Star Wars - New Film Ranking

In case you have not realised, there is a new Star Wars film in town, Star Wars Episode IX, the final chapter of the Skywalker sage.

I thought this was an overall good film, and wrapped up things well. However, I felt it did not connect with the previous films in the sequel trilogy, mainly through the return of Palpatine, which felt random. I did not like the fact that it was unexplained on his return.

I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship of the characters. Rey, Finn and Poe were all highly likeable in this film. I felt that Rose probably should have had a larger role to play, she could have also have gone on the main mission, although that would have made it more crowded.

C 3P0 had his biggest role in Star Wars since the original trilogy, and R2 D2  was more present than the previous two sequel trilogy films. I am pleased by this as I thought the two had been previously side-lined. The humour involving the two was also excellent.

The handling of Leia was done exceptionally well. She appeared in just the right amount of scenes, and still had a role to play in the redemption of her son. Speaking of which, although it is very much a repeat of Return of the Jedi, I did think the redemption of Kylo Ren was necessary and well done. This whole trilogy was more of him turning to the light again, rather the opposite of Anakin in the prequel trilogy. Han Solo's cameo was also well done, being a mirror of his death in the Fore Awakens.

This film bought us 4 new main characters. I thought all 4 were likeable. Jana and Zori Bliss allowed us to explore the pasts of Finn and Poe. D-O was a droid companion for BB8, and Pryde provided us with an old age and menacing imperial that Hux could no longer be after the Last Jedi.

The film also had some other familiar faces of old-age past. Lando was back, and was also a great character, bridging this trilogy with the original. Chewbacca of course was in it as he had been in the previous films, and Luke made a brief appearance as a Jedi ghost, in much the same way as Yoda in the Last Jedi. Nien Numb was back as he has been for the sequels. Aftab Ackbar continued his father's legacy. The cameos of Wedge Antilles and Wicket also worked well, and were not just there for the basis of fan service. Wicket's son being played by Warwick Davis' son was also a nice touch. The voices of the Jedi past was also an interesting feature. Aside from the known Jedi that we know can speak through the dead, it was a surprise to hear the voices of Ahsoka, Kana, Adi Galia, Aayla Secura and Luminara Unduli. This also confirms the death of Ahsoka.

Overall, I enjoyed the film but I felt it did make the entire trilogy sort of unnecessary. It ended very much the same way as Return of the Jedi. That being said, it was a good film and the ending was very touching and fitting.

My New Film ranking following The Rise of Skywalker:

1. Revenge of the Sith
2. Return of the Jedi
3. A New Hope
4. Rogue One
5. The Rise of Skywalker
6. The Empire Strikes Back
7. The Last Jedi
8. The Force Awakens
9. Attack of the Clones
10. Solo
11. The Phantom Menace
12. The Clone Wars