Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker - Film Review

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Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker is the final movie in the sequel trilogy and the conclusion to the Skywalker saga that began with the original Star Wars movie in 1977. Directed by J.J. Abrams, The Rise of Skywalker is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that ties together the loose ends of the trilogy and provides closure for the storylines of its main characters.

The Rise of Skywalker picks up shortly after the events of The Last Jedi, with the Resistance struggling to regroup after the destruction of their base on Crait. Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe (Oscar Isaac) are on a mission to locate a device called a wayfinder, which will lead them to the hidden planet where Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) has been hiding. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is on a mission of his own, seeking to destroy any potential challengers to his power as Supreme Leader of the First Order.

One of the most notable aspects of The Rise of Skywalker is its heavy reliance on nostalgia and call-backs to previous movies in the Star Wars franchise. Characters like Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) and Wedge Antilles (Denis Lawson) make a return, and there are numerous references and homages to earlier movies in the series. For some fans, this emphasis on nostalgia is a welcome return to the classic Star Wars formula, while others feel that it detracts from the story and feels forced.

The plot of The Rise of Skywalker is fast-paced and action-packed, with numerous set pieces and battles throughout the movie. The climactic battle between the Resistance and the First Order on the planet Exegol is a standout sequence, with its epic scope and thrilling action. However, some fans have criticized the movie for its frenetic pacing, which can make it difficult to fully engage with the story and characters.



One of the main storylines of The Rise of Skywalker is the redemption of Kylo Ren. Throughout the trilogy, Kylo is portrayed as a conflicted character, torn between the light and dark sides of the Force. In The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo is confronted with the truth of his heritage and the manipulations of Palpatine, which leads him to reject the dark side and seek redemption. Adam Driver's performance as Kylo is excellent, and he brings depth and complexity to the character that makes his journey from villain to hero feel earned and satisfying.

Another major storyline of The Rise of Skywalker is the mystery surrounding Emperor Palpatine's return. Palpatine's resurrection is a controversial plot point, and some fans feel that it undermines the significance of his defeat in Return of the Jedi. However, the movie provides an explanation for his return that ties into the larger themes of the Skywalker saga, and his presence adds a sense of danger and urgency to the story.

Rey's journey in The Rise of Skywalker is also a major focus of the movie. Throughout the trilogy, Rey has been searching for her place in the galaxy and her connection to the Force. In The Rise of Skywalker, she confronts the truth of her heritage and the legacy of the Jedi Order. Daisy Ridley's performance as Rey is excellent, and she brings strength and vulnerability to the character that makes her journey feel relatable and compelling.

The Rise of Skywalker also features a number of new characters, including Jannah (Naomi Ackie), a former stormtrooper who joins the Resistance, and Zorri Bliss (Keri Russell), a smuggler who has a history with Poe. While these characters are interesting additions to the Star Wars universe, they do not receive as much development as some fans would have liked, and their presence in the story can feel somewhat tangential.

One of the most emotional and poignant moments of the movie is the final confrontation between Rey and Kylo Ren on the wreckage of the second Death Star. In this scene, Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley deliver powerful performances that capture the intensity and complexity of their characters' relationship. The moment when Kylo Ren sacrifices himself to save Rey is a heart-breaking but ultimately hopeful conclusion to his redemption arc.

Another standout performance in The Rise of Skywalker is Ian McDiarmid's portrayal of Emperor Palpatine. McDiarmid brings a sense of malevolence and grandeur to the character, and his presence adds a sense of danger and urgency to the story. While some fans may have preferred a different explanation for Palpatine's return, McDiarmid's performance elevates the character and makes him a worthy antagonist for the final chapter of the Skywalker saga.

The movie also features a number of memorable action sequences, including the opening chase on the desert planet Pasaana and the climactic battle on the planet Exegol. These sequences are expertly choreographed and filmed, with stunning visuals and thrilling set pieces. However, the fast pace of the movie can make it difficult to fully engage with the action, and some fans may feel that the movie lacks the quiet moments of reflection and character development that were present in earlier movies in the franchise.

Another of the themes of The Rise of Skywalker is the idea of legacy and the importance of passing on knowledge and values to future generations. This theme is reflected in the movie's portrayal of the Jedi Order, which is shown as a flawed but ultimately vital institution that provides guidance and inspiration to those who seek to uphold its ideals. Rey's journey in the movie is a reflection of this theme, as she confronts the legacy of the Jedi Order and the responsibility of carrying it forward.

The movie also touches on the idea of balance in the Force, which has been a recurring theme throughout the Star Wars franchise. In The Rise of Skywalker, the concept of balance is explored in a new way, as the movie suggests that balance does not mean the absence of conflict or the elimination of one side of the Force. Instead, it suggests that balance can be achieved through the integration of both the light and dark sides of the Force, and the acceptance of the contradictions and complexities of the universe.

One of the criticisms of The Rise of Skywalker is that it feels rushed and disjointed, with a plot that jumps from one set piece to another without providing enough time for character development or emotional resonance. Some fans have also criticized the movie for retconning elements of The Last Jedi, such as the revelation of Rey's parentage and the fate of Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis). While these criticisms are valid, they do not detract from the movie's overall impact as a satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga.

In conclusion, Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker is a fitting conclusion to the Skywalker saga, even if it is not without its flaws. Its heavy reliance on nostalgia and callbacks to previous movies may not work for every viewer, but it provides closure for the storylines of its main characters and ties together the loose ends of the trilogy in a way that is emotionally satisfying. The movie's themes of legacy, balance, and the power of the Force continue the tradition of thought-provoking storytelling that has made the Star Wars franchise a cultural phenomenon for over four decades.

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