HOLY SITH
AFTER the prequels trilogy divided Star Wars fans, eyebrows were raised when Disney announced it was resurrecting the saga for three new sequels.
However, the franchise made a triumphant return with Episode 7: The Force Awakens in 2015, and the similarly acclaimed spin-off film Rogue One at the end of 2016. Here’s the lowdown on the latest chapter of Star Wars.
2
What was the Star Wars: The Last Jedi release date?
Star Wars: The Last Jedi was released on December 14, 2017.
The movie has an age rating of PG-13 and runs for two hours and 32 minutes.
Episode 9, the final film in the final trilogy, is set to be released in May 2019.
2
What is The Last Jedi plot?
Episode 8 follows on directly from the last film, when we saw Rey approaching Luke Skywalker on a remote island.
In the trailer she is seen practising her lightsaber techniques under Luke's watchful eye whilst Finn is seen only briefly - seemingly asleep.
The Millenium Falcon returns, flying better than ever, while the villainous Kylo Ren appears completely lost to the Dark Side as he fires up his red lightsaber.
Rey actor Daisy Ridley has suggested the film will reveal the identity of the character’s parents.
Adam Driver, meanwhile, told Larry King the “humanity” of his character Kylo Ren would be explored in the new film, while several interviews with cast members have referred to how the film will be “darker” than The Force Awakens. The film is the longest Star Wars film yet with a 150-minute runtime.
What are the reviews about the film?
The Sun's film critic Jamie East took a first look at the latest instalment and left a glowing review.
He wrote: "Straight off the bat this is a GREAT Star Wars movie, possibly the best.
"It’s certainly more satisfying and easily the most emotional.
"People desperate to learn whether this, the second in it’s trilogy, is the traditional “dark” offering may be surprised to learn that whilst yes, s**t gets very real, The Last Jedi is also the funniest by a million parsecs."
Our Star Wars correspondent mostly agreed, and said: "Despite being much too long and occasionally drifting into the CGI hell of the prequels, it’s a great Star Wars movie which will satisfy the fans who grew up with the originals, as well as kids who aren’t burdened by nostalgia."
Critics meanwhile have been tweeting their reactions.
Entertainment Weekly’s Anthony Breznican tweeted: “Carrie Fisher has some unforgettable moments as Leia. @HamillHimself is crushing as a Luke who’s more broken and lost than your action figures from the ’70s. #TheLastJedi”
While The Hollywood Reporter’s Ryan Parker said: “It’s AMAZING. Just amazing. Have a lot to process, but WOW. #lastjedi”
Erik Davis of the film blog Fandango commented: “#TheLastJedi is absolutely fantastic – gripping, touching, funny and powerful w/ gorgeous shots and the most badass battles. When it gets going, holy c*** does it get going. Hands down the best #StarWars movie since Empire”
Latest on Star Wars
Who is in the cast for Star Wars: The Last Jedi?
John Boyega and Daisy Ridley will return as Finn and Rey, while Mark Hamill will play Luke Skywalker for the fifth time.
Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis and Lupita Nyong'o will all reprise their roles too.
Princess Leia will make an appearance despite actress Carrie Fisher having died in December 2016 before filming was wrapped on the film - though it's her last turn in the role.
And Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford, has been rumoured to reappear as a force ghost - though it's unconfirmed whether this will actually happen.
Meanwhile these actors will be taking up roles for the first time...
- Warwick Davis
- Benicio del Toro
- Laura Dern
- Tom Hardy - playing a storm trooper
- Gary Barlow
What Oscars has Star Wars: The Last Jedi been nominated for?
The latest Star Wars film has received multiple Oscar nods for:
- Best original score
- Best visual effects
- Best sound editing
- Best sound mixing
'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' actors Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill and Andy Serkis arrive for world premiere in Los Angeles
Topics