The first reactions are in for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker following the film’s premiere in Los Angeles.
Cast and crew, including Daisy Ridley, Richard E Grant and JJ Abrams, assembled for the event, which saw the film screened to members of the public for the very first time.
Days before the official reviews arrive, fans who were lucky enough to attend the ceremony on Monday (16 December) shared their initial thoughts on the final chapter of the trilogy.
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It’s fair to say the reaction has been largely positive, which isn’t to say there hasn’t been some who were left feeling disappointed.
Those who are praising the film, though, have stated it’s the most “hopeful” of the three films, but also called it “dark and scary”.
Entertainment presenter Jake Hamilton said: “I worship this movie.”
ComicBook.com‘s Brandon Davis praised the film for its twists and turns, saying: “It’s big and full of surprises and, in the words of Luke Skywalker, ‘This is not going to go the way you think.’”
Star Wars fan and founder of Legion of Leia Jenna Busch said: “I am absolutely blown away! I’ve never been so satisfied by a film. This is the end of an era and a franchise that has defined my life and this did it justice in a way I didn’t imagine it could. “
However, while CinemaBlend editor Eric Eisenberg acknowledged that there are “good” elements in the film, he said there is “more that is disappointing”.
He wrote: “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.”
Many have also stated the film is almost too action-packed, with Terri Schwartz writing that it “felt like an apology for The Last Jedi", which was directed by Rian Johnson.
You can find a collection of reactions below.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is released in UK cinemas on 19 December.