Gregory Rogers

The Rise of Skywalker is a fun, safe, and ultimately disappointing conclusion to the Star Wars Saga. The special effects are cool, the set-pieces are a joy to watch, but the narrative is convoluted, poorly paced, and in conflict with themes and character arcs established in previous films (both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi). The plot, in particular, tramples over its characters. A few characters have satisfying journeys, but so many of the most beloved characters are given inexplicably trite, baffling endings that it makes the movie hard to swallow as a whole. The movie feels like it's from a different timeline or universe, and most of all seems more concerned about airing grievances with previous films than telling a satisfying story of its own.