Soldato
Just seen it,my thoughts (a lot of which reflects existing comments from others):
I think the plot was actually really interesting, deep down, but it was buried in a lot of unnecessary side crap. They've acknowledged that the way the Jedi have been trying to run things for centuries simply doesn't work, and seeing things as exclusively good or evil is actually quite destructive. Rey accepts that the dark side has it's temptations, but she's embraced it without fear, and come out of it without being turned as a result. She is the embodiment of the balance that the Force is all about.
I think that Kylo/Ben is more difficult to understand, it seemed like they were working towards a similar thing with him, but then changed their mind, so god knows how his character will develop now.
Regardless, that element certainly felt progressive, and I like that.
There was a lot wrong with the film though:
No Snoke backstory
Hyperdrive ramming - never thought of that before then?
Finn - every side quest he goes on turns out to be entirely irrelevant - what is the point of him?
Tension - There wasn't any. Any point where some might build up, they'd throw in a humorous comment or moment to ruin it.
Acting - Generally poor at the start of the film, but got better as the film goes for some reason, and is actually pretty good by the end.
Score - Pedestrian, easily the least exciting music of the Star Wars franchise.
Pace - The whole thing felt rushed, like they were desperate to get through it and on to the next film.
Ending - It didn't feel like there was any hook to make you look forward to the next episode.
On the upside, I liked Luke's vulnerability, it fits with Luke's failings when he was originally training.
Which leads on to my favourite part; Yoda. That scene felt very much like back on Dagobah, Luke still seeking guidance, with Yoda nudging him in the right direction. I had no issue with Luke's ending either, I don't think it would have looked right for him to go out in a flurry of light sabre combat.
All in all it's decent, but it lacks the Star Wars magic for me, which I've felt when watching all of the other films (to varying levels).
I think that Kylo/Ben is more difficult to understand, it seemed like they were working towards a similar thing with him, but then changed their mind, so god knows how his character will develop now.
Regardless, that element certainly felt progressive, and I like that.
There was a lot wrong with the film though:
No Snoke backstory
Hyperdrive ramming - never thought of that before then?
Finn - every side quest he goes on turns out to be entirely irrelevant - what is the point of him?
Tension - There wasn't any. Any point where some might build up, they'd throw in a humorous comment or moment to ruin it.
Acting - Generally poor at the start of the film, but got better as the film goes for some reason, and is actually pretty good by the end.
Score - Pedestrian, easily the least exciting music of the Star Wars franchise.
Pace - The whole thing felt rushed, like they were desperate to get through it and on to the next film.
Ending - It didn't feel like there was any hook to make you look forward to the next episode.
On the upside, I liked Luke's vulnerability, it fits with Luke's failings when he was originally training.
Which leads on to my favourite part; Yoda. That scene felt very much like back on Dagobah, Luke still seeking guidance, with Yoda nudging him in the right direction. I had no issue with Luke's ending either, I don't think it would have looked right for him to go out in a flurry of light sabre combat.
All in all it's decent, but it lacks the Star Wars magic for me, which I've felt when watching all of the other films (to varying levels).
