Movie Review - 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' is Catered to Devoted Fans

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a film that will not come without controversy. The film will be loved and hated, but I would argue it's hard not to love. As with most J.J. Abrams movies, it is nothing groundbreaking in terms of storytelling -- the film is very plot-driven, with characters constantly racing from one "make or break" scenario to the next. They are constantly running from an enemy in the First Order from one dire mission to the next. There is very little time for the characters to just exist, to talk to one another about something other than the plot, or for the sake of character building. But akin to Abrams' other films like the modern Star Trek films, you have to be pretty cynical to not enjoy what is being presented to you on screen. This film, like many other of Abrams' entries, plays well for those who are devoted to the brand. It's great popcorn entertainment, with lots of fun action to keep you enthralled until the end credits. This formula doesn't present much for re-watchability, but it works for entertainment to the masses. This final chapter was a much better than the previous entry in my opinion, but not still without its flaws. Star Wars itself is a very unbalanced franchise within these nine episodes. Outside of the dated, but still very visceral first three chapters (Episode IV, V and VI), the subsequent six films have been marred with issues from story, to character to inconsistency between films. But for me, a Star Wars fan, I still enjoy watching all these films. They are not my favorite film saga, but certainly one of the most entertaining. Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker falls right under that umbrella.