Today’s Prayer Focus
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MOVIE REVIEW

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

also known as “Star Wars 8,” “Star Wars Episode VIII,” Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi,” “Star Wars: Los últimos Jedi,” “Ratovi Zvezde: Epizoda 8 - Poslednji Džedaj,” See more »
MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) for sequences of sci-fi action and violence.

Reviewed by: Samuel A. Torcasio
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Average
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Teens Young Adults Adults
Genre: Sci-Fi Action Adventure Fantasy Sequel
Length: 2 hr. 32 min.
Year of Release: 2017
USA Release: December 9, 2017 (Los Angeles premiere)
December 15, 2017 (wide—4,232 theaters)
DVD: March 27, 2018
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Relevant Issues
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Learn about The True Force

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The continuing fight between good and evil in our world

Courage / bravery / self-sacrifice

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What is the Biblical perspective on war? Answer

War in the Bible

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Featuring Daisy RidleyRey
Tom HardyStormtrooper
Adam DriverKylo Ren
Carrie FisherLeia
Laura DernVice Admiral Amilyn Holdo
Billie LourdLieutenant Connix
Domhnall GleesonGeneral Hux
Mark HamillLuke Skywalker
Andy SerkisSupreme Leader Snoke
Joseph Gordon-LevittActor (voice)
Gwendoline ChristieCaptain Phasma
Oscar IsaacPoe Dameron
Benicio Del ToroDJ
Justin TherouxSlicer
Lupita Nyong'oMaz Kanata
John BoyegaFinn
Warwick DavisWodibin
Peter MayhewChewbacca
See all »
Director Rian Johnson — “Looper” (2012), “Brick” (2006), “The Brothers Bloom” (2008)
Producer J.J. Abrams
Ram Bergman
See all »
Distributor

“The greatest teacher, failure is”

Episode 8 has arrived and both regular movie goers and Star Wars enthusiasts alike are already flocking to the theaters. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is the longest movie of the Star Wars saga. The previous record was held by “Star Wars: Episode II—Attack of the Clones,” with 142 minutes. Writer and director Rian Johnson has said that the film took inspiration from “Twelve O'Clock High,” “Letter Never Sent,” “The Bridge on the River Kwai” and “Three Outlaw Samurai.” John Williams returns with yet again incredible music. This is Carrie Fisher’s final film, due to her sudden death in December 2016. She had a beautiful performance, just as in the past, and she will be missed.

This film takes up right where its predecessor “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) left off. It has a similar pace to “Force.” It starts with an exciting and impressive battle scene, and the movie just keeps going, almost never a dull moment, very much in the way of “The Empire Strikes Back” (which is still the best one, in my opinion). Where “Last Jedi” is more innovative than its predecessor, “Force” has its unique and original plot line. Whereas “Force” in many ways mirrored “A New Hope” (though it’s different enough), “Last Jedi” gives us a story structure we have not seen in Star Wars before, with many new and even surprising elements.

It does have similarities with other episodes for sure, but its format is very much an original one. And I don’t know if it was just me, or if it was only because it was the first time I watched this film, but even though I richly enjoyed it, I did, at times, have a hard time following it. I do think it was the director’s intention to keep us in suspense, and if you are busy looking for this or that answer, you may miss things. There were a few moments I was thinking, “What is going on?”. This is a film you may want to watch again to catch things you missed.

I don’t know if The Force was balanced in this movie (and that is talked about), but writer/director Rian Johnson created a very nice balance between comedy and drama. There are hilarious moments, while at the same time the story is intense and dark. You will likely laugh, and you may even cry, too.

The cast does a phenomenal job. Mark Hamill receives top billing in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” and he deserves it. I don’t want to spoil too much, but Luke Skywalker does not disappoint. After reading the script for the film, Mark Hamill told director Rian Johnson, “I pretty much fundamentally disagree with every choice you’ve made for this character [Luke Skywalker]. …Now, having said that, I have gotten it off my chest, and my job now is to take what you’ve created and do my best to realize your vision.”

Now, when I first read that I was a bit worried. I thought, oh please don’t make Luke Skywalker go off the deep end or turn to the dark side! I am not going to give away specific points, but what I can tell you is that Luke Skywalker has grown and matured, and made many mistakes (and that makes him genuine and serves a great purpose in this movie), but he is the Luke Skywalker we have all known and loved. I can assure you of that.

