To say that I’m a fan of the “Star Wars” franchise is putting it mildly. It all began on May 25, 1977 while visiting Denver, CO with my parents. I was 6 years old and we went to the opening day of “Star Wars” in the theater. It was so crowded that the three of us had to sit separately. I can’t recall where my dad sat, but my mom was about 4 rows behind me on an end seat – watching me like a hawk – as I sat on an end seat and was immersed into the most magical adventure at that point in my life!
From that point on – I had “Star Wars” toys, pop-up books, lunch box, coloring books, and pictures. I still vividly remember playing with those pop-up books! AND…James Earl Jones as “Darth Vader” started my lifelong passion for voice-acting…ultimately leading me to radio when I was 14.
Every time a new “Star Wars” film comes out – I’m excited just like every other fan. I bought my tickets in October! And I rarely bother to read reviews before I see it – so I can form my own opinion.
And I definitely have one. And if you’re interested…here it is.
BUT…if you don’t want my opinion – or you don’t want my opinion before you see “Star Wars – The Last Jedi” – LEAVE NOW.
I’m going to be as VAGUE as possible so I don’t give anything specific away from the movie. I’ll give them to you as “PRO’s” and “CON’s”.
PRO’s: (I can’t say anything specific about what I LOVE so I don’t give anything away!)
If you’re a “Star Wars” fan – you MUST see it! New fans and Original fans are going to see it – no matter what people say.
Rey & Kylo – are AWESOME! They are everything that I love about the “feeling” the “Star Wars” movies have given so many of us. Power, conflict, emotion, drama…love.
Rose & Finn – AWESOME! Rose is a terrific character – and actress Kelly Marie Tran is superb in her “Star Wars” debut!
And adorable Poe is the “Han Solo” character we need. He also loves to blow things up.
I’m also obsessed with the SFX when the ships come to a full stop from hyperspace! I love that!
Porgs – Like many others, I’m in love with the Porgs! I bought some Porg figures in October as Christmas presents for Theresa (and me)! The adorable little bundles are like fat puffins without beaks. seal eyes – and loud – and adorable! When they look at you with those big eyes it reminds me of Puss In Boots from “Shrek”! Wait until you see how many Porgs there are on the island – and the Porg babies! I’m going to predict now that there will be a lot of babies dressed up as Porgs for Halloween next year!

Porg – Photo: Lucasfilm
Vulptex – They’re like foxes covered in beautiful crystals! They even “jingle”!

Vulptex – Photo: Lucasfilm
Fathiers – The look in their eyes is one of sweetness and sadness. They are treated very badly. They’re a combo of a horse, dog, and almost a lamb – but they’re big, fast, and powerful!

Fathier – Photo: Jonathan Olley /Lucasfilm Ltd.
CON’s:
TOO MANY JOKES!!! They were good jokes, BUT, one of the most mesmerizing qualities of each “Star Wars” film was that there was always a serious drama unfolding, it kept you on the edge of your seat to listen to the dialogue and watch the epic battles take place. In “The Last Jedi” – in the first 10 minutes there’s a joke, well, not just one joke, it goes on for a little bit – it felt like they hired Mel Brooks to incorporate some of his “Space Balls” humor.
Leia + The Force = A scene from “Superman” (That’s all I’m saying…but there are A LOT of opinions about this!)
2 hours 32 minutes – The longest “Star Wars” film to date. It was too long – BUT – if it was shorter we would have thought they didn’t connect all the story lines – which they barely managed to do… in 2 hours 32 minutes!
…and the “Caretakers” on the island with Luke…good grief. They’re being called “Space Nuns”. No. Just no. They took me straight back to “The Dark Crystal”. Give me a good, quality, non-hokey alien – or nothing at all.

Photo: Lucasfilm
…and one thing that is a PRO & a CON:
Mark Hamill.
I LOVE Mark! But…because he as built such an amazing career as a voice actor – his acting and projection on-screen is that of a voice actor. Powerful and, at times, over-dramatic. But I still adore him. He was typecast as “Luke Skywalker” through his career – and then he created an incredible voice acting career – I think he’s brilliant overall!

