A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, history is repeating itself. The New Republic has fallen to the First Order, leaving the Resistance virtually defenseless. Low on fuel and morale, the few survivors are being shot down from space piece by piece. Finn (John Boyega) and mechanic Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) have infiltrated Supreme Leader Snoke’s ship to disable their tracking system. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) is struggling to get along with his new boss Vice Admiral Holdo (Laura Dern) while the princess turned general Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) recovers from a near death experience. At the same time, Rey (Daisy Ridley) has found the legendary Luke Skywalker. (Mark Hamill)  But the Jedi Master is not as we remember him. The Force is connecting Rey and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), and as a result the line between dark and light blurs. The galaxy’s only hope may be the Jedi, but, it may be time for the Jedi to end.

The film displays a wide variety of characters. Rey, a force sensitive scavenger, wants nothing more than to find out who she is. Finn, an ex stormtrooper who ran from all he had ever known, will do anything to keep his friends safe. Rose, a mechanic, follows Finn on his mission to help the Resistance escape (after she tazes him of course). Poe is appalled by the tactics used by Admiral Holdo and is willing to mutiny in order to stand his ground. Admiral Holdo knows more than Poe thinks and is unaffected by his actions. General Leia has suffered more than most would be able to bear, but still finds a way to lead her new rebellion. Her son Kylo is struggling against the light inside him and his curiosity with the girl who bested him her first time holding a lightsaber. Luke has exiled himself both physically and mentally, feeling responsible for the fall of his nephew.

Daisy Ridley started her career with small TV roles in shows such as Toast of London and Youngers. Since starring in The Force Awakens, John Boyega formed his own production company, which produced the sequel to Pacific Rim. Kelly Marie Tran is the first Asian American woman to play a leading role in Star Wars, and the first to appear on the cover of Vanity Fair. Oscar Isaac made his debut in 1998 with Illtown, and has since starred in over 30 films. Surprisingly, he plays quite a few villains. Laura Dern is famous for her role as Dr. Ellie Sattler in the Jurassic Park franchise, a fact that was not overlooked. A teacup on Canto Bright ripples in a clear reference to the water glass in the first Jurassic Park. Carrie Fisher, beloved actress, author, and activist, made her last appearance in this film. She finished filming her scenes just before her death. Rest in peace, princess. Adam Driver was best known for his role in Girls before being cast in The Force Awakens. Mark Hamill is known not only for his role as Luke Skywalker, but also for numerous voice performances.

In all George Lucas and Steven Spielberg trilogies, the second is the darkest of the three. The Last Jedi didn’t disappoint. Its events and revelations are second to only The Empire Strikes Back, when the father of all plot twists was revealed. Luke Skywalker himself has changed drastically. He’s not the eager farm boy we first met. The Force connection between Kylo and Rey bears its own truths. Rey doesn’t fear the dark side like previous heroes. Whatever her relationship with Kylo means, it will be a game changer. The seriousness is cracked now and then with antics involving new creatures such as the Porgs and Crystal Foxes as well as old friends like BB-8, R2-D2, and Chewie. At the same time the seriousness was necessary. The hopeless situation shows the strength and resolve of characters. They will do anything to protect the galaxy. This makes the message very clear. With the right motivation, people will do anything to make things right.

Anyone who loves sci fi, war stories, action, and/or adventure would love this movie. Fans of the Star Wars saga will obviously love it. I wouldn’t recommend it to people who like nonfiction, comedy (though it did have its funny parts), or romance. Its MPAA rating is PG-13. My rating? Five stars. The Force is strong with this one.