The Last Jedi

I have always loved Star Wars, even when I haven't loved Star Wars. Yeah, I know, not a very original perspective. Episodes 4, 5, and 6 were childhood. Episodes 1, 2, and 3 were mediocre. And now, we have seen two thirds of the third trilogy, which isn't the final trilogy, but which  will likely  be one of a dozen trilogies, which will be made over the coming decades.

There's no reason to be romantic about Star Wars anymore. When George Lucas re-released Episodes 4, 5, and 6, anyone with an ounce of thinking ability could have seen that it was all about making money, and that he would pursue this goal ruthlessly, even to the point of nearly destroying the truly remarkable universe he created. And in spite of excitement about the prequels, Return of the Jedi should have been a sign to anyone with a memory what Lucas wanted to do.

I don't need to provide a full review here of Episode 8. Not going to go through the plot points. What I can say is that i the last vestiges of George Lucas are gone from the franchise, except for the characters and the general philosophy universe. Lucas couldn't have made the past three movies (including Rogue one). He was trying to appeal to the widest age range possible: newborns to those on their deathbeds. This made it untenable for him to continue to make these movies on his own. They'd grown beyond him.

So it is with this one, which, though it is a Star Wars movie, feels very much different from what Lucas had in mind. It is true that though there are references to the Aikido-esque quality of the universe. But these movies are more character-driven, less spiritual, and more influenced by the last thirty years than they are on adhering to Lucas' ideals.

Perhaps it's because i don't feel invested, but I am not insulted that a director or a writer wouldn't do exactly what i want them to do with a movie. My goal watching the Star Wars franchise has always been to be entertained. That doesn't mean that I don't look back on episodes 4, 5, and 6 with fondness. But even when I watch the now, I can't watch them with the same reverence I did when I was a kid. I just can't.

I was fully entertained by the Last Jedi. I have not contextual support for this, just my word. It is fun and it is joyful, and I don't care whether people who hate political correctness are outraged that the white men are bad and the people of color and women are good. I just don't.

That is all. I'm sure you've seen it, so if you disagree, let me know.