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Published 17:24 12 Dec 2017 GMT
In terms of its tone, The Last Jedi is markedly different to any other Star Wars film that came before it. Themes like mythology, sacrifice, hope, destiny, ambition, what defines true leadership, and the follies of following heroes are all prevalent throughout. To his credit, Johnson rarely gives an easy answer to any of them.
While this all sounds darker than Darth Sidious on a bad day, there are some breathtaking sequences that adhere to the Star Wars tradition.
To begin with, we're hurled into the action with a scene that's reminiscent of the 'holy s**t' opening of Revenge of the Sith. There's also a lightsaber duel that's unlike anything we've seen in the saga and as for that battle on Crait, it's clear that Johnson has been brushing up on his WWII films because the camerawork and cinematography are stunning.
Much like The Force Awakens, there's also a clear effort to keep the CGI to a minimum but where The Last Jedi excels is in the performances. For hardcore Star Wars fans, there are moments in The Last Jedi that will break you down and then build you up - the scenes with Carrie Fisher are particularly poignant and moving.
It's not all serious stuff though. The Porgs lighten the mood, Poe Dameron continues to adequately fill that Solo-sized hole in our hearts (nothing will replace Han though) and Benicio del Toro's new character is like some bonkers mix of Brad Pitt and the taxi driver from Scrooged.
The Last Jedi doesn't match The Empire Strikes Back levels of greatness - what can?- and the film does have its flaws. For example, John Boyega is largely sidelined, some plot points are poorly developed and it's about 10 minutes too long - but The Last Jedi does something that very few Star Wars films have managed to pull off, it lingers in your head.
As the credits roll, you'll know exactly why Disney have trusted Johnson to kick-start their new trilogy and after Ron Howard's Solo: A Star Wars Story is released next year, all eyes turn to Episode IX as J.J. Abrams gets to finish this particular saga.
Johnson's work on The Last Jedi means that Abrams is "all clear, kid. Now let's blow this thing and go home."
Right now, the Force is in perfect balance.
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