Film

“A Massive End To The Saga”: The First ‘Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker’ Reactions Are Here

"This is the end of an era and a franchise that has defined my life and this did it justice in a way I didn’t imagine it could. You WILL cry...."

by Joseph Earp  18 December 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker -- first reactions

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Star Wars: Rise of the Skywalker isn’t the last Star Wars property — not by a long shot. But it definitely is the end of an era.

The Skywalker Saga, a story some 50 years in the making, has finally come to a close. The legacy of Luke and Leia has been concluded, the stage has been reset for future tales, and a thousand fans the world over can finally rest easy, knowing that the story that has kept them busy for most of their adult lives is done.

Well, maybe. In the hours after the film’s first premiere yesterday, early word has been… well, pretty mixed.

If You Like The Force Awakens, You’re In For A Treat

Rise of the Skywalker is the second Star Wars film from J.J. Abrams, the creator of Lost and the director of The Force Awakens, the film that kicked this whole new trilogy off. Unsurprisingly then, Abrams has tied a bow on the plot points that he set out in his own film, rather than paying much attention to the interference thrown by Rian Johnson, director of the controversial The Last Jedi.

That means if you’re a fan of The Force Awakens you’ll be overjoyed — particularly if that film left you with some unanswered questions.

Of course, that also means that if, like us, you’re all in on The Last Jedi, you might find Rise of Skywalker disappointing — or maybe even actively insulting. Certainly, early viewers of the film have made it appear actively dismissive of Johnson’s efforts.

Of all the casualties of Abrams’ course-correction, the most egregious one is apparently Kelly Marie Tran, who played pilot Rose Tico. After being hounded by so-called Star Wars fans online for years, Tran has been rewarded by being basically cut out of the Star Wars franchise altogether.

It’s A Lot

Even those who really like The Rise of Skywalker have admitted that it’s a lot — loud, overwhelming, and totally bonkers.

Particularly convinced of its totally overwhelming bonkers-ness is The Atlantic critic and Blank Check podcast co-host David Sims, who has compared it to a banana peppers sandwich.

Which sounds fun, right?

Although, even that read on the film is somewhat contentious — K. Austin Collins notes that even describing it as messy is overly generous.

Oh dear.

Guess we’ll all have to find out where the truth lies when the film releases tomorrow.