Disney
Can you believe that it’s only been four years since the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens? It feels as though a lifetime has already passed. Perhaps that has more to do with the rapidly aging nature of a man in his mid-20s, but I digress.
As we all know, The Force Awakens represented the Mouse House’s first crack at the galaxy far, far away following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm back in 2012.
It’s certainly been an up-and-down ride for Disney in the years since, as their Star Wars outputs have been both massively successful and highly controversial. For every The Force Awakens, there was a The Last Jedi. For every Rogue One, there was a Solo.
Now, after five years and five movies, Disney is on the verge of their biggest Star Wars moment yet with the release of The Rise of Skywalker. And according to early reactions to the film, The Rise of Skywalker seems to be falling right in the middle of fan’s opinions: it’s good, but not great.
In fact, the reactions from various entertainment writers seem to be generally consistent: the film is big, grand, and epic, but as a result, somewhat overly complicated.
There is good in Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. But there is more that is disappointing. There are a number of choices that just don't track, fan service that doesn't work, and ignored details that are missed. I'm bummed. #StarWarsRiseofSkywalker pic.twitter.com/Ztk0VzGc6H
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) December 17, 2019
Epic. All of it. #TheRiseofSkywalker is a terrific finale that is just stuffed with so much of everything. Action, adventure — answers!! — humor, heart, love, and grit. I spent the entire second half with tears in my eyes – a wonderful way to end the Skywalker story pic.twitter.com/K2NhHSGWzM
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 17, 2019
THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is everything I wanted it to be — because there’s never been a STAR WARS movie like this before.
It’s dark and scary, but hopeful and beautiful.
It ends the trilogy while also ending the saga as a whole.
I know I’m rambling — but I worship this movie. pic.twitter.com/XoJFl8Rv8n
— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) December 17, 2019
RISE OF SKYWALKER is the Ultimate Fanboy Jerk Off! I loved it. I LOVED IT!!! I LOVE IT! J.J. stirs your love of this fabled franchise at every possible opportunity. Daisy Ridley is as charismatic as anyone on screen, she carries this final chapter, lifting it to new heights!
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) December 17, 2019
I’m emotional, overwhelmed, surprised, shocked & stunned. More than anything, I’m happy. Thanks for coming through one more time, Star Wars.#TheRiseOfSkywalker
— Mark Ellis (@markellislive) December 17, 2019
Just stepped out of #TheRiseofSkywalker. It’s an immensely satisfying and MASSIVE end to the saga. It somehow addresses issues, problematic characters, and most unanswered questions from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi too. pic.twitter.com/TMKeXCXuUx
— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) December 17, 2019
Lot to take in with #riseofskywalker It is the big adventure, lightsaber adventure I hoped for. A few things I still wonder if it was necessary but it was a very satisfying end to this new trilogy.
— Kristian Harloff (@KristianHarloff) December 17, 2019
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is certainly the most convoluted Star Wars. There is a lot I liked, but the first half gets so bogged down with exposition and new plot and doodads and beacons and transmitters, it feels like it should have been three movies on its own.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) December 17, 2019
#StarWars #TheRiseOfSkywalker is a lot. It’s a big, giant movie with a lot of spectacle and high stakes and it’s definitely going to start a conversation (or a lot of conversations) among fans.
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) December 17, 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has everything you want and more.
Which I don’t necessarily think is a good thing.
I loved parts, I didn’t love others, and I’m leaving the theater very, very conflicted about it. pic.twitter.com/dOYAP6Ntbi
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) December 17, 2019
Well… #TheRiseOfSkywalker is a drastic departure from TLJ, but also not as invigorating as TFA. It is a movie packed with action (it’s seriously nonstop), but also jammed with fan service. @starwars fans – brace for the debates. pic.twitter.com/DjKo9ejRWw
— CinemaBlend (@CinemaBlend) December 17, 2019
#TheRiseOfSkywalker is ummmmmm a lot! tons to love here, no shortage of crowd pleasing moments and twists and cameos, but also quite a bit to 🤔. some faves: jannah 💜, d-0 💚, finn of course 🖤. and what a lovely send off for our general leia 💕🚀💫
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) December 17, 2019
#StarWarsRiseofSkywalker reaction: JJ Abrams nailed it. He was able to bring a cohesive arc to this trilogy that feels like a fitting end to the saga as a whole. I’m so emotionally drained. Star Wars fans will be very happy.
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) December 17, 2019
The film stars Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, Ian McDiarmid, Billy Dee Williams, Mark Hamill, and the late Carrie Fisher in her final movie role.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker — which will be the final film in the now 42-year-old Skywalker saga– will hit theaters in the United States on Thursday, December 19.
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Eric is a New York City-based writer who still isn’t quite sure how he’s allowed to have this much fun for a living and will tell anyone who listens that Gotham City is canonically in New Jersey. Follow him on Twitter @eric_ital for movie and soccer takes or contact him eric@brobible.com