Media Minute

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi"

Promotional Photo

The newest installment to the Star Wars film franchise dropped in theaters recently and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” does not disappoint in all its glory. If you’re a lover of sci-fi like I am, you’re in for a rollercoaster ride.

 
“The Last Jedi” is currently the 11th highest-grossing domestic movie of all time and has the media buzz to prove it. 
“The Last Jedi” continues as heroes from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” join legends from the original trilogy in an urgent adventure that unveils mysteries and addresses character’s past motivations. 
 
I think that one of the best features of the film is its attitude as a bold and unapologetic continuation of the franchise. The film pays homage to its predecessors without feeling like a carbon copy of the original movies. 
 
“The Last Jedi” defies expectation and is ambitious in its departure from what fans expect. The plot twists within the film had me sitting on the edge of my chair, and as someone who has loved “Star Wars” for many years, I felt my heart race in sync with the opening credit’s score.
The main protagonists embody the hope of the Resistance, and as audience members, we see them grow into their roles amidst conflict and fear. Rey, Poe and Finn definitely stand out as people we can relate to.
 
We also see iconic characters like Luke and Leia onscreen again. I shed a tear when the late Carrie Fisher came onscreen. To know that the artists we lose are immortalized in the craft they loved is a comforting feeling, and “The Last Jedi” reminds everyone why Fisher will always be royalty to us all.
 
For decades, “Star Wars” movies have supported the simple doctrine that there is good and there is evil. Temptation, morality and human emotion play a significant role in “The Last Jedi.” We see all of the characters coexisting along a spectrum, and I think this film is a breath of fresh air. This film is more realistic in that respect, and it handles the narrative we’ve come to love with an adult touch.
 
Characters change over time, sometimes in painful ways, and I firmly believe that the attitude of the film has been a long time coming. Like the famous binary sunset made famous in “Star Wars Episode IV,” hope exists even in the saga’s darkest moments. 
 
Whether you’re a fan of the new trilogy or not, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is an unforgettable installment to the beloved space opera.
 
If you’ve never watched a single “Star Wars” film, I highly recommend finding a friend and fixing that right away. Binge watch all of the films and then get to a theater and experience “The Last Jedi” while you can.