Star Wars Nerd’s ‘The Rise Of Skywalker’ Review [Spoiler Free]

I'm a Star Wars nerd. I went to Celebration in Chicago this year. That's the scale of nerdom I'm talking about here. So as a Star Wars super fan, we want reviews from people who actually "get" Star Wars. So here's what I thought of The Rise Of Skywalker when I went on opening night last week.

This movie feels more like Force Awakens than Last Jedi. In fact you could basically throw out most of Last Jedi except for some key plot notes and it would be fine. It almost feels like The Rise of Skywalker was playing catch up the whole time to get us back to where Force Awakens left off.  That being said, it's not a bad movie. It's just a little rushed.

There's a lot of fan service. I mean, a lot. Fortunately most Star Wars fans happily gobble up that stuff. But, be prepared.

We get most of our questions answered, at least the big ones. There's a new small story line between Finn & Rey that is frustratingly not resolved by the end of the movie. I just don't get that one.

There are some genuine twists and surprises in the movie. There are funny moments, but lots of very serious deep moments that will make you cry if you're truly emotionally invested in this 40 year story line.

If you like action and large cinematic scenes then this movie will not disappoint. There is a lot to take in, some bold plot jumps, and enough familiarity to not get lost in it. It's hard to say goodbye to a 9 movie story line, but JJ does a good enough job to leave me satisfied. I give this movie 8 out of 10 lightsabers.