Mark Hamill is a terrific actor. And as I write this what comes to my mind is that we who are Christians need to pray for these actors we love so much. Of course, we don’t know them very well personally, but we need to pray that they come to know Jesus Christ and receive His forgiveness. Will you commit to praying for Mark and the other actors?

Both Daisy Ridley’s Rey and Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren go through major character developments and perform well. The two of them have an interesting yet complex connection. Fans will be kept on the edge of their seats.

If fans are looking for a lot of answers to the buzzing questions on the Internet, they may feel let down. In the hype leading up to the movie, it has been compared to having as big a reveal as “Empire.” I personally didn’t see that. The major reveal at the end of “Empire” is something you are not looking for, and it is such a shock that you may have left the theater (or living room in the case of many in my generation) feeling blown away. In this film, you are looking for the big reveal the whole time, and in my estimate, you don’t get one. It is kind of the opposite effect, and maybe that was intentional. You still leave with some of the same old questions, and possibly a few new ones. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is what it is.

And you do indeed have to take the movie for what it is, what its trying to accomplish, and where it fits in the broader frame of the Star Wars saga. I can’t give you my full take on that, as it would include many spoilers. But let’s just say there is a connection to the past and to some characters of old, while it also points forward.

Worldview Analysis and Themes

The Force
Learn about the true FORCE
Learn about the TRUE FORCE

Based on some of the preview discussions I read and heard about “Last Jedi,” I expected some startling new revelations about the Star Wars concept of The Force. There is some interesting dialog, but really nothing earth shattering. Any review of this movie’s concept of the Force would be so similar to the one posted in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) review that I point you there for a more in-depth analysis of the religious elements of Star Wars. We have to exercise discernment ,because there are certainly false ideas present that we ought to be concerned with. We always have to interact with films through a biblical worldview, and be ready to help young people do the same.

Luke has not so much come up with a systematic and detailed argument for being so discouraged with himself and the Jedi Order before him; he’s just worn down. He’s been really let down by himself and by others. He still believes in the Jedi way, but he is struggling with certain aspects of how it has been taught and how he should live it out. In a word, he’s just being human. And that’s one of the things I love about this film—the humanness of the characters. Luke is not now some stoic or untouchable person.

Hypocrisy in the Church

A skeptic declares, “I would never be a Christian; they’re a bunch of hypocrites.” Answer

At one point in the film, Luke even calls the Jedi hypocrites. He reminds me, in many ways, of those who love Jesus Christ but have been disillusioned by Christians who have hurt them or with some of the wrong acts done in the name of God through history. The answer is not to give up on Christ or on His people. The truth is, we all fail, and we all need forgiveness. That’s the human condition (Romans 3:23). We must keep going and trusting in the goodness of God, and to try and make things right with others and to forgive.

Importance of granting forgiveness to others

In God’s sight, it is unacceptable for a Christian to refuse to forgive others.

Remember the parable of the master who forgave a guilty man who owed him an amount so enormous that he could never hope to pay it back? The master completely forgave him. But, afterward, that forgiven man roughly grabbed another who owed him a very small amount, and allowed him no time to repay—showed him no mercy—and threw him into prison. When the master heard of this, he was FURIOUS and his punishment was swift.

In that parable, the Master represents God. And the forgiven man represents you, IF you have similarly FAILED to forgive another, when Christ’s blood has paid your unpayable debt to God, and He has forgiven you for everything you have ever done wrong—and for your continuing failures to do everything that is truly right and good.

Therefore, we have a responsibility to be humble, forgiving, loving servants of God.

In real life this is a hard task, but Jesus showed His love for us sinners on the cross. How can we not show mercy to others? And He has promised to fill us with His Holy Spirit to give us the strength we need to love when it is hard (see Galatians 5:22-24 for a list of the fruits of the Holy Spirit).

The film seems to be making the point, which is a good one, that Luke or the Jedi should not be deified. They are good, and they have done great good for the galaxy, but they have all made major mistakes with huge consequences. Luke himself comments that he doesn’t match up to the legends about him. Don’t get me wrong, he is very powerful, but he is also flawed.

We can learn a lot from this. Sometimes we idolize our heroes, but they have flaws, too. Luke even admits his past pride and how it led to devastating consequences, and in doing so he demonstrates humility.

