I finally saw The Rise of Skywalker yesterday. It’s a flawed and lore crushing entry but also an entertaining popcorn movie. I think pertaining to established lore and canon it really doesn’t understand the source material but at the same time as of right now I find it to be a fun time if you don’t take it seriously.

Lore Crushing and Other Bits:

Rey being a Palpatine. It makes no sense for him to have a son within established lore. Namely in Revenge of the Sith for example he tells Anakin “I need your help son”. It’s very clear to me that he saw himself as a surrogate father. Maybe even as the father but that seemed to be more connected to Darth Plagueis. Rey’s lineage also felt like trying to pander to everyone and not stepping on any toes.

Palpatine using Force Lightning on the fleet. So, why exactly didn’t he do this over the Battle of Endor?

Force powers. They were really cool but within established lore context don’t make sense.

Planet Killing Star Destroyers - What?!

Knights of Ren? Not important.

How did Maz get the lightsaber? Not important.

Snoke? Pointless and possibly just a clone vessel for Palpatine?

Prequel references and bringing the saga full circle? Nope.

I’m sure there’s more I could say but I need to see it again to give an ultimate verdict. Right now, I found it to be entertaining on it’s own merits namely with Leia and Luke training, Leia training Rey, Rey and Ben, Lando, and some other bits but as a conclusion I find it’s a contradiction to lore and canon. It equally feels like it’s trying to course correct The Last Jedi at times which made it very wonky and like two different visions were clashing. Star Wars was always more than popcorn fun for me but that is now what it’s come to and I think I’m at peace with that. I can let go now.

I miss George.