And Not A Trace Of Jar Jar Binks

“You are nothing. A scavenger girl is no match for the power in me. I am all of the Sith!” – Palpatine

“We’re not alone. Good people will fight if we lead them.” ~ Poe Dameron

“Never underestimate a droid.” ~ Leia Organa

“Rey, some things are stronger than blood. Confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi. Your destiny. If you don’t face Palpatine, it will mean the end of the Jedi. And the war will be lost.” ~ Luke Skywalker

“People keep telling me they know me. I’m afraid no one does.” ~ Rey

The final chapter of the Skywalker saga has come out, as Star Wars ends one era (or until the studio marketing chimps decide to have another go at it). The Rise Of Skywalker answers some questions, poses others, introduces some new faces into the sci fi epic, and brings back some familiar faces along the way. It’s the ending of an era for the franchise, one with some ups and downs along the way, but in the end an entertaining one.

Picking up quite some time after the events of The Last Jedi, the story starts with the revelation that the late Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), last seen getting tossed down a shaft on the Death Star, might not be dead, with mysterious broadcasts alluding to his survival. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), having had killed off his master in the previous film and established himself as the supreme leader of the malevolent First Order, seeks to destroy this interloper from the past, viewing him as a threat to his own place in the galaxy. And so two forces of evil meet, but things take a different route than Kylo might have expected.

Rey (Daisy Ridley), the heroine of these films, is with the rest of the Resistance, hidden away, biding their time. She’s being trained by Leia (Carrie Fisher) in the ways of the Force. Her friends Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega) are making preparations for the fight yet to come. Familiar faces like Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), C-3PO, and the other droids are with them. And it’s not long before the dark menace of the First Order makes its threat plain, and our heroes have to undergo a quest to save the galaxy. Lives will be altered, destinies will be met, and good will confront evil. Lots of light hearted material, in other words.

Director J.J. Abrams returns, having a hand in the script, which is also credited to Chris Terrio, while some story concepts were credited to previously attached director Colin Trevorrow and collaborator Derek Connolly. This being the end of a saga, there’s a lot of unfinished business to deal with, and the story reflects that, sprawling well over two hours, spanning the far reaches of a galaxy. It might be unwise, one expects, in presenting new characters into a crowded universe, though the new characters work quite well, on both sides of the conflict.

The story weaves together themes of destiny, of the struggle between good and evil, between anger and purpose, of friendship and loyalty, and of redemption and ambition. This presents itself in different characters in different ways. While the main players of the story get their share of the narrative, and most of the supporting characters get their due in that respect as well, it’s not always shared. The character Rose (Kelly Marie Tran), introduced in the last film to much dismay by fanboys, seems to come up short in screen time, for instance.

Abrams has long had a pretty good handle on action, and on science fiction, and that shows itself here. He handled The Force Awakens well, and his return to the director’s chair here continues that. The story presents both new worlds and familiar places in different ways (the wreckage of the second Death Star is a particularly vivid and terrifying place, awash in angry seas on the familiar moon of Endor). We see a multitude of new creatures, reminding us that the Star Wars universe has always been a wildly diverse place of aliens, planets, ships, and cultures. The set pieces build on what’s come before; First Order destroyers are familiar to long term fans of the franchise, while the locations that we find our characters in, new or old, feel true to the Star Wars continuity.

It’s a large cast, with some surprising returns, either in person or in voice, as happens at two vital moments in the film. One of the big returns of course is the not so dead Emperor Palpatine, played with relishing menace by Ian McDiarmid. There’s nothing in the character, who’s had a way to cheat his own death, remotely capable of redemption of kindness. Instead it’s all malice, ambition, and ruthlessness, which fits in with what we’ve seen of the character before. Palpatine is pure evil, and that’s the way the actor approaches him.

Richard E. Grant, one of those character actors you see in so many films, plays a new character, a First Order general by the apt name of Pryde. He has a similar sort of personality we’ve seen in Imperial officers from films pasts- the ruthless, cutthroat energy, the sneering contempt fitting his role. Domhnall Gleeson returns as General Hux, still as petulant, arrogant, and condescending as ever. And yet there’s a nice twist involving the character that I liked, one whose motivation still very much fits how the actor has played the role.

