Matt Reviews "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (Spoiler-Free)

It's been two years since the sequel to Return of the Jedi graced theaters, and now one of my favorite directors, Rian Johnson (Brick, The Brothers Bloom, Looper) has taken the reins of nearly every director's dream film. After loving The Force Awakens and Rogue One, I wasn't sure the saga could be improved upon, but The Last Jedi exceeded all expectations! Last Jedi works on so many levels: writing, acting, directing, pacing, music, action, emotion! It's as if Johnson completely geeked out on all things you'd like to see in a new Star Wars film and threw it in there!

It's difficult to write a spoiler-free review because, as a critic and fan, you want to instantly gush over the major plot twists and revelations! So, I will simply say there are a couple uses of the force that haven't been seen on the big screen, but the uses are such great, wonderful surprises, they are a welcome -- and some superfans may say long overdue -- addition to the cinematic universe! Of course, there are plenty of humorous moments spattered throughout the film -- the BB-8, newly introduced porgs, and Jedi temple caretakers are particularly for the kids -- but there are also many serious moments -- moments that underline the "Wars" in Star Wars. There is tragedy, loss and sacrifice; however, there is humor, caring and hope! As for the performances, they're all top notch here, particularly from Daisey Ridley, Adam Driver, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. Johnson finally addressed -- to me -- a long-standing issue with Fisher's Leia and it is glorious! Seeing Fisher up on screen makes your heart both soar and hurt over how wonderful she was and how much she will be missed. Hamill finally gets to delve into the more serious undertones of being the "last Jedi" and he delivers it in the masterful way that only Hamill can, proving once again that he was born to play Skywalker! Driver does well with his unspoken acting, delivering both on the yearning to be accepted and wanting to pave his own path. Ridley especially really upped her acting game, and in one pivotal scene with Driver, she delivers a rather simple line in the most heart-aching way.

There were many scenes I figured out would happen but didn't know for sure if Johnson would actually go there, and, fortunately, he did! But there were also many unexpected moments and that makes for a great film! Of course, the film also saw the return of composer John Williams and his score this time around was SO much better than the Force Awakens score! This time, he does what should be done: he uses those familiar, favorite themes from the original trilogy and interweaves them with the new! Hearing themes like "Luke and Leia," "Han and Leia," "The Force theme," and others was a very welcome addition!

My favorite moment of Last Jedi is one I unfortunately cannot write without spoiling the surprise, but I actually teared up throughout the entire scene! To me, this scene made the movie and I think other diehard fans will love it just the same! New actors and characters such as Laura Dern's Vice Admiral Holdo, Kelly Marie Tran's Rose Tico, and Benecio Del Toro's DJ are wonderful additions to the cast and SW universe, each given their respective moment to shine! Some are saying Del Toro wasn't used enough but I was satisfied with his screen time. Other great moments are seeing the Millennium Falcon speeding through the caverns of new planet Crait; as well as the production design and sets, which were amazing! The colors used and photography brings an artistic distinction to the saga.

The only ever-so-slightly negative criticism I have of the film is the little side plot between Tran's Rose, John Boyega's Finn and Oscar Isaac's Poe, but those characters had to have something to do while Rey met with Luke! While, at first, the side mission felt a little perfunctory, it soon reveals some social class issues very relatable to the real world, as well as drive the overall saga toward episode 9!

Overall, Last Jedi is one of the most enjoyable films of the year! I enjoyed it more than Force Awakens and my ranking would be as follows:

1) Empire Strikes Back
2) The Last Jedi
3) Rogue One
4) New Hope
5) Force Awakens
6) Return of the Jedi & Revenge of the Sith (tie)
7) Attack of the Clones
8) Phantom Menace

I will be seeing this film MANY times over the holiday break and I urge everyone who even remotely likes Star Wars to see this film as soon as possible!

In loving memory of Carrie Fisher. May the Force be with you ... Always.