Veteran of the Star Wars: "Episode Nine: The Rise of Skywalker" (2019)

Today marks the end of the war... the Star Wars...

Nah, not really. It just marks the end of this particular series of reviews...

Palpatine has returned to threaten the galaxy. Luke Skywalker is dead. Supreme Leader Kylo searches out this new threat to his power while Rey takes her final steps to fulfilling her Jedi destiny...

The story for "The Rise of Skywalker" is actually pretty brilliant. I loved that they brought back the original fantasy tone to the franchise. While it's a little disappointing that there was not plot line for Finn or Poe to really follow, it does make a lot of sense that for the penultimate instalment of the Skywalker Saga, they would focus more on the two main ones for Kylo and Rey. These two stories run parallel to each other- and echo each other nicely. This story telling technique really helps to enhance the theme of balance and the fact that the Sith and Jedi are similar in many ways.

While I was really quite disappointed in the lack of character development for Finn and Poe, I was satisfied with how Kylo and Rey were developed. Along with the story, their growth and development as characters echoed each other in a wonderful fashion. I was also quite pleased to see that Leia got some more development in this instalment as well -- and that her backstory played an important part in the overall unfolding of events.

Just like all the other instalments, "The Rise of Skywalker" is amazing, especially the battle between Kylo and Rey on the ruins of the second Death Star. It's not very poetic or "smoothly" coordinated like those from the prequels, but it fits the personalities of the two characters. It was rough, raw, and wild like the stormy seas upon which it took place. Other than maybe the final fight in "Revenge of the Sith", I'd have to say the one from this movie is my favourite.

While I'm not a die hard fan of "Star Wars", I was a bit sad to see the Skywalker Saga end. Having said that, I believe that "Rise of Skywalker" was a great way to finish it. I'm giving it a "Good".

Special Announcement!

Join us here next Wednesday, when I bring you... "A Fistful of Clint"!

Comments

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends. With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher. When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up. Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila! Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink. The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink. The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices. In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors. The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Southern Comfort. It was refreshing enou

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ". I know I remember them. This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present. With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good. It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters. This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's. In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking. I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e

Search This Blog