As usual, everything has an end. Therefore, also the third trilogy of the unique STAR WARS saga is now complete and available on DVD and Blu-Ray. Thus, let’s watch the final battle of the Rebel Alliance and learn more about: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER.
Once more, Disney and J.J. Abrams present us a story, “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
What can we expect this time? Will we now find out what happened to Kylo Ren after he killed Surpreme Leader Snoke and took his place? Do we see if Rey can resist him and find her way and family? Besides, will other star systems join the Rebel Alliance to turn everything around for the better? But, in turn.
PROLOG
As a STAR WARS fan of the first hour (not to be confused with the First Order), of course, I watched every episode as well as the so-called Anthology Series or TV series in a special and emotional way.
It’s a fact that all films, including the often-criticized side-stories ROGUE ONE and SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, are highly worth seeing. They are milestones of movie making. Moreover, they changed the film industry totally.
But, in the case of the original STAR WARS trilogy, however, every fan continues the story in the own mind. The fans develop an emotional bond with the characters over the years. Therefore, they have high expectations for a continuation of the story.
This, of course, risks being disappointed. Certainly, the creators of STAR WARS know this all well. However, as in all areas of life, it is not possible to do it right for everyone.
So, I, as probably many others, hoped that J.J. Abrams and Disney would not be overly influenced or even controlled by this pressure. Moreover, I hoped that they would find a way to bring the third trilogy to a grand finale.
And they did so. However, there is also some criticism appropriate.
THE RISE OF SKYWALKER IN BRIEF
In my opinion, THE RISE OF SKYWALKER leaves different impressions. One is the joy that the story continues at all.
Furthermore, it’s great to see that Rey, and with her Daisy Ridley, develop in such a great way.
Luckily, Episode IX is very exciting. The film solves important points, which were discussed by fans since the release of A NEW HOPE in 1977, or, at least, since the rise of the new Star Wars generation in STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS in 2015.
Finally, we are learning more about Rey’s true origins.
Beyond that, we follow the heroine and her friends in an overwhelming space spectacle, in which, of course, the dark side of the force and especially Kylo Ren’s (Adam Driver) development are a big issue.
So far, so good.
THE STORY
However, when it comes to the plot of the eagerly awaited 9th Star Wars episode THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, it is arguably the film’s biggest point of criticism.
Relatively detached from the previous events, Disney and J.J. Abrams are taking a rather new, idiosyncratic path. Thereby, Episode IX is divided into three storylines.
On the one hand, of course, it is about the fight against the First or Last Order (very “imaginative” names by the way). Then, on the other hand, it’s about Rey’s development. Finally, we follow young Surpeme Leader Kylo Ren’s path.
Somehow, everything else just happens. The plot offers less depth in the other parts.
It seems like an attempt to include every idea and character that was still jotted in the notepad. Some things seem compressed, not logical, hasty, and not courageous or generally consistently finished.
Moreover, in this way, almost all characters of all episodes – already deceased or not – are brought back into play. In some cases, it is a good thing.
But in others, the experiment seems rather abstract or even disturbing. Especially when new characters disappear as fast as they were introduced. It was already a weak point of ROUGE ONE.
AVENGERS VS. STAR WARS
Bringing all characters of an epochal series into a big showdown was also a tough task for Marvel’s AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. After all, also the Marvel universe is gigantic.
Therefore, the first part of the end-time drama overstrained even ardent devotees.
However, with AVENGERS: END GAME Marvel (which is also part of the Disney universe) finally managed it very well to put all characters in scene.
Thus, an epochal masterpiece was created, which is still unrivalled.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING?
Of course, the greatest space epic of all time must be measured by this standard. Unfortunately, even if it is a breathtaking science fiction spectacle, THE RISE OF SKYWALKER does not consistently manage to meet a similarly high level. It’s a worthy sequel, but it cannot fully achieve the depth of Marvel’s grand final.
The storyline is too similar to the Lightspeed Skipping, which the Millennium Falcon performs at the beginning of the film for the first time in its own history. Clearly, this makes for a gigantic special effect.
However, unfortunately, the story is as erratic as the Falcon in this scene.
REY VS. KYLO REN
The interaction between Rey and Kylo Ren is decisive for this. Of course, the conflict between the two main characters is very interesting. Especially, because it offers Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver the opportunity to give their characters depth and to let them develop.
Additionally, the metaphysical scenes in which Rey and Kylo Ren encounter the astral body of the other controlled by the force also seem unsettling and illogical even for those who “believe” in the force.
A LACK OF LOGIC
Also, some other things don’t seem well thought out. Obviously, it has never been the claim of a STAR WARS film to be guided by physical principles.
But when rebels ride or walk around on a star destroyer – not on deck, mind you, but on the outside of the vessel – then, even the last Star Wars fan sits in the chair, astonished and a little annoyed.
Probably, he or she wishes back the old times when Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Alec Guinness conquered our hearts with brilliant acting, humor and a lot of humanity.
THE CAST
This time, the cast is another point of criticism. The protagonists play leaves much to be desired in some scenes. Thereby, some things seem emotionless, while others – in return – seem exaggeratedly played. This may be caused by the dialogues, which are too simple partially.
Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley can convince absolutely. But, the many special effects and the simple but overfilled story leave little space and time for the others to unfold their characters. Besides, the merchandising figures are absolutely superfluous, as already in THE LAST JEDI.
IS THE RISE OF SKYWALKTER WORTH-SEEING?
The answer is simple: yes! Apart from the criticism, which bases on an extremely high level, THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is a gigantic space spectacle. Without any doubt, it belongs to one of the best movies of the genre.
Even if it cannot meet all expectations, the film is very exciting. It entertains us from the first to the last minute. Especially on Blu-Ray and a large home screens with good sound systems, the movie can unfold its full power. Or rather, its force.
The film music has been composed by the unique John Williams since 1977. Also the STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER score as well as the visual effects, and the sound push the viewer into the seat. They let the 2.5 hours pass like in flight.
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER ON BLU-RAY
For those who cannot get enough, the Blu-Ray package includes a bonus disk with the following content:
- The Skywalker Legacy
- Pasaana Pursuit: Creating the Speeder Chase
- Aliens in the Desert
- D-O: Key to the Past
- Cast of Creatures
- Warwick & Son (Warwick Davis who already starred as Ewok in “The Return of Jedi” plays now with his son Harrison the cute resident of the moon Endor).
THE VALEUR RANKING
Even if not everything is perfect, the Blu-Ray STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is a must-have for all Star Wars fans and those who still want to become one.
The episode completes everything previously shown. It entertains and makes us curious about what may come, even if there will be a longer break. The VALEUR rating:
May the force be with you. Always!
Text: Marco Kokkot
Images © Walt Disney Studios
Official Website: Disney.com
