![StarWarsTLJ_FeatImg.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXz4veF5c9Lo771rXsRpz4xhWQyF7h1vTexEj26Am49vh/StarWarsTLJ_FeatImg.jpg)

**I've tried to keep this spoiler free but be warned there is some setup and some suggestions to plot points.**

Having recently seen the last Jedi I feel compelled to share my thoughts. 

I'm going to keep it brief and cut right to the chase and declare Star Wars: The Last Jedi a near perfect movie for me.

Opening with what is, in my opinion, one of the strongest opening set pieces in the whole franchise, the latest Star Wars entry goes from strength to strength, but not without some problems. We pick up the story with the First Order in an attacking formation above D'Qar, engaging in an attack to obliterate the Resistance Base which previously hosted the celebratory outcomes from the Force Awakens. With the attack in full flow the Resistance take to the skies in a mass exodus which turns into a space chase against the clock in an attempt to keep the Resistance dream alive. 

Realising their survival chances are fading, limited opportunities for escape present themselves and split our heroes into different paths both in the direct firing line, and across the galaxy in a Monaco-style casino. Meanwhile, Rey’s journey picks up directly from where we left her on the isolated island of Ahch-To, looking to Luke for guidance with her newly awakened Force abilities. 

The Last Jedi is packed full of plot points and has to deal with a lot of character development which makes for its long running time, however, I feel this is handled so well that I was never bored. There are shifts in character arcs that are so large that I genuinely felt dread for the future and their survival. While mostly successful, there is a standout moment where a character opens Pandora’s Box by introducing the audience to a powerful skillset never before seen from them that asks the question, “Why now?”

I have seen a lot of fan criticism about legacy and how The Last Jedi changes some fundamentals of the universe but I have to say I’m fine with it. Yes the Force seems to have new attributes such as direct neural links and remote projection but to me, this felt like an extension of the Force framework rather than a rewrite of the source code. In fact, it was due to these attributes that allowed for the unpredictability of character progression and led to some of the most interesting storytelling that exists within the Star Wars universe.

Propping up this undulating story are visuals that create some genuine gasp-inducing moments. There is one scene in particular that climaxes in complete silence that was palpably felt through the fourth wall and into the theatre; there was screaming silence emitted from the combined holding-of-breath of everyone in the cinema.

Then there’s the comedy. The Last Jedi is a funny film, and that’s a good thing. Star Wars is fundamentally about balance and with the dark must come the light and the moments of levity make the storytelling all the more human. Again, critics of the film say some of these moments suck the air out of serious narrative but I believe that too much dark results in the Batman Vs Superman problem.

Ultimately, The Last Jedi is about new ideas and it has to be. We’re witnessing the changing of the guard between the old and the new and that’s vital to the survival of the universe. We’re losing the original characters both on and off screen and that’s the inevitability of time, so if we want this universe to continue, and as a fan I do, we have to make plans for the future. With The Last Jedi it feels that the pieces are in place to pass the baton to the next generation, and I for one look forward to spending much more time in this universe as it evolves.

Something tells me this will be a divisive opinion but I’d love to hear what you think.

(Post has been edited to change the main image)