But at what cost!?
As one who loved TLJ and the risks it took, I would say the cost was caving into fan service over originality. I really liked a lot about TROS but an extension of what Rian started would have been a lot better imo.
Just rewatched TLJ and have to agree, it is pure magic and imo easily the greatest Star Wars.
That’s saying something…seriously. I rank TLJ number three (or four depending on what day you ask)
I rank it at the bottom. For me it fundamentally clashes with the story and characters Lucas envisioned. I really don’t like the meta approach to Star Wars, even if I don’t think it is a bad film when viewed in isolation.
I can agree that TLJ greatest assets don’t have much to do with the rest of Star Wars.
Nonetheless I love it, with every viewing it keeps unfolding new ideas like no other SW does to me.