I hate to give away my age, but I saw the original Star Wars (A New Hope) in the movie theater when I was a young girl. It was released around my birthday (the release date was May 25, 1977). I was nine years old, and I really wanted to see it for my birthday. My father took me.
The moment I saw those words scrolling across the screen, I was totally hooked. After the film was over, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I was a child and I wanted all the toys I could get based on the movie. Imagine my excitement when I found out they were going to make more movies in the franchise.
Over the years I have seen all but two of the films in the movie theater (I later saw them when they were available for home viewing).
I was sad to learn that Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, was going to be the last film in the franchise. I grew up watching all of these characters. I can’t imagine a world with no hope for anymore Star Wars films. At the same time, I think they have run their course. There is only so much story telling the franchise can do (as far as major motion pictures are concerned).
Admittedly I did not see Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in the movie theater – something I regret. Life just got in the way and we missed out window of opportunity to see it.
The movie is now available for home viewing. It was previously released on digital, but today it’s also available on Blu-ray, DVD and Ultra 4K.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker picks up where the last film left off. Princess Leia and the resistance are hiding out until they can figure out their next move.
During this time, Kylo Ren found a device called a “wayfinder,” which helps him find the location of Emperor Palpatine – who is still very much alive and living on an uncharted planet called Exegol.
Palpatine shares his nefarious plan to send an armada of Star Destroyers to destroy all the resistance troops once and for all. Palpatine also needs Kylo Ren to find Rey and kill her.
Meanwhile, Po Dameron and Finn get some intel from a spy that knows the whereabouts of Palpatine. The problem is, they have no clue how to find the planet Exegol. In order to find the planet, they need to find the other “wayfinder.”
Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewbacca and C-3PO head off on an adventure on the Millennium Falcon to find the Sith “wayfinder” in order to find Palpatine and destroy him and what is left of the First Order. This proves to be easier said than done. Not only does Rey need to figure out Luke’s notes on where the “wayfinder” might be, but she also has to deal with Kylo Ren who keeps using the force bond he has with Rey to find her location and stop her before she finds the way finder, and to fulfill Palpatine’s request for him to kill Rey.
Will Rey and her friends be able to find Palpatine’s lair before it’s too late? Why does Palpatine have it out for Rey? Will the answer of who Rey truly is and how she got her Jedi powers finally be explained? To find out you need to pick up a copy of Star Wars: The Rise of Skwalker. Look for it where ever movies are sold or streamed.
Of course there is an ample amount of bonus content worth checking out.
- The Skywalker Legacy – This is a documentary (over two hours!) that no only explores the making of The Rise of Skeywalker, but it also explores all the films in the franchise. This is definitely worth checking out – especially if you are a die hard Star Wars fan.
- Pasaana Pursuit: Creating the Speeder Chase – This is a look at one of the film’s biggest action sequences.
- Aliens in the Desert – Parts of the movie were filmed in the desert in the country of Jordan. This featurette explores building the sets as well as exploring the location and how it plays out in the movie.
- Cast of Creatures – a look at the alien creatures featured in the film.
There is more bonus content to check out as well.
It’s sad to see the last film. It did answer some nagging questions, but I still have some questions that were left unanswered. I guess I’ll just have to come up with my own conclusions.
Overall we really liked this film. It’s much better than it’s predecessor (The Last Jedi). The story line was much better, and the action sequences are pretty awesome.
The special effects and “movie magic” in this film is incredible. Just seeing the armada of First Order battleships hoovering over the planet of Exegol is pretty awesome. Everything in the film looks so realistic.
There was a part of the film that was sad… briefly. I don’t want to give it away. Let’s just say I was mad at the filmmakers for a bit, but thankfully they redeemed themselves.
I like that Finn and Poe saw more action in this film, but for the most part this film centers around Rey and Kylo Ren.
You’ll see some familiar faces in this film (one I expected, the other I did not). There is also a death in this film, which I also did not see coming.
If you are a fan of the film franchise, and you didn’t have a chance to see the film when it was in theaters, be sure to purchase or rent the film. Now is a great time with everyone home under quarantine.
Below is the theatrical trailer for the film. It is no longer in theaters.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Hannah Chase says
I’m so glad this movie is available now. I can’t wait to see it.