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REVIEW: "Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi"

Genre: Drama; Sci-fi; Action
Directed by: Rian Johnson
Written by: Rian Johnson and George Lucas (based on characters created by)
Starring: Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Andy Serkis, Laura Dern, Domhnall Gleeson and Kelly Marie Tran
In Theaters: December 13, 2017  (wide)
Runtime: 155 minutes
Two years ago, The Force Awakens proved Star Wars franchise was not dead and there were a lot of stories to tell. Now, The Last Jedi surprises audiences by going against most of the geek theories and it feels fresh because of it! The last instalment of the Star Wars saga doesn't try to please its faithful fans: it is a movie with its own soul, heart and story and that's why it works so beautifully (unlike the last season of Game of Thrones TV series). 
Rian Johnson knows what he's doing here. From the action-packed scenes, to inspiring moments of bravery and emotionally nuanced performances, he was able to show the world this is a product of "cinematic passion". Surprising plot twists and a reflection about the balance between light and darkness, The Last Jedi is a fantastic sequel. Some might recall there are a few awkward moments like [SPOLER] a flying Leia Organa [END OF SPOILER], but cinematic light is much stronger than cinematic darkness in this one. 
High praise for Mark Hamill, who delivers the best performance of his career as a Luke Skywalker who lost all his hope, and to both Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, who get enough room to develop their characters and assume their leading woman and leading man status in this franchise - they're both light and darkness, good and evil, and their chemistry is strong. A note of praise for Boyega, since we don't have many black actors presented with such a commanding role in a big franchise. And, of course, a standing ovation for Carrie Fisher! 
Visual effects are stellar and production design is fantastic - and both build a fantastic world that embrace audiences. But the major technical achievment here is the original score: amazing and award-worthy! 
Fan theories won't find love in The Last Jedi, but the lastest Star Wars movie will please most audiences and not-so-die-hard-fans easily. This movie has a purpose and a message: the force can be with everyone! The Star Wars saga lives!


RATING: 4 / 5


Oscar potential categories:
  • Best Picture
  • Best Supporting Actor (Mark Hamill)
  • Best Cinematography
  • Best Production Design
  • Best Original Score
  • Best Sound Editing
  • Best Sound Mixing
  • Best Visual Effects

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