Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a Love Letter to Leia

When the industry lost Carrie Fisher, many Star Wars geeks , like myself, wondered how her iconic legacy as Princess (now General) Leia would be dealt with in light of her untimely death.

Let me tell you something. Director Rian Johnson has kept the Star Wars franchise in tact, all the while bringing a little old and new to The Last Jedi.

When we left off with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, an end of the film teaser suggested the return of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) as Rey (Daisy Ridley) begs him to assist her in Jedi 101, in order to help keep the Resistance thriving. If that weren’t bad enough, we also lost Han Solo (Harrison Ford)when he was taken down at the hand of his own son Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).

Now, that you are all caught up, this installment had me all up in my feelings like I was a 12 year-old kid watching it for the first time! In my opinion, this is the best one since The Empire Strikes Back. The fighting sequences do not disappoint and the introduction of new characters like Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) gives the franchise the a B12 vitamin boost, along with some new droids (BB-8) hanging out with the old ones (R2D2 and C3PO). We’re introduced to even more new characters Laura Dern (Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo), Benecio del Toro (DJ), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma). whose supreme talents (in my opinion) were not utilized to their full potential.

Without completely ruining it for you, I can tell you that there is a stand-off between Kylo Ren and Luke, Finn (John Boyega) meets his match and General Leia has never looked more radiant while kicking universe booty. Oh yeah, Supreme Leader Snoke (superbly portrayed once again by Andy Serkis) may or may not get smoked!!!

Daisy Ridley as Rey has really stepped it up and was allowed to explore an even deeper range of her acting. It was thrilling to behold.!!! Adam Driver (Kylo Ren) is giving me Galaxy Grinch, who eeks a little humanity from time to time.

However, Mark Hamill is giving the performance of his career as Luke Skywalker. Exuding the boyish charm we fell in love with decades ago mixed with a little broken Obi Wan energy, he brings Luke full circle. Oh yeah and General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) is still a straight up punk pretending to be a bully…lol

Kelly Marie Tran (Rose) is like a little bolt of lightning! She energizes the screen each time she appears. You can totally catch a glimpse of her at moments with that wondrous look of “Am I really starring in a Star Wars movie?” Yes, girl…you did THAT

I laughed, cheered and cried. Sometimes, all three at once. This cinematic love letter to Leia was classically done, very respectful to the memory of its originator and will leave you coming back for more. What can I say, “the force” is in great hands. Thank you Rian Johnson!!!!