The villain Kylo Ren is very human, too. He is no longer trying to be Darth Vader behind the mask. He is real and raw, but in contrast to Luke he allows his human feelings of anger to consume him. He is one troubled man, and he leaves a wake of destruction in his path. He is the fool of Proverbs giving full vent to his anger (Proverbs 29:11). We can learn from this by not imitating it. Such a path can only lead to death (Proverbs 14:12).

A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back. —Proverbs 29:11 NASB

There is a way which seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death. —Proverbs 14:12

One of the best lines of the movie is that failure is the greatest teacher. Luke had a moment where he failed to do the right thing, and sometimes one moment can have long lasting effects. Those that have idolized him (including Star Wars fans) may be disappointed about this. But, they shouldn’t be. This is a major driving point of this film and perhaps its most redeeming and powerful message. Luke has failed, but the battle is not over yet. He must press on!

Except for our Lord Jesus Christ, how many biblical characters have failed? How many of our biblical heroes have messed up badly in the past? Moses. Samson. David. Jonah. Peter. Paul. The list goes on. We don’t idolize our heroes. We imitate their faith, and we learn from their failures. We also learn from our own.

Along with that there is also a theme of not giving up. Rey encourages Luke that there is still time to make things right. On a similar note, hope is a huge theme in this film. Snoke and The First Order are violent and destructive. They use fear, manipulation, and intimidation. Snoke states to Kylo, “Weakness properly manipulated can be a sharp tool.” The First Order wants to destroy all hope of the Jedi’s return, but hope will not be defeated. Luke represents that hope in this film, as he did in the original trilogy. Snoke says, “As long as Skywalker lives, hope lives.”

Many people are obsessed with the identity of Supreme Leader Snoke. They desperately want to know who this mastermind of evil is and where he came from. Maybe it’s because they want to know what drives him or how he can be defeated. Well, we can tell you who the mastermind of evil in the real world is, it’s the Devil. And the Bible gives us everything we need to know about his schemes and lies.

In the world we live in, we have a very real enemy named Satan who is behind all the evil in this world. He is, in fact, the master of manipulation, and he uses us to manipulate each other. He wants to either take away all our hope or give us a false hope that will disappoint us and ultimately never save us.

Jesus has defeated him through His death and resurrection, and Jesus offers real hope, in fact the only hope, to those who have trusted in Him. The Bible tells us that “through death he (Jesus) might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2:14-25). Jesus has risen from the dead. Satan doesn’t want mankind to know this, and his goal is to keep as many people from knowing the truth about Jesus Christ as possible.

But, Jesus lives now and forever, and as the Church we are commissioned with the amazing privilege and task of spreading the good news about Christ to the whole world. When you tell someone about Jesus, no matter how the person receives it, you are giving them hope. We are called to both show the love of Christ and to explain the message of God’s love in Christ to those who are without Him. It is the only way to defeat evil, and it is the only hope.

There is another noteworthy line in the movie where one character makes a comment that we should not be so focused on fighting what we hate, but saving what we love. We can glean from this comment, too. As Christians, we must be careful that we are not mainly known for what we oppose, but for the God we love, because He has so loved us (1 John 4:10, 19), and in how we express that love for one another (1 John 4:11-12).

We also must remember God has called us to share His message of love with the world (John 3:16). At the same time, though, to love truth is to hate error. To love good is to hate evil. So, trying to save what we love, also means we must oppose evil. When Jesus Christ died to save sinners, He also decisively opposed and defeated the Devil.

Objectional Content

Language: Mild—“D*mn,” “d*mn it,” “what the h*ll,” “b*stard,” “bloody,” “Get your head out of your cockpit,” “big a** door,” “hate that ship” (clearly supposed to sound like “hate that sh*t”) as Luke tells R2-D2 to watch his language (implied swearing).

Violence: Lots of battles and fighting. Many lives lost. Guns and lightsabers as in past Star Wars movies. Snoke violently thrashes General Hux to the ground giving him a bloody nose.

Sex: Minor—There is a shirtless male, a brief kiss, and one character refers to another as being able to do everything—and it seems sexual innuendo is implied.

A few references, whether intentional or not, to the Christian faith you should be aware of. Son of Darkness (a term often used in reference to Lucifer/Satan), Snoke calls Kylo Ren “my good and faithful apprentice.” A Jedi referring to the Jedi religious books says, “Time for you to look past a pile of old books,” and he also refers to them as boring, this seems to be a knock on religious books in general, but this could be taken as dismissing the Bible.

