‘Star Wars’ comes to a close after 42 years

BY Ron and Leigh

A long time ago in a galaxy far away, the remarkably popular “Star Wars” phenomenon began. Now, after forty-two years and nine episodes (three trilogies), it all comes to a close. It’s kind of happy and kind of sad. Rabid enthusiasts, of which there are many, will not be disappointed in this finale, but more moderate fans might be underwhelmed.

Legendary director (and co-writer) J.J. Abrams crams every fanboy wish into this concluding extravaganza and does it quite well. It begins with that familiar title crawl, and rousing John Williams score. There are massive set pieces, gorgeously rendered special effects, booming audio and charismatic characters doing Star Wars “stuff.”

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is never boring, it’s just emotionally flat. It may be blasphemy to the fan base, but until the final reel, there is no need to buckle your seat belt in this reasonably entertaining but mostly passive viewing experience.

It seems as if Abrams, during the holiday season, was making a list and checking it twice, but somehow omitted the passion that endeared fans to the prior “Star Wars” flicks. Fortunately, the $200 million budget buys a lot of bright shiny objects to keep our attention until the mostly satisfying conclusion unfolds.

Carrie Fisher, who passed away three years ago, gets top billing. As the first episode of this last trilogy was about Han Solo and the second about Luke Skywalker, this latest episode was to have featured Leia Organa. When Fisher passed, Abrams decided to rewrite the script using repurposed archive footage that had been cut from prior films.

After a 36-year hiatus, Billy Dee Williams returns to his role as Lando Calrissian. Instead of performing, he mugs his way through the role, as if saying, “Look at me!” Meanwhile, the witty ad-libs seem over-rehearsed and mostly land with a thud. On the plus side, the welcomed cameos are perfectly placed and very cleverly advance the storyline.

The final episode of this trilogy continues to feature the trio of Rey (Daisy Ridley), Poe (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega). They lead the resistance against the ruthless and maniacal Supreme Leader, Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), who callously rules with an iron fist against any threats to his ever-growing power.

After the death of Darth Vader, Palpatine’s current henchman is Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), who had turned to the dark side, which seems to happen far too often in this series. Kylo is the son of Han Solo and Leia. Kylo Ren and Rey are both conflicted as they fight to convert and/or kill each other. It will all come down to how these two face off.

Along the way, there are the requisite shootouts with stormtroopers, aerial dogfights, well-choreographed light-saber battles and strange and cute creatures and bots. There’s even a “Luke, I am your father” moment. Fortunately, there is no return of Jar-Jar Binks, but there is ample nostalgia, reunions and everything is just colossal. Apparently, to J.J. Abrams, nuance is a four-letter word.

Original writer-director George Lucas once indicated that the story is told from the viewpoint of C-3PO and R2-D2, as they are the only characters to appear in all nine of the “Star Wars” movies.

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is 141 minutes and rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action. This is the last episode with this universe of characters, but Disney plans many more “Star Wars” movies with entirely new storylines. This has been a long and enjoyable ride, but “Star Wars” fatigue has set in so it’s thankfully time to move on.

As almost everyone has been invested in this franchise to one level or another, this is a must-see movie. But, we don’t need to see it again. This visually dazzling spectacle checks all the boxes of what you’d want in a finale, but as we learn, those items are necessary, but not sufficient. Nevertheless, may the force be with you!

Ron’s Rating: B
Leigh’s Rating: C