 No spoilers – so read on! “Star Wars: Episode 8 - The Last Jedi,” reaches deep into the last 30 years of Luke and Leia’s life showcasing superb performances by Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. It provides many answers from Episode 7, but “The Last Jedi” supplies Star Wars fan’s more tantalizing questions. Perhaps the Light and Dark side of the Force are more intertwined. A relationship that is symbiotic in nature rather then adversarial. That pain, forgiveness and letting go is all a matter of perspective. How each person sees the same event so differently can affect choices in incredibly dramatic ways. “Star Wars: Episode 8 - The Last Jedi.” resumes where Episode 7 left off. The Resistance is evacuating before the First Order decimates their base. Kylo Ren’s (Adam Driver) ferocious yet shaky embrace of the Dark side again provides more doubt about his true role with the First Order. Meanwhile, Rey (Daisy Ridley) is seeking Luke’s guidance, yet finding the path to understanding her role to be precarious and in some ways mirrors Ren’s path.  With all the action, the twists, turns and hair raising moments; Episode 8 provides this viewer deeper insight about the Force’s potential and legacy. There were key moments with each Force user that broaden the impact and possibilities for the Light and Dark side. The first was during the initial evacuation of the base. In Fisher’s last, grand performance, Leia shows the audience an incredibly focused mind and control of the Force. A reminder from Episode 4; even her father, Darth Vadar, was unable to break Leia’s will. The second moment is with Rey learning about the Force with Luke. Her raw abilities not only shakes the foundation where she stands but also terrifies and reminds Luke the choices he made in the past. Choices that are still affecting his last Padawan with same raw power, Kylo Ren. Ren admits he is a monster, but the audience still sees potential for change. It is those choices with his Master, Supreme Leader Snook, that Ren shows his abilities are gaining refinement and strength. The last pivotal moment is with Luke confronting Ren. Although Luke has no want or need to continue the Jedi, this key scene only shows the true power of his abilities as Jedi Master. “The Last Jedi” is a vital part of the Star Wars Saga. It provides uncomfortable and harsh answers. The film draws the audience into a galaxy far, far away that is not so pretty as they remembered 30 years ago. Perhaps the bad guy and good guy, like the Force, is not something that can be easily explained. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode 8) review by benMUSA Starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern and Benicio del Toro  |
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