Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
The Last Jedi is a sci-fi epic and 8th picture in the Star Wars Skywalker Saga, directed by Rian Johnson, and starring Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, and Adam Driver. This picture picks up right where the previous picture left off with Rey developing her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker. Who is unsettled by the strength of her powers? Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.
Under The Lens: Script and Acting
Script: Rian Johnson both wrote and directed this motion picture, and is a somewhat newcomer to the world of filmmaking. While he shows occasional glimpses of the writer he could become, in the end, the script feels heavy and laden with novice writing mistakes. For example, when a new novelist is starting out it can be hard to write for an ensemble, so new writers find ways to split the characters up to better be able to manage them. This happens in The Last Jedi, and while splitting up heroes is not always a bad thing, in this picture sadly it is. Our heroes go on pointless side quests, and other characters never even meet! In the end, the scrips well done philosophical musings are buried under the mundane side questions and characters who serve no purpose.
Acting: While the script may have been problematic, the acting is some of the best we have seen in the Star Wars Saga. Mark Hamill turns in a career-best performance, and Adam Driver continues to chew the scenery with every scene he is in. Johnson really was able to pull out the best performances from each actor. There is a great moment between Kylo Ren and Luke as they face-off, it’s truly one of the best scenes in Star Wars, and mirrors Obi-Wan and Vader very well. With the pictures MANY flaws, this scene was not one of them.
Highlights
The climatic fight between Luke and Kylo Ren was beautifully shot.
The ultimate demise of Luke Skywalker was remarkably peaceful and serene.
The throneroom dual was rendered wonderfully with bright colors and unexpected events
Something to think about
Did the portrayal of Luke leave you satisfied? Were you hoping for a more badass Jedi Master?
Conclusion
Overall The Last Jedi is a well shot and at times beautiful sci-fi epic, under the direction of Johnson we get to see some of the best acting the saga has ever seen. However the script is weak and the side plots meaningless in the grand play of the story, in the end, this story needed more Luke and his interactions with the core cast, with the exception of a brief moment at the film’s climax, we never get to see Luke interact with anyone but Rey. There are fragments of a fantastic film, one that could have been regarded as one of the best in the saga, but its poor plotting and weak script end up bringing the picture down. In the end, the main thing The Last Jedi is guilty of, is thinking too highly of itself, Star Wars has always been a Flash Gordan adventure, and The Last Jedi is so busy deconstructing the heroes we have known and loved, that it forgets that Star Wars is meant to be FUN and joyous.
