Well…it’s finally here, after all the teaser trailers and poster campaigns; the eighth Star War’s movie has arrived.

Was it really forty years ago when I first saw Han, Luke, Leia and Chewey? Not to mention Ben Obi-Wan Kanobi.

Star Wars (1977) or Episode IV-A New Hope (as we call it now). Was like no other sci-fi movie that had come before. Based on the traditional Western scenario where the good guys wore white hats and the baddies donned a preferred black Stetson.


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Leia (The great Carrie Fisher)

It played like a Wild West ranch war, with the rich cattle Baron trying to Destroy the poor farmers, eliminating the competition.

But it seems that no matter what the rebellion throw at the Empire / First Order, the bad guys seem to be back on their tale every time.

At the start of The Last Jedi we pick up where the Force Awakens left off. This is literally the case as the rebel carrier ship jumps through hyperspace to escape their foe but the First Order flagship purses them and the opening scene explodes into an exciting battle, complete with the usual aerial acrobatic dog fights.

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X-Wing fighter pilot Poe (Oscar Isaac)

The rebel craft manages to keep just out of range from the menacing death ship limping along like some injured buffalo being stalked by a Komodo Dragon waiting for its prey to take its last breath so it can be consumed.

Leading this attack is General Hux (Domhnall Gleason, reprising his role) aided by Kylo Ren / Ben Solo (Adam Driver) servant of the Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) who is also on the ship.

This now becomes a waiting game for the rebels to run out of fuel.

In the meantime Rey (Daisy Ridley) is still on the island of Ahch-To with Chewbacca, (Joonas Suotamo) trying to persuade Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to join the rebel cause. It is now Luke’s turn to be the teacher and show Rey the ways of the Force.

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Rey and Luke

Fans will be pleased to see the characters that we were introduced to in The Force Awakens with Finn (John Boyega) who was severely injured when we last saw him. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) the ACE X-wing fighter pilot, his robot companion BB-8, First Order’s Captain Phasma (GOTs Gwendoline Christie) fighting for the Dark Side and of course Princess Leia played by Carrie Fisher who sadly passed away but the film is a fitting tribute to her and she features in many scenes.

There are also some new characters in this episode with the introduction of the rebels Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo (Laura Dern, Jurassic Park), rebel crewmember Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran), DJ (Benicio Del Toro).

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Chewbacca and a Porg

In the merchandising arena there are some loveable little fluffy puffin type critters with huge doe eyes called Porgs, that all the kids will want this Christmas.

 The film was written and directed by Rian Johnson who made Brick (2005), Looper (2012) and a few episodes of Breaking Bad (2010-2013).

Johnson’s vision is slightly different from some of the previous formats of Star Wars Movies and I think it is slightly grittier. Also the film does boast a plethora of very strong female characters lead by Rey who knows how to kick-ass.

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Finn (John Boyega) and Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie)

Fans won’t be disappointed with the action set pieces, which are beautifully choreographed and many of the sets and landscapes are stunning. However, some of the scenes with Rey on the island with Luke do drag on a bit too much, as does the middle section of this sequel.

I also think that the character of Finn is slightly underused for most of the film but then again this is more about Rey and her connection with Kylo and her journey to discover whom she is and why she can also feel the force.

I would also liked to have seen more of Supreme Leader Snoke (even though he does look like Lord Voldemort) as he has a menacing presence.

Good to see an appearance of Yoda, which I notice has reverted back to a puppet, which is more tangible and not poor CGI.

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Kylo Ren (Adam Driver)

At the end of the day though, I think most avid fans are just pleased to see the return of Luke Skywalker who started it all…Long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

The film was good but not brilliant. I really wanted more in the 152 minutes that we had. The trip to the Casino planet for example, seemed a bit incongruous. Also the rebellion need to organise their battle tactics better as they never seem to follow through with a plan.

Three out of five stars.

In cinemas now.