One of the villains mocks one of the heroes saying, “Did you come back to say, ‘forgive me’ and to save my soul?”.

I don’t recall hearing God’s name being said in vain, but one of the characters wishes the others Godspeed in a positive and affirming way. Take it how you want, but it is interesting to note.

Conclusion

With all the above being considered, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is worth seeing. Compared to many modern films, the Star Wars saga remains one of the cleanest and least morally offensive. Like the other films this one is definitely a conversation starter. It is worthy of the name Star Wars, and it is a good film—period. I think there are various ways that the film could be interpreted, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Rian John intentionally left it ambiguous and open. Fans of the saga will have differing views and theories.

  • Violence: Heavy— many fights and battles; very large body count, but no gore or blood
  • Profane language: Mild— H*ll (2), d*mn (2)
  • Vulgar/Crude language: Mild
  • Nudity: Minor
  • Sex: Minor

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive
Positive—I was pleasantly surprised at this movie. These days, you always need to be on guard when you watch anything, but this had nothing major in it that would cause me to not want to recommend it (unlike “Guardians of the Galaxy 2”).

This is the first Star Wars since return of the Jedi that had the quality of those first 3 movies. It had cool action scenes, special effects, space battles, “how do we get out of this one” scenarios, and had me on the edge of my seat wondering how this is going to play out.

Objectionable content. People are killed on ships in space battles. A couple of weird scenes that lend themselves to New Age. Worst was probably the lightsaber battle near the end, where people were cut in half, and stabbed (no blood scene). I do not recall any bad language. Rare these days!

I enjoyed this movie and can recommend it.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Brett Binder, age 40 (USA)
Positive—First things first: Yes, the movie carries a New-Age/Eastern religion tone about it in some scenes, and the “Force” is definitely from that worldview. There are several mild words, but used briefly and not very noticeable. In one scene there are women dressed immodestly, but they are not seen for long, and it is easy to ignore.

That said, I really did enjoy the movie, and its positive themes. I understand worldview and that the Eastern religions are false, so it didn’t bother me to see them in this film. The movie does have positive themes, including courage, heroism, self-sacrifice, an anti-tyranny message. It has hope. It’s about a seemingly invincible evil and the courageous few who are willing to risk all to stand against it.

I would not recommend this movie to younger children, first of all because of the heavy violence (though it is bloodless), and secondly that they might not understand the worldview issues being dealt with. Overall, I really enjoyed watching such an exciting and encouraging movie that was (relatively) clean, and I hope to see it again soon!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Ethan Curtis, age (USA)
Positive—I appreciated the reviewer’s comments. ***MAJOR SPOILER*** But I had a thought: near the end, Luke Skywalker dies. He dies in a confrontation that gives the surviving members of the Rebellion time to escape. Then, at the very end, we see small children telling the story of Luke Skywalker and how he gave hope to the rebellion. At first I thought of the analogy to Jesus” sacrifice. But then I thought, Luke died to keep hope in The Force. This is not the Christian God, but it is the supernatural force of Star Wars. So, in a sense, Luke dies to keep hope in God. I felt very good about this, and how the children of the future would tell stories about Luke Skywalker and how he taught about God. ***END SPOILER*** When the First Order is trying to extinguish belief in The Force, the Rebellion gets its strength from belief in The Force. So it is a truly uplifting film.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Jim, age 65 (USA)
Positive—I want to share my thoughts and opinions without giving too much away. I personally felt that once again Star Wars sets the bar on decent films. It is not Christian in any way, but good versus evil is there. Good wins in the end. It still has that Hindu New Age flavor from George Lucas, but the story goes in a different direction. The focus is no longer on the Skywalker family and that’s OK, too. Out with the old and in with the new!!! It is about time, because it is a new era.

The movie does not have much nudity, except a man taking off his shirt. I really didn’t see it was necessary. In terms of look and feel, it had the space fight and the action pack battles. The light saber duel is missing and is replaced by another duel.

I want people to realize about me: I was 12 years old when the original “Star Wars” movie came out in 1977. My generation ushered in this movie. We were so confused watching Episode 4 that many of us saw the movie 7 times just to understand it. Now, people have the full story. In the 1970s, “Star Wars” was about hope and age of innocence. In the 2000s, the prequels were more dark and disturbing era. These next trilogy seem to follow an even different direction all together.

