I enjoyed this welcome return to the 'Star Wars' universe. The conflict between the Resistance and the First Order continues, and despite the destruction of Starkiller Base in 'The Force Awakens', the First Order is very much on top against what is left of a small band of rebels.
It's got all the usual action packed stuff you'd expect from a Star Wars film - the intense battles, lightsabers, along with the mysticism of the Force and an interesting relationship and character development between Rey and Kylo Ren. The chemistry between Finn and Rose Tico is also pretty good, with Rose coming to fore on their brief escapade to Canto Bight, and Poe is still the impulsive, hotshot pilot from before, sometimes at odds with his superiors. It was also good to see old man Luke doing a bit more this time too, as we explore more about why he's been hiding away on Ahch-To, as this film is very much his story too, as well as Rey's and Kylo's. The introduction of the new characters, like Kelly Marie Tran's Rose, Laura Dern's Amilyn Holdo and Benicio Del Toro's character, all felt that they were very much part of the 'Star Wars' universe.
It's also got a lot of humour, some real laugh out loud moments, like a couple of scenes on Ahch-To, as well as some genuinely touching moments too. Luckily the Porgs aren't as annoying that I thought they might be considering how much they were featured in the build up.
There was a moment early on that made me go "WTF, really!?" It felt a bit too comic booky, something that could have been from a Marvel movie like 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' (in fact part of it is very reminiscent of a scene from Guardians) than a 'Star Wars' movie and it felt out of place with this character also. A bit too deus ex machina perhaps.
Being the second film, it does have an air of 'The Empire Strikes Back' to it as well, which I kind of expected. Not quite full on recycling like 'The Force Awakens' was to 'A New Hope', but it does share similar themes and sequences.
Is it the best movie in the saga? Nope. The original and its sequel still hold firm as my favourites, and of the new films, closely followed by Rogue One in my opinion. But I would place it on the same level as 'Return Of The Jedi' and 'The Force Awakens'. It's definitely a 'Star Wars' movie, and certainly worth watching if you're a fan of the series like I am. I'm off to see it again on Friday, so will see if a second viewing stays or changes my opinion.
With some questions left unanswered at the end, although considering what happens and to whom over the course of the film making them not too relevant going forward now, and with the passing of Carrie Fisher, I'm still very much interested in seeing how the final film in this sequel trilogy is concluded, as well as seeing how Rian Johnson develops the brand new trilogy he's been tasked with too.
The Force is still strong with this entry into the 'Star Wars' universe.
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