I mentioned how Kelly Marie Tran has been largely cast aside in terms of screen time from what she did in the second film. She doesn’t get a lot of screen time as Rose, but the character continues to feel true to what’s come before- the steadfast faith in a cause, the rising to the occasion of someone who might otherwise seem ordinary. Two other actresses get new parts this time out. Naomie Ackie plays Jannah, who has something in common with Finn. She too was once a storm trooper in the First Order, and she too defected. The actress gives the character a wary at first approach, before showing her courage as the story goes along, and she winds up getting a fair amount of screen time. Keri Russell appears (though spends her onscreen time masked) as Zorii Bliss, an old acquaintance of Poe, and there’s clearly some history between them. She’s harder edged, cynical, willing to let the troubles of the galaxy pass by, and something of a scoundrel in her approach to things. Yet like another scoundrel of this franchise, she can’t quite back away from trouble when she finds it. I liked the banter and energy between this character and Poe.

Anthony Daniels has played C-3PO in nine films (ten, when you count the cameo in Rogue One). The droid has often been a whiny, worrisome, neurotic source of humour for the audience, baffled as he finds himself in the midst of galactic conflict, rattling off statistics and telling people how many forms of communication he’s fluent in. He remains the source of humour at times in this film, perpetually worried, and yet one of my favourite moments in the film belongs to the character and the actor: a moment of pure selflessness and heroism that makes you admire him.

Joonas Suotamo took over the role of Chewbacca from the late Peter Mayhew. The Wookiee is a veteran of the Rebellion and now the Resistance, a favourite character for many. With the death of Han in the first film of this trilogy, Chewie has had to move beyond that partnership to work with others more extensively, which we see in this film. The character might growl and be incoherent to us, at least in words, but his actions continue to show him to be the fiercely loyal friend willing to step right into the thick of things.

Billy Dee Williams returns to the franchise as the suave charmer and rogue, General Lando Calrissian. He's older and wiser, something more of a sage, but still with that charming streak to him, loyal to his friends and still a natural leader. The actor makes the best of the opportunity, relating well to the newer characters, and even reminding us of the older bonds with characters he doesn't interact with in this film. One of the great treats of the film is watching Lando and Chewie at the controls of the Millennium Falcon, and the expression Williams has with his character on board the ship: a man who's come home.

Adam Driver has been the primary antagonist in the sequel trilogy, but one with divided loyalties and inner conflicts. His Kylo Ren/ Ben Solo is a tortured, wounded soul, broken and distrustful, deep in the Dark Side of the Force. And yet his journey through this film takes him in new directions and new choices. There are times he lashes out in anger, times he seems lost in himself, and times when he finds his purpose. The actor plays to these elements in his performance, making the character compelling to watch, and ultimately even sympathetic as he struggles between the darkness and the light. We can empathize with him in a way we never could with Heyden Christensen's descending into darkness Anakin Skywalker, and that reflects the talent of the actor.

John Boyega was first introduced to the franchise as a storm trooper with doubts. His role as Finn is an engaging one, as the character has progressed over the films from just trying to run away from it all to ultimately investing himself fully in the just cause of the Resistance. That doesn't mean he can't be distracted- there are times he's more concerned about Rey than about what's happening right in front of him. But for the most part he's grown into the role of a believer, both in the Force and in the cause of the Resistance. That character growth makes him more interesting, and someone the audience can appreciate.

Oscar Isaac has had a good role in the sequel trilogy's new characters as Poe Dameron, the brash and devil-may-care Resistance fighter pilot and commander who chafes at authority but finds himself becoming the authority. The actor balances the character's carefree rogue personality with his increasing awareness that the mantle of leadership is on him, something that's been building through all three films. Poe has his moments of doubt and uncertainty, but brings himself back to lead the path forward despite them. 

To say this was a complicated matter bringing the late Carrie Fisher into the film is an understatement, and yet it works. Abrams made use of unused footage from earlier in the sequel trilogy of Leia with other characters, but the dialogue feels written for this film, as though meant for it. Fisher's Leia is still the resolute, principled leader with a will of iron and a heart filled with empathy and purpose. She's ever wise, leading an effort against a rising evil, dispensing advice as needed, and coming to a crossroads of her own. It turns out to be a poignant final performance from the actress, and a fitting way to go out.

Mark Hamill returns, much as Alec Guinness did before him, as a Force spirit version of Luke Skywalker. It's a cameo appearance this time, but a timely one, as he reaches out to his apprentice Rey when she's at a low point, and gives her purpose and strength. His Luke is at peace, capable of admitting his own errors, and at a point where wisdom has long since replaced the young farm boy looking to the horizon. This is almost certainly the last time the actor will play the role, but it's a fitting finale that brings closure to his own journey, and that of others.

Daisy Ridley has been the protagonist of the sequel trilogy as Rey. Starting out her story as a scavenger in search of herself, the character has grown into someone learning of her own abilities and place in the galaxy. Her journey in this film includes revelations, moments of doubt and anger, and ultimately steadfast resolution and courage in the face of pure evil. The actress makes her role a compelling one, someone the audience can empathize with. She's not a perfect person, but that makes her all the more interesting to watch.

