Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Middle chapter of sequel trilogy that deliberately breaks franchise conventions
The brief
Rian Johnson takes the Star Wars formula and deliberately smashes it against the wall, crafting something that feels both reverent and rebellious. The film moves at a breakneck pace through multiple storylines that don't always gel perfectly, but Mark Hamill delivers his most complex Luke Skywalker performance while Adam Driver continues to make Kylo Ren the saga's most interesting character. It's gorgeous to look at and packed with genuine surprises that will either thrill you or infuriate you depending on how precious you hold the original trilogy. Perfect for viewers who loved the risk-taking in films like The Empire Strikes Back and don't mind their blockbusters with a bit of structural chaos.
The verdict
If you're open to seeing beloved Star Wars mythology challenged and subverted in visually stunning ways, this is a bold and genuinely surprising entry that rewards risk-taking storytelling. If you prefer your Star Wars reverent to the original trilogy or get frustrated by sprawling narratives that don't always connect smoothly, the deliberate formula-breaking will likely leave you cold.
Watch with
- 👥 Star Wars fans ready for bold changes
- ⚠️ Purists who prefer original trilogy untouched
Heads up
- Intense space battle violence (moderate)
- Character death of beloved figure (moderate)
- Brief torture/interrogation scenes (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Rian Johnson
- Cast
- Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis
Official synopsis
Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Akira (1988)
Both feature young heroes discovering dangerous powers beyond their control.
Total runtime: 2h 32m + 2h 4m = 4h 36m