Since it is called “Star Wars,” there are battle scenes which means that young children should not see it, but teens and adults can watch it. There is mild profanity, but it is not coarse. It is really a great weekend watch!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Karen, age 52 (USA)
Positive—Picking up where STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS left off, STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI hits the ground running, and never lets go. The excellent character development from the previous entry continues here, and there are nods to the prior installments sprinkled throughout this 152 minute (two hours, thirty two minute) thrill ride for the devoted fans of the franchise. The acting, writing, music, and directing is supernova good, as expected from LucasFilm LTD, and now Disney (which owns LucasFilm, and distributed the film). I won’t give away any spoilers, so as to preserve your excitement and your fun when you do see it.

Biblically speaking, there is a fleet of violence, but it is mostly bloodless (this is Disney and LucasFilm we’re talking about), there is a shirtless male and a chaste heterosexual kiss, and some mild profanity (there is even a positive mention of God’s Name, with no blasphemy whatsoever). Given the rampant rumors of a homosexual pairing on the Internet leading up to the film’s release, I am happy to report that there is no homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender content whatsoever.

Stay through the first few minutes of the credits for a heartwarming dedication to Carrie Fisher, who sadly passed away in December of 2016 after completing her scenes for STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. …
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
D, age 31 (USA)
Positive— I have always been a Star Wars fan, it’s a vital part of Pop Culture and Human History, so I personally enjoyed watching “The Last Jedi” in the movie theater; it’s basically equal in quality to 2015 film “The Force Awakens” both films had great moral fiber, excellent storytelling, awesome special effects, great chemistry between the actors, nothing really morally offensive about these movies.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Jeff Andrew Winters, age 38 (USA)
Positive—***Spoiler Alert*** As a long-time Star Wars fan, I really love this movie. That is a bit of an issue, because I became obsessed. I’d written off the new saga after Han Solo is killed by his own son, but I was intrigued with the theories regarding Rey and Kylo Ren, and so I started searching for information on it. I HAD to see the movie after that (especially after I saw that Harrison Ford wanted Han to die, and had wanted that since the first saga), and I even drove to another city to view it because it had already gone out of our theaters.

The acting between Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver was so superb that their scenes are easily the best parts of the movie, closely followed by anything with Mark Hamill and/or Carrie Fisher. I would watch “Reylo” videos on YouTube for hours on end. It was unhealthy, and so I had to pray for strength to return my focus to God. I don’t think the movie, itself, is evil. But Satan used it to turn my focus away from God. I am a writer, so storytelling is a great love of mine, but I have to be careful not to let it become more important than God. If you are a fan like me, be very careful that it doesn’t become an idol.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Amy, age 42 (USA)
Neutral
Neutral—I had high hopes for this movie! I have always enjoyed watching the Star Wars Saga! However, after watching “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” I was very disappointed! The story line was a joke! Not well developed. After I left the movie, I thought that it could not have been over since it felt like it never really got started. The new direction that Rian Johnson and Disney took on with Episode 8 was not a good one and is questionable.

The movie had a lot elements that felt very “New Age.” As a fan I was disappointed and none of my questions were half answered. So the biggest error was the Story line. The special effects and acting was well done. So out of 5 stars I had to give it a 2½ stars.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 2½
Maggie, age 23 (USA)
Neutral—Disappointing, even after a second viewing. So many missed opportunities. Considering the long established franchise, there are so many things wrong, especially poor storytelling, humor that doesn’t work, absurd moments, major plot holes, and so on. It is as if the new director, Rian Johnson, threw out everything that came before (or never saw it—including what JJ Abrams set up in #7) and made it up as he went along. Poor storytelling, poorly executed.

Another thing, Star Wars has always had strong female characters, starting with Princess Leia—no damsel in distress. But the new trilogy has women with super powers (just because) and most of the male characters are put down or weakened. So the only way women can be strong is by making men weak?

It’s not because they are passing the torch to a new generation, it is that they took something that worked very well, characters beloved for decades, a well established story and just missed it. After the hype wears off, you’ll see more clearly and admit the emperor (Empire?) has no clothes.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Tori, age 40+ (USA)
Neutral—…The film suffers when it tries too hard at pushing Buddhist messages. Luke Skywalker, or to quote Mark Hamill, “Jake Skywalker” was the character that propelled the plot. So, “The Force Awakens”really is canon now, Luke Skywalker has vanished.

