AMMAN: You thought the “Games of Thrones” creators were under pressure when they had to come up with a satisfactory ending to the decade’s most-talked-about TV show? Try being JJ Abrams — charged with wrapping up “Star Wars,” the sci-fi phenomenon that has been at or near the forefront of pop-culture for the past 40-plus years.
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” aka “Episode IX,” is the last in the trilogy of trilogies that “Star Wars” creator George Lucas envisaged back in the late Seventies. The galaxy is threatened by the rise of the First Order, led by Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, a powerful ex-Jedi who turned to the Dark Side of the Force. The main threat to his ascension to total power is not the Rebellion — which was all but crushed last time out — but Rey, a Jedi apprentice with whom Ren has an unexplained paychic connection.
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” aka “Episode IX,” is the last in the trilogy of trilogies that “Star Wars” creator George Lucas envisaged back in the late Seventies. (Supplied)
Abrams provides plenty of nods to the old films — most notably a trip to the wreckage of the Death Star in a bid to find a device that will guide Rey to the hidden lair of the Jedis’ great enemies, the Sith, where she hopes to confront Emperor Palpatine (yes, that disembodied voice at the end of “Episode VIII” was him). There’s a touching farewell to Princess Leia (the late Carrie Fisher) thanks to some digital trickery, and the return of some other old favorites.
And of course, there’s the plot. Which is, it’s fair to say, almost a repeat of the past. For some, this lack of originality is a fault. For others, it’s just “Star Wars.” The ‘space opera’ has never had a complex narrative or thought-provoking message. It’s straight-up good versus evil. Usually with a redemptive moment and the odd twist. And “The Rise of Skywalker” is no different.
“Star Wars” is a the sci-fi phenomenon that has been at or near the forefront of pop-culture for the past 40-plus years. (Supplied)
So don’t examine the plot too closely. Just enjoy the spectacular action, the corny-but-still-heroic exploits of the rebels, and the wildly imaginative background that makes up this gargantuan galaxy.
The ninth installment does its job — it pays homage to the past, ties up (most of) the loose threads from episodes seven and eight, and gives fans plenty to get excited about. “Star Wars” has been a remarkable ride, and Abrams gets as close to nailing the landing as anyone could really have hoped.
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