STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI - 5 Best and 5 Worst Scenes

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI writer and director Rian Johnson did a very different Star Wars movie which some people loved and some hated. Personally, it was refreshing to see a different story in the same universe that we have all loved.

It wasn't as formulaic as the others. We get more development into our main three characters; Poe, Rey, and Finn. Yet, there were some things that were left very disappointing, especially with so many questions to be answered and one final movie to do so when J.J. Abrams' STAR WARS EPISODE IX releases in 2019.

Five Best Scenes

The Death of Paige Tico: It was a small character who had a huge impact on their small victory. With all the other bombers gone, Paige is the last left and fights to get the bombs dropped on Siege Dreadnought in time. It sets the tone of the whole movie and her death is the catalyst that prompts her sister, Rose, to be another beacon of hope in the Resistance. 

General Leia’s Scenes: After the real life death of our princess, I was worried that many of Carrie Fisher’s scenes would be cut leaving the movie severely empty of her spirit. I was so happy Johnson didn't chop out her scenes, especially the scene where she uses the Force to float herself back to the ship. Amazing. She has always been a commanding presence and having her being not only a leader but also a mentor to Poe, and the others, leaves a lasting mark for Episode IX. 

BB-8's Surprisingly Larger Role: BB-8 was just as adorable as before, but I surprised at how useful he was. He nearly gave R2-D2 a run for his money by stealing a ship off Canto Bight and commandeering a weapon, both times saving Finn and Rose. Someone needs to make him commander. 

Kylo Ren and Rey Fight: Their fight side-by-side against Snoke’s guards was amazing. Although, it wasn't graceful as the fight in STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE with Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi versus Darth Maul. Rey and Kylo fight with determination and throw their whole selves into their actions. 

The Ending: At the very end, we see some of the children who helped Rose and Finn on Canto Bight retelling their story. When one of the children is shoo'ed outside, he glides the broom into his hand using the Force and having the ring Rose gave him with the symbol of the Resistance, gazing out into space with hope. A great ending that brings hope back around as a main theme while also hinting at a new generation of Force-sensitive children and perhaps a new type of Jedi. 

Five Worst Scenes

Luke Skywalker Almost Killing Ben Solo: Sure this would have solved a lot of problems, but it is not Luke. Unless they were fully considering turning Luke evil, this move seemed to be out of character for him; especially for someone tried to save Darth Vader by confronting him face-to-mask. 

Captain Phasma’s Limited Use: Phasma could've been such a great character and been a villain that rivaled Boba Fett. It's disappointing to see her take such a turn that she is only in a few fleeting scenes.... and perhaps that's it for her in the end.

Poe vs. Admiral Holdo Showdown: I felt this was kind of unnecessary. Poe is, yes, hotheaded. Most of his arc revolved around him being taught jumping into things headfirst isn't always the best and being trained to be a leader like Leia wants him to be. But Holdo hiding the plan from everyone didn't seem like the smartest course of action for an Admiral, especially when Poe can be more of an ally in that situation. (But that amazing lightspeed scene made up for it). 

Rey's Parent Reveal: This is the one thing that has bugged me the most about this movie. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for this reveal and.... squat. Having her be the offspring of nobodies was a letdown especially with all the buildup to learn about her parentage. Star Wars has always been about the Skywalkers, so it's definitely expected, and if not that then at least someone of importance. 

Snoke’s Death: Pretty quick for someone who's supposed to be a serious badass. He didn't have the same powerfully sinister overtones as Darth Sidious. It was very disappointing to see him easily killed by his own apprentice and without much backstory to why he picked Kylo and to what end.

Written by Carly B.

Related Posts:

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Review - A Worthy Spectacle But Temper Your Expectations Before Going

Is This a Tiny Taste of What Could be in Store for Guests at Disney's Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Park?