Star Wars: The Last Jedi receives a Lukewarm fan response
The response of fans to Star Wars: The Last Jedi has been a mixed bag thus far.
Star Wars. The Force. It binds the galaxy together. For over 40 years now, Star Wars has provided fans with an escape from everyday life, as well as lasting friendships along the way. However, we’ve felt a tremor in the Force, with Star Wars: The Last Jedi causing a split among fans, rivaling that of the Prequel Trilogy.
Most recent reports have The Last Jedi receiving a dazzling 93 % on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the fanbase’s perception has been far more diverse, leveling out at 56%.
Why is a movie beloved by the majority of critics, receiving a “Luke” warm reception from the fan base?
With The Force Awakens, J.J. Abrams looked back on time’s past, while The Last Jedi pushes things forward in an entirely new direction.
From our observations and interaction with fans on Social Media, the handling of Luke Skywalker seems to be the tipping point. The catalyst for these unbalances within the Force.
Stop reading now if you have not seen the film. Spoilers.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
When we meet Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi, we find a shell of his former self from Return of the Jedi. The young boy we know from the Original Trilogy, gone he is consumed by loss and fear.
A man full of hope and optimism is now one who has given up on his life’s purpose. His flame has nearly burnt out, due to the overwhelming loss of all that he worked to rebuild.
Not only did he fail the galaxy, allowing his nephew to embrace the hate of Darth Vader, but Luke Skywalker tapped into the Dark Side himself. The noblest of all Jedi gave into to hate for a brief moment, nearly killing Ben Solo in the process.
Once Luke came to, it was too late. Ben Solo retaliated, destroying all Luke had reestablished for about 20 years, his entire life’s work.
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It comes as no surprise there are those who are not a fan of the “new” Luke. It’s shocking and surprising to see, really, a different person.
Even more shocking was Luke becoming one with the Force at the end of the film. “Killing” Luke Skywalker, in a sense, is a risky and gutsy move by Rian Johnson. The consensus and expectation were that Luke would survive until at least Episode IX.
Now, Luke is one with the Force, and many from the Star Wars community are not sure what to think, and rightfully so.
However, once the dust settles, we imagine you will see things through a fresh set of eyes.
You will see a broken and lost man return to being the Jedi he hoped to be and more. A man restored, finding peace and purpose, balance, sacrifice before joining the netherworld of the Force.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Luke Skywalker gazing and reflecting at the twin suns of Ahch-To was poetic and perfect.
Next: Every Star Wars story needed to prepare for TLJ
Even if you don’t agree, don’t let hate consume you. It’s okay to have varying opinions on Star Wars: The Last Jedi and the franchise as a whole. Make Dork Side of the Force and the entire galaxy far, far away a most welcoming place for fans both young and old!