The first reactions for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker are in… and it looks like we’re getting an early Christmas present.
The finale of the latest Star Wars trilogy premiered last night in Los Angeles, and with it has come the first reviews on social media.
And fans of the franchise can rest easy, as they are overwhelmingly positive.
Praise Chewbacca.
According to lucky reviewers who got to see JJ Abrams’ movie at the premiere, The Rise of Skywalker ‘does justice’ to the ‘end of an era’, with blogger Xilla Valentine calling it ‘phenomenal in every way’.
Epic. All of it. #TheRiseofSkywalker is a terrific finale that is just stuffed with so much of everything. Action, adventure — answers!! — humor, heart, love, and grit. I spent the entire second half with tears in my eyes – a wonderful way to end the Skywalker story pic.twitter.com/K2NhHSGWzM
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 17, 2019
When people talk about #StarWars , they talk about their childhoods. Their best memories. The people they loved and shared it with.#TheRiseOfSkywalker brings back all those feelings. And then some.
I absolutely loved it.
And now I feel … pic.twitter.com/5wkQh6v97G
— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) December 17, 2019
Just got done watching #StarWars #RiseOfSkywalker and all I can say is wow. WOW and WOW. It pays homage to all of the films and does a great job of wrapping up this epic story. Phenomenal in every way.
— Xilla Valentine (@BlogXilla) December 17, 2019
#StarWars #TheRiseOfSkywalker…OH MY GOD! I am absolutely blown away! I’ve never been so satisfied by a film. This is the end of an era and a franchise that has defined my life and this did it justice in a way I didn’t imagine it could. You WILL cry…. pic.twitter.com/Jfx5bzdZOO
— Jenna Bûche de Noël (@JennaBusch) December 17, 2019
I realized within the first 20 mins of #StarWars #TheRiseofSkywalker that it was the best film in this trilogy, and it kept getting better right through to the end. THANK YOU!!! #Maytheforcebewithyou
— Maude Garrett (@maudegarrett) December 17, 2019
Nerdist’s Dan Casey wrote: ‘#StarWars: #TheRiseOfSkywalker is many things: horrifying, hopeful, violent, lowkey horny, and full of the right kind of fan service.
‘But most of all, it’s a fitting ending for this incredible, 40+ year-long saga.’
Fox’s Jake Hamilton said he ‘worships this movie’, while Maude Garrett tweeted that The Rise of Skywalker is ‘the best film in the trilogy’.
However, there were some criticisms of the movie. Uproxx’s Mike Ryan said that there’s so much plot ‘it feels so rushed’ and that it’s the most ‘convoluted’ Star Wars so far.
There is good in Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. But there is more that is disappointing. There are a number of choices that just don’t track, fan service that doesn’t work, and ignored details that are missed. I’m bummed. #StarWarsRiseofSkywalker pic.twitter.com/Ztk0VzGc6H
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) December 17, 2019
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is certainly the most convoluted Star Wars. There is a lot I liked, but the first half gets so bogged down with exposition and new plot and doodads and beacons and transmitters, it feels like it should have been three movies on its own.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) December 17, 2019
And Cinema Blend’s Eric Eisenberg said: ‘There is good in Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. But there is more that is disappointing. There are a number of choices that just don’t track, fan service that doesn’t work, and ignored details that are missed. I’m bummed.’
Star Wars fans will get to make their own minds up when it hits cinemas this Thursday, 19 December.
And our excitement was piqued as the cast of the blockbuster flooded the El Capitan Theater to celebrate the end of an era.
Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey, served Hollywood glamour in a crimson gown with an asymmetrical neckline and dramatic train, while John Boyega – who plays Finn – oozed cool in a powder blue suit and white shirt.
Oscar Isaac (Poe) looked slick in a dark suit, while Kelly Marie Tran (Rose) dazzled in navy blue sequins and Naomi Ackie (Jannah) opted for a futuristic white dress with a silver-trimmed cutout.
Kylo Ren actor Adam Driver – who is currently receiving rave reviews for his role in Marriage Story – opted for a classic suit, while director JJ Abrams was pictured working the crowd.
Star Wars legends Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill were of course there to celebrate, as were composer John Williams, Lando Calrissian actor Billy Dee Williams and Anthony Daniels, who plays the iconic C-3PO.
And Joonas Suatamo took a break from his Chewbacca suit to walk the red carpet – although Chewy was there in a different form.
Other stars including Richard E Grant, Keri Russell and Ian McDiarmid also attended the premiere to mark the release.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is out on 19 December.
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