Photo: LucasFilm
Here’s what you need to know: This movie pretty much clears out the past – and makes way for the future – and all new storylines. There are now 4 characters remaining from the original “Star Wars – A New Hope” – FOUR. Although I still think some will be back in a “ghost-guide” sort of a way.
We also get the answer to one of the biggest questions from “The Force Awakens” – “Who are Rey’s parents?”!
I like the ending – and the prospects of who will be moving forward in the next film “Star Wars: Episode IX” due in 2019 – which ultimately, was the reason behind this film – to make way for new beginnings.
Many critics feel that there’s a “battle” going on between directors J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson as they alternate directing and story writing of the future “Star Wars” films. Speaking to the two disagreeing about storylines – and diabolically rewriting plots to impair the next film. Honestly, do you think Disney would let that fly? I doubt it.
Oh…and if you’re like me and you want to know if there’s any bonus footage after the credits – there isn’t – so go ahead and bolt for the restroom (it was 2 hours and 32 minutes that you squirmed in your seat after drinking an XXXXXXL drink!)!
FYI – I’m definitely seeing it again!!! I told you – I’m a FAN!
I really want to hear your thoughts about the movie! If you want to have a “FUN” debate – let’s do it! For anyone who wants to fight – please remember it’s just a movie and we can all have opinions! 🙂
May “The Force” be with ALL of us as we go into 2018!!!
Jacque
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- I’d love to stay in touch with you. Look at where it says “Follow Blog Via Email” on this page – and add your email. You’ll be notified when something new is posted! 🙂
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15 comments
On your second viewing, use my technique to avoid the dreaded bathroom run; bring one or two juicy apples to snack on with your popcorn instead of a drink. Quenches your thirst without taxing the kidneys; I used this when I saw Dances With Wolves (another LONG flick!).
Hi Jacque!
The whole family went to see it this past Wednesday. My 13yr old was so excited! He is such a fan. He even had a opinion on Rey and Finn vs. Rey and Rose. We’ll go back over the Christmas break. Thank you for sharing!
great review. just saw movie. wanted to see more attention paid to story lines than to computer based scenes. could see this film turned into a weekly tv series. I understand it is out with the old and in with the new. I will see again, although it lacks Speilberg magic, still a fan!!
You’re so right about it being a TV series. This movie left many story lines possibly open that could be used! And agreed about the CGI scenes. Less is more in some cases!
I have a friend who bought the original figurines when Star Wars first aired. They have never been opened & are in pristine condition….just wondering if they have any value as collectibles, even thouh he would not sell them.
I always wanted the LEGO Death Star and Millennium Falcon!!! Ahhh…I wish!
I’ll have to ask Joe if he has these as well. He probably does! He even bought multiples of some pieces thinking would valuable later! I didn’t even know about the Lego pieces, but Ibet he does!
The value on those figurines – unopened – BIG BUCKS! But I wouldn’t sell them either if I had them!
He did that with a whole variety of things. Friends laughed at him. I guess he’s laughing now!
Jacque well wrote!
Hello Jacque, went with my niece and nephew and father. We all loved it in theater with a few exceptions. Will say also very very vague. Luke was not the Luke we knew from past. Snoke if really that powerful really. Leia flying like Superman was a reach. Casino scene was made to sell action figures. Loved bb8 he was really all the comedy that was needed rest was forced. Rey outstanding and Poe. Finn and rose I felt after thinking about it where not needed. After hearing the love hate I can agree with both sides. My fear is where is the story really going to go? I could go on and on but don’t want to ramble. Eric
It’s funny how so many people are picking it to pieces – but I think that shows our love and commitment to the entire “Star Wars” franchise. Oh yea – the casino?!?! Why?!? Maybe to set up the story of the rich people selling supplies??? I still liked it – but maybe this was a “transition” film to new storylines? I’m sure I’ll see it again before it leaves theaters! 🙂
Yeah will see it again. I do think they are setting it up for new direction. But now jj Abrams is doing it so not sure.
Hi Jacque! You did see the 1977! Did you like it? The original was awesome!
I absolutely loved it! It was even better when I got to introduce my daughter to it!!! 🙂