Two years ago, Episode VIII (The Last Jedi) left the Resistance with pitifully few people left, Rey on her own, and fans divided. In Episode IX, our heroes have taken refuge on a jungle-like planet. Rey continues her Jedi training while Poe and Finn look for evidence of the First Order's next steps. What they find shocks them and springs them into action: Emperor Palpatine, believed dead after Return of the Jedi, is sending messages across the galaxy talking of a new menace. His power is formidable and he's been preparing for decades following the old war; how can the team possibly prevail?
There's good and bad in this film. The good:
- It appears to be influenced by concepts done in the original (pre-Disney) Expanded Universe. There were some awesome elements.
- There are several surprises and plot twists. I felt it was the first 'original' saga movie in the Disney area (Episode VII was too similar to A New Hope, and Episode VIII to The Empire Strikes Back).
- There are pleasing references to former films- quotes, cameos, and more.
- It answers some questions we've had since Episode VII.
The bad:
- This film is too packed. Too much is going on, too quickly. Too many characters, etc. Even the segues between scenes feel rushed. The audience doesn't get a chance to breathe.
- There are several bizarre plot devices/gaps. Some choices were mind-boggling and a real letdown.
- We still don't get all the backstory/questions answered that we should.
In the end, the elements I liked were overpowered by the detriments. I was hoping IX would redeem the sequel trilogy; in the end, it confirmed that Disney never had a grip on Star Wars in the first place.
Rating: B-
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