StarWars: The rise of Skywalker
31/12/19 Filed in: Cinema
The ninth and if the reports are to be believed the final instalment of the episodic Star Wars saga. It needed to tie up all the loose ends, fill in the gaps and allow us finally to know how Rey fits in to the Skywalker dynasty. So, does it succeed?
Daisy Ridley is back as Rey, as is John Boyega as Finn. The First Order has been reinvigorated by the re-emergence of the deceased galactic emperor, Palpatine, who dispatches Kylo Ren to kill Rey. There is also an enormous fleet of Star Destroyers destined to eliminate the Resistance once and for all. This is in all respects the final show down.
Rey must ultimately confront Palpatine but to find him she first needs to locate a Sith Wayfinder. With Finn, Poe, Chewbacca, BB-8, and C-3PO she sets off in the Millennium Falcon and so the adventure begins. Of course, nothing is straightforward in a Star Wars plot and we are treated to a range of exciting encounters, including a new challenge - flying stormtroopers!
The link between Rey and Kylo Ren is exceptionally strong, each being able not only to communicate with the other but also to impose themselves physically over great distances. A distinct disadvantage while Rey is tracking down the Wayfinder, and even more so when she finally locates it. Cue epic light sabre fight. Meanwhile there is concern over the fate of Chewbacca following an over enthusiastic use of the Force by Rey.
The relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren becomes the centrepiece of the story and there are revelations along the way. And thanks to spare footage from earlier films, Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) is in the background using the Force to influence the outcome at certain critical points.
It’s probably not giving a lot away to tell you that it all ends with a great battle (it always does) but there’s an awful lot going on before we reach that stage. Homage to the original trilogy, non stop action, fantastic special effects and all our favourite characters, what is there not to enjoy?
The relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren becomes the centrepiece of the story and there are revelations along the way. And thanks to spare footage from earlier films, Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) is in the background using the Force to influence the outcome at certain critical points.
It’s probably not giving a lot away to tell you that it all ends with a great battle (it always does) but there’s an awful lot going on before we reach that stage. Homage to the original trilogy, non stop action, fantastic special effects and all our favourite characters, what is there not to enjoy?