Music: 5.5/5—John Williams” lush, symphonic, Wagnerian score shines in this film. The Maestro delivers one of his best scores in this film. Holdo’s Resolve builds tension. The Jedi Steps is reused to highlight the more “spiritual” side of Star Wars. The score is simply amazing and I just believe that the fact that there are still people like John Williams is still writing for the orchestra proves that we all need good music because good music is the air we breathe in when we, like Rey did in both TFA and TLJ, climb up Mount Sinai just to finally meet Jesus (symbolism!!!…).

—Ahch-To Island
—The use of Princess Leia’s Theme in The Supremacy
—The Rebellion Is Reborn
—The Fathiers
—The use of Ben Kenobi’s Theme, Luke and Leia, Han Solo and the Princess and The Imperial March in The Spark
—The Last Jedi (Chorus!!)
Check out the score-only version of TLJ!!See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Kevin, age 21
Negative
Negative—After the—to me—awful job—Abrams made of the dreadful “The Force Awakens” and then the dark and depressing, by the numbers “Rogue One,” I can report that “The Last Jedi”… continues the downward trend. The classic characters were under utilised, in favour of the bland, diversity for diversity’s sake new characters. Certain elements were lifted from the original trilogy’s “Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” and the prequel trilogy’s “Attack of the Clones.”

*Semi-spoilers* Luke’s story arc ended in a strange way, his and the other force-manipulation characters exhibited heretofore unseen powers far beyond what’s been seen before—it was like watching one of the typical ho hum video game Marvel Comics films or dark and dreary DC Comics films.

The [apparent] destroying of Jedi texts can be seen as destroying the ancient texts of the Torah and that of the Holy Bible. * End of spoiler section*

Biblically, there wasn’t much to recommend—the promulgation of embracing love, not hate was one standout.

Film-wise, it was a giant video game again, too many cop outs and storytelling shortcuts. John Williams” score was serviceable.

I was there back in 1977 and none of these new films equal the original trilogy. I think George Lucas should have continued the story himself, rather then sell out to Disney or if they had done new films, then not belittle the original characters, as has been done, in my honest opinion.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 2
Dirk Wickenden, age 50 (United Kingdom)
Negative—In December 2017, I watched Star Wars Episode VIII with my dad. We both thought it was okay. Yet… the series is getting old… Disney made a mistake by throwing out the old expanded universe… they know this… that is why are bringing some of it back… Regrettably, with their own spin…

I have played KOTOR (Knights OF The Old Republic) an ancient species they brought back into canon is the Rataka (but with changes, as with everything else they bring back…) They need good writers or re-canonize entire storylines… Star Wars will not last much longer without those…br> My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: ½
Lucas Ammons, age 30 (USA)
Comments from young people
Positive—…Wild. That’s what it was. All the predictions which have been speculated by all the fans throughout these past two years have every single one of them been proven wrong. This movie is extremely hectic. Random things happen left and right every second. You simply cannot process everything at once.

The settings and surroundings were well done. The Canto Bight sequence was pretty boring to be honest, but the rest was extremely captivating.

Snoke’s throne room scene had me with my mouth wide open. That scene, for me, was the film’s highlight. That one scene with Snoke… chills down my spine. For reasons I’m not going to say out of fear of spoiling it, I was a little saddened at that moment, but mostly in awe.

Non-stop pursuit and action. The entire movie literally has the First Order on the Resistance’s tail.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
John, age 17
Positive—My daddy took my brother and I to see the movie; I thought it was awesome.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Charlene (USA)
Positive—Overall, I thought the latest installment in the Star Wars series was very well done. I enjoyed it much more than VII, which in my opinion, added nothing new to Star Wars and was simply a remake of Episode IV. This film did a fairly decent job of straying from Star Wars cliches, but there were still many that were maintained. The humor was well-balanced, the action was intense, and the movie was solid as a whole. However, I did have a few complaints with The Last Jedi that are listed below in the most spoiler-free way possible:

First of all, this movie could have been very family friendly, but for some bizarre reason, the director chose to include enough nonsensical course language, graphic violence, and frightening images that pushed this movie to where it was teetering on the edge of not being so. Also, the religion of Star Wars (Hindu, Eastern religions) was brought out in this movie more than almost every other Star Wars film. ***VERY MINOR SPOILER*** One side character is even shown wearing half of a Star Wars-style Yin-Yang symbol as a necklace that allows her to sense the person wearing the other half of the symbol. ***END OF MINOR SPOILER***See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Joe Norman, age 15 (USA)

PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.