Star Wars: The Last Jedi (5/5)

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is everything you hoped for – and more! This is what Sci-Fi is all about. And it is magnificent.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi does what the Star Wars stories have always done; It mirrors our own issues and beliefs in a way we can clearly relate to. And The Last Jedi does so even more clearly – defiantly almost – than ever before!

“The Force” has always been about finding a balance, and in The Last Jedi it’s made painfully clear that everyone possesses both light and dark. We have to choose our own way and gender nor race plays any role in our opportunities.

Okay, so maybe it doesn’t exactly mirror our current issues, but this might be the first Sci-Fi movie that finally allows someone, who isn’t white and male to be the hero.

And not the gun (or war) crazy kind, but simply the kind who wants peace and life for everyone.

Sounds too fluffy? Don’t worry, plenty of fighting happens in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. And a lot of wild and impressive explosions!

Sci-Fi in all its glorious diversity

From the very beginning of The Last Jedi, the true hero is not who you would expect. It’s not the “leader of the pack” but rather the one brave soul. I won’t give anything else away to avoid spoilers.

But honestly, I was on the brink of tears within the first 10 minutes. And no, not just because it’s rather heartbreaking to see Carrie Fischer again. In fact, Carrie Fischer is a force of life and hope as General Ortega.

No, it’s in the midst of the impossible situations the true (and often unsung) heroes will step up. And often pay the highest price. It’s the power of the Star Wars universe that has always shown us this. Another lesson that rings truer than ever; When faced with darkness, you must be the light.

At first, I was thinking “The future is indeed female in Star Wars” but this really doesn’t do it justice.

The future is diversity, opportunity, and possibility.

In more cases than not, the hero in The Last Jedi is a woman. And not just a white woman, but women of different races. I can’t stress enough, what a welcomed change this is.

Not since Wonder Woman earlier this year, have I seen such female power and men (of all races) supporting and working with women towards a common goal.

The act of kindness

Many things are being commented on very clearly in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. From extreme wealth – and the price the poor pay to keep the wealthy happy – to how we treat other creatures.

There is an immense focus on the simple act of kindness. One that is especially clear when it comes to helping children and animals. It’s such a simple act, but all too often in any kind of movie featuring war and battles, we see children and animals suffer and die.

In The Last Jedi, the hope is felt most when we see characters decide to help someone. Not because there’s something in it for them, but because it’s the right thing to do.

And yes, those new little Porgs are beyond adorable. They primarily have scenes with Chewbacca, which are quite good for comic relief – without going overboard. This is no new Jar Jar Binks. If anything, there’s more of an Ewok vibe to them.

If the Porgs don’t melt your heart just a little bit at least once, then you’re bound to be a fan of the dark side.

A surprising star emerges

It’s no secret that I adore Daisy Ridley as “Rey”. And yes, she is at least as brilliant in this one as she was in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Of course, given the dire situation, she’s not as funny and happy this time around. Instead, she’s 110% badass and I adore her even more now.

However, Kelly Marie Tran completely won me over in her feature film debut as Rose.

Rose works in maintenance but has all the courage and light within her to do whatever it takes to help. To me, Kelly Marie Tran and her character of Rose Tico is the breakout star (and scene-stealer) of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Most scenes with Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) are across from Finn (John Boyega). Watching an Asian female character and a Black male character in one of the biggest franchises (if not the) in the world, is a historic event!

They have their own storyline and work absolutely brilliantly across from one another.

And yes, both Mark Hamill and Carrie Fischer are fantastic as ever. They’re more well-rounded and complete characters. After all, they’re not kids anymore. Adam Driver also gives even more to the character of Kylo Ren (formerly Ben Solo).

Thank you, Rian Johnson!

I can only say that I am very excited about this Star Wars addition from the wonderful mind of Rian Johnson, who both wrote and directed The Last Jedi. He has already signed on to do a new trilogy, so we’re in for more treats and I cannot wait.

Rian Johnson has only made three feature films in the past; Brick (2005), The Brothers Bloom (2008) and Looper (2012). All of which he also both wrote and directed.

Personally, I loved Looper (starring Bruce Willis and Joseph Gorden-Levitt as the same character) so much that I had high hopes for his Star Wars debut. Still, this was above and beyond what I could’ve ever hoped for.

The one thing I can critique Star Wars: The Last Jedi for is the fact that Adam Driver is the third person credited after (of course) Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher.

He should most definitely come after Daisy Ridley (maybe even John Boyega as well). After watching such an awesome display of female power and positivity, this definitely irked me.

Well, that and the fact that Star Wars hadn’t made their own IMAX intro. I mean, both Kong: Skull Island and Blade Runner 2049 did this earlier this year, so I was disappointed to see Star Wars didn’t.

Other than that, well, I have no other “issues”. At all!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi premieres in US theaters on December 15, 2017.

However, in many countries worldwide it will be out from December 13 or 14.

Make sure to stay seated during the beginning of the end credits to catch the dedication to Carrie Fisher.