'd seen before.
Things I liked:
Mark Hamill stole the movie. His performance was easily the best and he stole every scene he was in. I also liked the ending of his character. It was really well done. Him looking out at the twin suns as he realises there's a new hope, similar to how HE was the new hope when looking out at the twin suns in the first movie. It was like he knew it was time to pass the torch, so he decided his time in the galaxy needed to come to an end. It was great, I really liked that.
Ever since watching the trailer for the movie, I had a strong fear that they'd go down a very different road. I thought for sure they were going to make it so there wouldn't be Jedi anymore, instead it'd be focusing on a more grey direction. And for a while I thought that'd be the case, even when watching the movie. Everyone's perspective and philosophy seemed warped to me, I was legit thinking "Ya'll need some Bruce Lee philosophy in your life" for a large amount of time. When Yoda showed up though, I knew it'd all be fine. Yoda for me was easily my favourite part of the movie.
I was really impressed with Adam Driver's acting. He was great and I now have a greater appreciation for Kylo as a character. I don't at all support his motives, but I think he's a good character.
EDIT: loved, loved, loved Leia in this film. Her use of the force is so unique. She's so non combative in her use. When she used the force to survive the vacuum of space I thought that was beautiful. That and the shot of Luke becoming one with the force were really beautiful moments.
Things I didn't like:
Daisy Ridley's performance. Oh goodness. I don't mind her character but, Daisy's acting was really, really poor and for me it stood out, especially when she was acting alongside Adam Driver or Mark Hamill....which were the large majority of her scenes...
Although I like Luke's ending and Mark's performance, I generally don't like what they've done with Luke. He reached clarity at the end of 6, he was supposed to be the quintessential Jedi. Luke shouldn't have been tempted to kill a boy and he shouldn't have turned into a hermit after one failure. To me, it made the original trilogy feel quite redundant.
There were a couple funny scenes in this movie, but for me the comedy largely missed. The humour wasn't subtle, it wasn't witty, instead it was lazy and predictable.
In my opinion, John Boyega is quite a good actor. He should have had more to do. I feel like Finn and Poe's roles should have been reversed.
I hate Poe Dameron. His character is very typical and isn't very creative. He annoyed me with his utter stupidity.
EDIT: I forgot to mention, Snoke and Phasma were completely forgettable. They were poorly used. Barely had more than one scene.
It also bothered me when Admiral Holdo said 'Godspeed'. When earth sayings like that are used in Star Wars it kinda breaks some of the immersion for me.
Also, WHERE ARE THE KNIGHTS OF REN!?!
Overall it was an enjoyable movie, but perhaps the biggest crime for me was that it didn't feel like 'star wars'. And honestly, neither did TFA. I don't know if it's because George Lucas doesn't have much of a presence anymore, but I just don't get the same feeling I get when watching any of the other Star Wars movies. Rogue One was forgivable for that, as it was standalone and not part of the main saga. As of right now, I'd give it a 7/10, but I can't help but feel in a few months time my rating will probably be lower than that. Only time will tell though.
Last edited by Zaluk on Fri Dec 15, 2017 10:18 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Be water my friend - Bruce Lee