Is The Rise Of Skywalker a perfect film? No. At times it feels a bit too rushed, and there's the sense of one or two characters getting marginalized. It could have easily been expanded to three hours to flesh things out. But the film is an entertaining one, keeping you drawn into the story of these characters against a grand backdrop of a galaxy at war. There are surprising returns, fresh humour, and new characters I did like. All in all though, the film is a fitting way to bring an epic saga to a conclusion.

At least until the studio marketing chimps decide to tell the story of an unrevealed Skywalker grandchild running around on Hoth.

Pouting On A Galactic Scale

“The Empire, your parents, the resistance, the Sith, the Jedi… let the past die. Kill it, if you have to. That’s the only way to become what you are meant to be.” ~ Kylo Ren

“When I found you, I saw raw, untamed power. And beyond that, something special.” ~ Snoke

“The greatest teacher, failure is.” ~ Yoda

“I was raised to fight. For the first time I have something to fight for.” ~ Finn

“We are the spark, that will light the fire that’ll burn the First Order down.” ~ Poe Dameron

“I need someone to show me my place in all this.” ~ Rey

“Wipe that nervous expression off your face, Threepio.” ~ Leia Organa

“The Rebellion is reborn today. The war is just beginning. And I will not be the last Jedi.” ~ Luke Skywalker

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is in theatres, the second part in the current trilogy pitting the Rebels and the light side of the Force against the darkness of the First Order and the Sith. Picking up where The Force Awakens, the film advances the storyline, weaves in action, humour, and nostalgia, brings back familiar faces, and increases the tensions of a galaxy long ago and far, far away. Setting its characters on different journeys meant to converge together (not unlike the original trilogy’s second act The Empire Strikes Back), the film proves to be entertaining by the time it all ends.

The film follows its characters on different paths when we first catch up with them. Rey (Daisy Ridley) has found the old Jedi master Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in his place of self-exile, trying to bring him back to the cause of the Resistance and learn about the ways of the Force. Leia (Carrie Fisher) is rallying the Resistance, which is under attack from the First Order. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega), the droid BB-8, and a Resistance mechanic, Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) take an unauthorized mission on in the wake of events. And Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) contends with the will of his dark master Snoke (Andy Serkis) and the ambitions of his First Order rival General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson).

Rian Johnson (Looper) came aboard as writer and director for this second chapter in the trilogy, and it turns out to be a wise choice. A fan of the franchise and what’s come before, his story builds on what has already happened and takes it in new directions. The tone of the story mixes together military intrigue, special operations, a spit in the face bravado on the part of some characters and a melancholy despair on the part of others, themes of temptation and the line between light and dark, and strong characterization in its key players, giving them depth as the story goes along, even in surprising directions. Johnson’s story feels firmly grounded in the mythos and philosophies of the Star Wars universe, and it flows well throughout, as we weave in and out of the different plotlines.

Having the same person write and direct turned out to be wise as well. Johnson gets the best out of his actors as he goes along, maintaining the right balance between what the cast has to do and the CGI special effects that form their backdrop in much of the film (something that was problematic for George Lucas in the prequel trilogy at times). The production crew really does well at bringing new worlds and new characters to life, drawing out of an extensive established framework for some of the story, but giving the audience new species and new backdrops that mesh well with the established continuity. 

This shows itself in costume design, set design, equipment and vehicles for both sides… and the unbearably cute Porgs that end up in the film (think along the lines of fluffy pigeons with the biggest eyes imaginable). The already well established CGI of Lucasfilm handles the special effects exceedingly well throughout, and composer John Williams, who’s been doing this for quite awhile now, gives us another score in his repertoire that successfully builds on what has come before in the franchise, while adding on new thematic material as he goes. It’s a score that stands out well on its own, which you expect out of the best composer in the film music industry.

The cast are well chosen in their roles, and some of them are newcomers to the Star Wars world. Benicio Del Toro has made a career out of playing character roles that feature shades of grey morality, and that features into how he plays the codebreaker DJ, a man who plays the knife edge between two factions and is loyal more or less only to himself. Laura Dern appears as a Resistance admiral, Amilyn Holdo, a colleague of Leia whose instincts at a critical time are in want, but who conveys principles in her decisions. Kelly Marie Tran’s role as Rose is a compelling one- we get a character who earlier in the franchise would have just had a five second appearance and instead gets fleshed out as a full character. She’s a mechanic who is drawn into the larger story and comes into her own. The actress makes the most of her, to the point where we want to see more of her as time goes on.

