Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Spoiler-Free Review

I attended a free Advance Screening in exchange for my honest opinion.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the final movie in the original Star Wars franchise from LUCASFILM. Highly anticipated, it has an all-star cast with the beloved and infamous characters from many of the previous movies, new ones introduced, and a few surprises in flashbacks and ethereal scenes. JJ Abrams returns as producer for Episode IX.

It begins with the famous word crawl: “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.…” and a summary of what has happened in recent times. It truly sets the tone for the movie, and the iconic music continues throughout the film.

Kylo Ren is in a battle till the last person standing. He finds a box and unearths a Sith Wayfinder: pyramid-shaped, with a green center, GPS of sorts to a specific place, and only two are in existence. He is then called to a mission.

Rey is using the Force to levitate and runs the obstacle course. During her run, she fights a battle with an unknown orb which she destroys. She has refused to take Luke’s lightsaber feeling she’s not worthy of it yet.

The push-pull of Kylo Ren and Rey continues throughout the film with them communicating telepathically and in multiple tests of will.

The RESISTANCE receives a message from a spy in the GALACTIC EMPIRE. Rey is compelled to act and her friends insist on going with her. General Leia Organa is emphatic in giving Rey Luke’s lightsaber. So begins the journey which contains action, adventure, secrets unveiled, a few teary moments, and at the end, an epic battle in which everyone is tested when the RESISTANCE of the JEDI meets the SITH of the FINAL FORCE.

We meet a few new characters, have moments of comic relief with C-3PO, fun banter with a woman from Poe’s past, a new robot, D-O is rescued from and abandoned ship, the return of Lando Calrissian, and unexpectedly–Luke’s X-wing starfighter. There are other things from the past which become important in the story as it unfolds. All the loose ends are tied up and move the plot forward. Rey finally remembers her past and, in the end, claims a last name.

It’s a riveting ride to watch it all play out, sitting on the edge of one’s seat, and feeling the power of the FORCE. There’s so much going on, many viewers will want to see it many times to fully realize it’s the final chapter in the original film franchise.

A compelling story not to be missed for those following along since the first time we visited a galaxy far, far away…. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker doesn’t disappoint and the longtime fans will appreciate the detail in the closure of the series. May the Force be with you!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters on December 20, 2019.