Director: Rian Johnson
Year Released: 2017
Rating: 2.0
Continuation of 2015's The Force Awakens has Rey (Daisy Ridley) taking Jedi lessons from a grouchy Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) while the Evil Empire, controlled by Snoke (Andy Serkis) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), is (still) determined to wipe out the Resistance. As I wrote about with Abrams' version, this works solely as nostalgia (and a merchandising cash-grab): Lucas has his detractors, but at least he put in the time to engage in 'universe building' - creating intriguing back stories for his creations - while all Abrams and Johnson do is borrow the plots, dress up fancy sets and plug in replacements: Oscar Isaac is a fine actor, but he lacks Harrison Ford's snide swagger; Snoke is just the Emperor who did not quit smoking when he should have (he is dispatched in a unique manner). This isn't to say it isn't passable entertainment ... it just lacks magic and wonder. Perhaps the individuals behind these retreads should heed Yoda's advice: "The greatest teacher, failure is."
