- This movie took huge risks, which I admired and thought paid off immensely
- I loved that it steered into grey territory with both Luke's character, specifically his brief lapse of judgement on whether to end Kylo before he fell into deeper power and darkness, and also the neutrality of Kylo's renegade decision to veer off onto his own path after murdering Snoke.
- I can understand why people are upset over Luke, but for me, it added depth of character and reality, and made use of the fact that even heroes can make mistakes that render severe consequences. Opposers say that Luke never turned away from helping family, and that it was completely out of character for him to turn his back on everyone and everything. However I enjoyed seeing a legendary character that had been through hell and back, who had lost his youthful naïveté, and had been dealt deep emotional scars from his mistakes. Plus, it made his comeback in the end all the more epic.
- The Rey and Kylo Ren fight was incredible. I was practically fist pumping, and the movie really sold me on their connection, even though it was forced and forged together by Snoke. That moment had me wondering if they were about to pull the rug out from under us and give us a Sith Lord romance, or a redeemed Light side brother/sisterhood.
- Luke's epic ending was not what I expected, but I absolutely loved it, and feel that showing less with a character as powerful as him actually helps us see more. Kylo Ren's comment about a force projection between him and Rey being capable of killing Rey made Luke's epic projection at the end that much more amazing.
- The casino and Maz side quest scenes were a huge flop for me. They detracted from the tension of the whole "Battlestar Galactica" cat and mouse chase between the First Order and the Resistance. Benicio del Toro's character was kind of a throw away, and the animated horses or whatever felt like something out of a Harry Potter movie. That whole thing was just a disaster.
- I loved the addition of Rose, I just wish those scenes had been more relevant or less cheesy.
- Leia's force resurrection and return was a total surprise, and an awesome way to carry out her character line.
- @
Chae I'd agree that this movie felt Gamma. It was incredibly serious to the point where some of the jokes just didn't successfully reach me, probably because of the weightiness of the film.
- Rey's orphan status and abandonment history only enhanced (for me) the tense moments between her and Kylo Ren. I'm already anticipating an incredible encounter in the next episode, especially since I felt Kylo Ren was sincere when he told her that she mattered to him. I'd like to believe he is redeemable, but I'm starting to think they won't be repeating the Darth Vader redemption theme with him, especially after Luke admitted to Leia that he couldn't save him.
- Over all, I was very happy that this movie stepped away from typical Star Wars tropes in some ways. I was glad to see some grey areas in terms of morality and force be introduced, and there were enough shocks, surprises, and well rounded ends to character lines that I left more than satisfied.
- I can sympathize with those who felt Luke's character was improperly handled and thus scarred.
What Id like to see moving forward:
- The Knights of Ren. This was left out. Perhaps it's the ace in the hole to set up the final episode.
- Greater tension between Rey and Kylo Ren. This will only add to the emotional elements of an impending stand off.
- Rey and Fin. We really only saw a hug reuinion. That was such a strong relationship in Force Awakens.
- Rose: I loved her character and her summary of the resistance, to not only fight against what they hate, but to fight for what they love.
-Poe: he seems like the obvious choice to be a Han replacement, but will he advance in ranks with the Resistance? Will he mature to a General? Or will he remain a recklessly passionate top gun pilot?
- What's in store for the future? Will the Skywalker lineage end? With Rey's lineage a throw away, what is the future of Star Wars? They hinted at it with the kid and his Force pull of the broom.