Jacob Carney – Google

Though the critics dislike it, the movie was actually quite awesome (especially if you disliked the last jedi). Its plot is a bit off-pace in some areas and there are many things that don't completely make sense, but it is emotionally satisfying and is probably the best movie of the disney trilogy. *Some Spoilers* Firstly, I'm really glad that Finn got more screen-time and significance than in the last movies. His potential really got wasted in the prior film, but here he is fully integrated into the main cast and does some pretty awesome things. In the final battle especially he does some awesome stuff. Rey is also significantly improved. In the previous films one of the common criticisms was that she seemed to be a "mary sue", or having powers without enough explanation or training. Whether this was true or not, this movie completely renders the point moot. Not only does it provide ample explanation for her connection to the force, it also clearly establishes that she has constantly been training since the end of the last jedi. All of her new skills and abilities can be explained away by this and they seem to have a natural progression that accumulates in her powers during the climax. In addition, her story arc is downright awesome. Basically, it covers her discovery of her identity and her struggles with resisting the dark side, which receives constant build-up and foreshadowing until it concludes with her final choice in the climax: choose to follow the path set by her heritage or refuse and stay true to what she believes is right. It is very emotionally satisfying when the tension that is expertly built up is finally released. Kylo Ren also receives an effective (if somewhat poorly-paced) story arc that brings his character to a satisfying conclusion. He becomes more than just a generic villain and truly becomes among the best antagonists Star Wars has to offer. Later in the movie, his connection with Rey is brought to the forefront in ways that are both unexpected and compelling. Overall, I think the movie's strong suit is definitely the emotions that it inspires in the audience. It has excellent characters, faithful callouts to previous films, a grand scale, epic battles, and a climax that (in my opinion) is one of the best in Star Wars. However, the plot itself seems poorly paced, especially at the beginning. I'd say the movie doesn't truly hit its stride until the scene when the heroes infiltrate a star destroyer to rescue a captured character from the First Order. All in all, I would recommend watching it. It is a movie full of spectacle and emotion that delivers on the promises set up in the Force Awakens.