#MovieMonday: Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker: It’ll Please Most Star Wars Fans

If you’re a hardcore Star Wars fan, you’re probably half-excited, half-worried about catching the latest instalment of the iconic franchise.

And I don’t blame you.

Because let’s be honest, Star Wars: The Last Jedi completely screwed the pooch for fans despite the high scores given by movie critics.

Critics on Rotton Tomatoes gave it a 91% while normal people like you and me? Only 43%.

But putting that aside, how will the latest Star Wars movie, the conclusion to the I am your father arc, fare?

Here’s the synopsis:

Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.

And here’s the trailer:

Looking good, right?

Special effects looked top-notched, the music score is certainly majestic enough to bring the feels home and the battle scenes looked like it’ll be more than enough for action junkies.

Image: Know Your Meme

Apparently, a lot.

A Safe Movie

Too safe, if you’re looking for something that’ll blow your mind out of the water in the 42-year-long franchise.

However, if you’re someone who’s in this for the memories and a satisfying ending, you’ll enjoy the movie.

The movie is touted as a people pleaser (kind of like that attention-seeking colleague in the office), offering plenty of (sometimes contrasting) bits that’ll please different groups of people.

Leia Organa was shown in the movie.

The bit that divided fans and movie critics in The Last Jedi was removed from The Rise of Skywalker.

A Death Star wrecked and trips to Tatooine.

Basically, everything a Star Wars fan would ask for.

A Lukewarm Reception

So in essence, you can say the movie’s a good one. But not amazing.

Although I’ll have to say: Right now, The Rise of Skywalker is a movie that is as divisive as its predecessor, The Last Jedi.

Except in the opposite direction.

Image: Screengrab from Rotten Tomatoes

Critics felt that the movie was too safe, giving it a score of 57% while audiences who caught the movie were psyched, giving it a 86% score.

So if you’re a movie critic who’s in this for new, exciting developments, this might not be for you.

But if you’re someone who’s there to enjoy the action, the nostalgia, the beautiful scores, the amazing special effects and the outstanding performance by the cast, well, you’ll want to catch this.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker opened in Singapore cinemas on 19 Dec 2019. You can find the show timings here.