The previously established villains are back. Gwendoline Christie plays the storm trooper commander Captain Phasma again, conveying a ruthless and cranky energy in her performance throughout. She’s suitably irritable (especially about a wayward deserter crossing her path after the events of the first film) and someone not to be trifled with. Domhnall Gleeson returns as the ambitious General Hux, the First Order commander whose priorities waver between loyalties to his leader and his own place in the galaxy. The actor gives him an arrogant, unpleasant quality that fits with his established persona. Andy Serkis, who’s made a career out of body capture performance, returns as the supreme leader Snoke, a repugnantly evil villain with no redeeming qualities. Serkis makes him a worthy counterpart to the late Emperor Palpatine.

Adam Driver returns as Kylo Ren, the son of Leia Organa and the late Han Solo, once a Jedi in training, now consumed by the darkness. He pouts and schemes, proves to be ruthless and relentless in battle, and yet there are moments when we see him in a different light- as someone who might have the chance to pull away from the darkness, when hints of humanity pull at him. And yet he chooses the wrong path time and again. Pouting or not, the actor makes him a compelling villain, one that you can jeer at one moment and feel empathy for the next.

Two faces return, of course, but one of them with a fresh actor in the role. Anthony Daniels has been playing C-3P0 in all of these films from the start, and he returns yet again as the fussy, anxiety prone protocol droid, mostly spending his days in headquarters and fretting endlessly. It’s a character that would drive you nuts to know personally, but Threepio provides some of the humour in the film in how he copes (or doesn’t cope) with rising tensions. Chewbacca returns as well, but now played by a different actor. Joonas Suomato, a basketball player turned actor, did some of the action work for the Wookie in The Force Awakens. The originator of the role, Peter Mayhew, listed in the credits as a consultant for the character, has retired from the role over chronic pains. Suomato is the requisite height, and since the actor gets buried under fur and prosthetic makeup, it doesn’t particularly matter that it’s a new actor. The character is as cranky as ever- but carries the weight of grief over the death of his friend Han in the previous film, something the actor brings across.

John Boyega started out this trilogy as Finn, the deserter storm trooper who finds himself caught up in the battle against that which he was loyal to, struggling to find his path. His take on Finn this time out is one of more certainty and resolve as the character has allowed his conscience to guide his path. He takes the initiative, steps into risks, and finds himself willing to give his life in service of a greater good. It’s a good nod of growth for the character, and the actor makes him interesting to watch. I do like the rapport he particularly has with Rose as the story unfolds.

Oscar Isaac has done a great deal of work in various films in recent years, and I do like his take on Poe Dameron, the ace Resistance pilot. There’s a hint of swagger and cockiness in the character, something you might expect in his profession, but at the same time it’s tempered by resolve and responsibility for those under his command. He’s loyal to a fault, but not blind, willing to do things that bend or break the rules if it helps save the day, and some of the humour of the film comes from Poe- and how he interacts with friend and foe alike.

Watching this film is tinted with sadness, because you’re watching Carrie Fisher’s final role and final take as Leia. She passed away after filming was complete, and that has an impact in the way you see her final performance. There’s a whole lot of sadness in the character, and for good reason: the love of her life has just died, at the hands of their son. And yet Fisher gives the character the strength and willpower one is used to throughout her take on Leia, the determined leader who people naturally look to for guidance. She invests herself in the role, and thus her Leia is the most poignant take of the cast.

Daisy Ridley has taken on the role of the orphan Rey (who happens to be quite strong with the Force) and made it her own. A strong character, Rey is trying to understand her place in the galaxy, even as she has come to accept it without quite understanding it. Ridley gives the character a stubborn, fiercely loyal quality, and an underlying sense of empathy and compassion that makes her compelling to watch. Rey is a wonderful character to watch, the cornerstone of this trilogy, and Ridley keeps her grounded, reminds the viewer of her basic decency, and makes us root for her.

Mark Hamill has an interesting take on his signature role of Luke Skywalker, having had appeared briefly in the last film looking like he’d just woken up from a thirty year nap. He has retreated away from the galaxy and its struggles, a disillusioned Jedi who blames himself for how things have gone wrong and has been punishing himself ever since. He is in many ways a broken man, but not completely; it is the student who draws her teacher out of his despair and reminds him of who he is. It’s a completely different take on Luke, who is the reluctant teacher, reinvesting himself back in the cause.

The Last Jedi takes the mythos that is Star Wars in brand new directions, some of it dark and tense, some of it lighter and hopeful. The cast is splendidly chosen, inhabiting their roles and developing their characters all the more as they go along. There’s a great deal of poignancy in the film too, all while the viewer deals with space dogfights between fighters and strange new creatures. All while blessedly shielding us from ever seeing a trace of Jar Jar Binks again.

Rise Of The Inappropriate Song Lyrics

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