Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premiered Monday night to a crowd of celebrities and critics, and if you thought Star Wars: The Last Jedi was divisive, wait until you see the first reactions to this one. Actually, much of the disagreement on the new movie, which concludes the primary narrative of the franchise, stems from opinions on the previous installment. Still, even the more disappointed have some positive things to say about old and new characters. As for those who love the latest episode, they really love how returning director J.J. Abrams wrapped things up.
Here’s what critics are saying about the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker:
OH MY GOD! I am absolutely blown away! I’ve never been so satisfied by a film… This did [the franchise] justice in a way I didn’t imagine it could.
– Jenna Busch, Legion of Leia
It’s an immensely satisfying and MASSIVE end to the saga.
– Rob Keyes, ScreenRant
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is TRULY a satisfying conclusion to the saga. It answers practically everything you want to know and more.
– Mansoor Mithaiwala, ScreenRant
J.J. Abrams nailed it. He was able to bring a cohesive arc to this trilogy that feels like a fitting end to the saga as a whole. Star Wars fans will be very happy.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
It is the big adventure, lightsaber adventure I hoped for…a very satisfying end to this new trilogy.
– Kristian Harloff, Schmoes Know
It somehow addresses issues, problematic characters, and most unanswered questions from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
– Rob Keyes, ScreenRant
I had some issues with The Last Jedi. This movie fixes most of my problems and creates a cohesive story… For me, in the new trilogy, it’s #2.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
The WEIRDEST trilogy of films I’ve seen in my lifetime. None of them fit, and they all seem to actively dislike each other. Truly, head-scratchingly bizarre.
– Sean O’Connell, CinemaBlend
It didn’t work for me, but fans of Force Awakens are going to love it.
– Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment
(Photo by Walt Disney Studios)
It’s amazing. Last Jedi haters will be very pleased.
– Ryan Parker, Hollywood Reporter
If you LOVE LOVE Star Wars: The Last Jedi, you may have some issues with The Rise of Skywalker.
– Rob Keyes, ScreenRant
If you loved The Last Jedi, I have some bad news for you. If you didn’t, then you might be pretty stoked.
– Joanna Robinson, Vanity Fair
Bottom line: If you like Last Jedi, you probably won’t like The Rise of Skywalker. If you didn’t like Last Jedi, you’ll love this.
– Mansoor Mithaiwala, ScreenRant
It felt like an apology for The Last Jedi in some ways and a sequel to The Force Awakens in many, which I found frustrating.
– Terri Schwartz, IGN
Some choices feel like an unnecessary course-correct from The Last Jedi and some just plain don’t make sense.
– Laura Prudom, IGN
The Rise of Skywalker could only have been ruder to Rian Johnson if they had motion-smoothed it.
– Kyle Buchanan, New York Times
Full of the right kind of fan service.
– Dan Casey, Nerdist
Thrives on moments designed for big fans. There’s a lot of cause for cheer throughout and they went for some really big ideas.
– Brandon Davis, ComicBook.com
Has some great surprises in store for fans that will make you gasp and cheer.
– Scott Chitwood, ComingSoon.net
LOTS of emotional fan service… Yes, all of your questions are answered if not immediately off the bat.
– Griffin Schiller, The Playlist
At times I felt too much fan service was given, but The Rise of Skywalker is everything and nothing that you’re expecting.
– Yolanda Machado, The Wrap
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has everything you want and more. Which I don’t necessarily think is a good thing.
– Germain Lussier, io9
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the ultimate Star Wars movie for Star Wars fans who want more of the same. Its 100% fan service and a collective hodgepodge of all Star Wars films combined.
– Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment
In the end, it was Star Wars ‘fans’ that killed Star Wars.
– Scott Mendelson, Forbes
(Photo by Walt Disney Studios)
The Rise of Skywalker is a lot. It’s a big, giant movie with a lot of spectacle and high stakes and it’s definitely going to start a conversation.
– Brandon Davis, ComicBook.com
Brings the serial feeling back to Star Wars. A lot happens, there is constant forward momentum. There seems to be a lot for future Expanded Universe to explain.
– Dave Gonzales, Thrillist
Certainly the most convoluted Star Wars… the first half gets so bogged down with exposition and new plot and doodads and beacons and transmitters.
– Mike Ryan, Uproxx
I have some quibbles with some of the plot, it gets a bit convoluted but I’m not sure it matters in the end because of the emotional payoff.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
Felt a bit more concerned with plot than character, tad rushed, good not great.
– Griffin Schiller, The Playlist
I was not expecting a genuinely bad movie with video game plotting, thin characters, weak action and endless exposition of no consequence. Heartbreaking.
– Scott Mendelson, Forbes
The Rise of Skywalker has a ton of content packed into one movie as well and wastes no time. It’s like two Star Wars movies in one.
– Rob Keyes, ScreenRant
It feels like it should have been three movies on its own.
– Mike Ryan, Uproxx
The Rise of Skywalker is a lot. It’s like nine movies of plot in one. Going to take me about nine days to process.
– Chris Taylor, Mashable
Man does The Rise of Skywakler MOVE. This film hits the ground running and doesn’t let up. J.J.’s energy is all over this thing. A Last Crusade style adventure.
– Griffin Schiller, The Playlist
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits the ground running and rarely lets up. There’s a LOT going on.
– Scott Chitwood, ComingSoon.net
The Rise of Skywalker has a bumpy start but finds its footing, and when it does, it flies — especially the third act.
– Perri Nemiroff, Collider
(Photo by Walt Disney Studios)
I loved parts, I didn’t love others, and I’m leaving the theater very, very conflicted about it.
– Germain Lussier, io9
Overall I would say I liked it but had some big problems with it. Can’t say I loved it but there’s still a lot to unpack.
– Jim Vejvoda, IGN
There is good in Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. But there is more that is disappointing. There are a number of choices that just don’t track, fan service that doesn’t work, and ignored details that are missed. I’m bummed.
– Eric Eisenberg, CinemaBlend
I will say that I think the more casual of a Star Wars fan you are, the happier you will be.
– Chris Taylor, Mashable
The bromance between Poe and Finn steals the film.
– Griffin Schiller, The Playlist
The best thing I can say about Rise of Skywalker is that Daisy Ridley gives her best performance.
– Gregory Ellwood, The Playlist
Lando rules…The Emperor stuff is so weird.
– Mike Ryan, Uproxx
All hail Babu Frick and Zorii Bliss, who are my favorite things from the second they show up.
– Dave Gonzales, Thrillist
I’ll say this I fricking looooove Zorii Bliss and Babu Frick. Love.
– Joanna Robinson, Vanity Fair
I wanted to see more of the new characters in The Rise of Skywalker. They were solid additions.
– Scott Chitwood, ComingSoon.net
(Photo by Walt Disney Studios)
You WILL cry….bring tissues. They stuck the landing. Also, Leia! My entire heart!
– Jenna Busch, Legion of Leia
What a lovely send off for our General Leia.
– Angie Han, Mashable
I’m emotional, overwhelmed, surprised, shocked & stunned. More than anything, I’m happy. Thanks for coming through one more time, Star Wars.
– Mark Ellis, Schmoes Know
I’m so emotionally drained. Star Wars fans will be very happy.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
The emotional highs are spectacular.
– Laura Prudom, IGN
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is in theaters December 19.
