Review of Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker

In 1977, Star Wars became the biggest American space opera phenomenon, thanks to writer and director George Lucas. Lucas was determined to create his ideal film of a “space opera” with the help of his partner, Gary Kurtz. After directing “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith,” Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion. Since then, directors J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson have taken over the role of directing episodes seven, eight and nine of the Star Wars saga — and have been met with a wave of criticism from fans. 

Abrams most recently directed the ninth film in the saga, “Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker,” which particularly sparked controversy among fans and critics alike because of its story line. But the constant argument over what “Star Wars” should be is actually the most substantial problem with the film. 

Considering the saga has gone through a handful of directors with different intentions, keeping a perfect storyline and wrapping up every character arc would be near impossible. “The Rise of Skywalker”  nearly did the best it could with the substance it was given in the preceding two films, which differed to a point beyond successful return. 

All things considered, Abrams is yet to completely let down audiences. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it was always going to end this way. No matter which direction the “Skywalker Saga” — the designated title for the nine “Star Wars” films — was going to be taken, the movie was going to face a storm of backlash from the mixed crowd of “Star Wars” fans everywhere. 

“The Rise of Skywalker” was full of action-packed fighting, with an unexpected love interest. From Kylo Ren finding the Sith wayfinder, to Rey fighting the urge to join the dark side — the movie’s breakneck pace keeps the audience teetering on the edge throughout. 

Abrams perfectly wrapped up the ending to the trilogy, which featured a clash between the Resistance and First Order. He did an excellent job with every fighting scene, making sure the audience’s gaze never drifted from the screen with the constant shift of camera angles. 

Abrams didn’t only showcase plenty of battle scenes, but there were a handful of underlying themes sprinkled throughout the movie. Rey’s journey mirrors much of Luke Skywalker’s, how the Force can be found in even the humblest of beings and the difficulty of the journey to master it. And the lost feeling that Rey exhibits, paired with the power of loving the family you choose, brings the saga full circle in an emotional telling of “Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker.”