I’m glad that’s over.

It is finally the time for the Skywalker Saga to end with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The journey with Rey, Poe, and Finn that started with Star Wars: The Force Awakens almost five years ago will finally end with answering the most critical questions in this trilogy.

As the generation that grew up with Star Wars, I remembered trembling in fear with the first presence of Darth Vader on the big screen as a child. I tried to acquire every LEGO set Star Wars toy issued and occasionally bought Star Wars memorabilia with t-shirts, action figures, and a lunch box. For many years, I’ve attended comic book conventions to try to meet up with many Star Wars actors, who graciously retold behind the scenes tales from William Hootkins (Porkins), Maria De Aragon (Greedo) and David Ankrum (voice of Antilles). The pinnacle of my Star Wars fandom was being part of the staff for Star Wars Celebration III. Oh, the stories I can tell.

I can call myself a Star Wars fan.

Twenty years ago, things started to change with Star Wars: A Phantom Menace. The film was mediocre with its storytelling, annoying characters, and acting. The conclusion of that trilogy with Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith left me unsatisfied.

I had certain high expectations with this final trilogy that started with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It leads me through a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs that started with this film and continued through Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Now I’m part of that disillusioned Star Wars fandom.

With J.J. Abrams returning to helm Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, there was an expectation for a new hope to a fitting end to this trilogy.

Unless you have been living under a rock, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker immediately jumps into the rumors of Emperor Palpatine. The trio of Rey, Poe, and Finn embark on multiple journeys to track down clues about Palpatine.

The film tried to fit too much into 140 minutes that it felt like you’ve binged watched three seasons of a Star Wars television show on fast forward. Scenes were moving so fast that it doesn’t allow the brain to process what just happened. There are essential death scenes (yes, people die and stop saying that’s a spoiler), but with the fast-moving plot—it doesn’t allow audiences time to connect to these moments emotionally. It makes one wonder if there’ll be a six-hour Abrams cut for this film to slow down the pace.

Nonetheless, the last act returned to the epic battle formula that worked with Star Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. The final confrontation with good versus evil always been the working solution for Star Wars, and I wished this act lasted for 140 minutes. The aftermath of the epic battle will leave a Star Wars fan grinning from ear to ear.

There are new materials that were introduced with new Stormtrooper toys and Jedi powers. Rey has developed her training so much that she has force power abilities never seen before with Luke Skywalker, Yoda, or other Jedi. On the other hand, the Sith and First Order counter with an equal power that makes you wonder why can’t Star Wars introduce someone who can snap his fingers to blow up planets.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker ends up being a mixed bag. The nostalgia of Jedi battles, space confrontations, and laser blaster shootouts were used liberally throughout the film. Everything will be very familiar and expected for any Star Wars fan. Even the music was a rehash and remix of all the favorite scores introduced in past episodes.

Star Wars fans will still debate on the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga as whether it is good or bad. That’s inevitable. In the end, the film gave the fans what they wanted but even leaving some fans dissatisfied.

For Fox Troilo’s review, click here.

FINAL GRADE: C

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