Stop pulling at the threads. Admire the characters, the setting, the plot and the conflict. The film has some legitimate shortcomings that deserve respectful criticism, but much of the disparagement and condemnation is unwarranted.

| Mar 16, 2025

THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is a film devoid of progress because progress requires looking ahead. Instead, it gazes longingly into the past, unable to process what to learn from it, and chooses to stay put rather than risk a mistake by moving forward.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jan 4, 2025

Where its predecessors were spectacular, even bold at times, The Rise of Skywalker is unimaginative and stuck so rigidly in the past that it forgoes an identity of its own. There’s the odd fun moment, but utterly no chutzpah.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 10, 2024

…the call-backs to personnel, themes and scenes all create some genuine connection to a beloved universe, and for some, that will be enough. But in terms of plot and character, the third Star Wars trilogy has been a misbegotten disaster….

| Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 29, 2024

A beautiful capper to not only just this new trilogy but the entire Skywalker saga...

| Original Score: A | Apr 4, 2024

Though The Last Jedi left more than one question unanswered and plenty of room for developing certain themes that are only hinted at in the film, The Rise of Skywalker strays from Johnson’s direction and takes a different path entirely.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 10, 2023

The lack of artistic integrity plus the constant disappointments regarding each big moment’s climax ruins one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Next time, just build a roadmap, Disney…

| Original Score: C | Jul 24, 2023

There’s a fine line between familiarity and predictability, and The Rise of Skywalker crosses that line more than any of the previous chapters. It also undoes or ignores virtually everything that occurred in The Last Jedi.

| Jul 20, 2023

The Rise of Skywalker is a messy film that contains too much plot for its own good but also a really entertaining movie that showcases why audiences love Star Wars.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Apr 16, 2023

Star Wars has lost its mystique, and The Rise of Skywalker is to blame.

| Mar 29, 2023

As for me: this is where I get off the Star Wars train. I was happy enough to wrap up some unfinished childhood business, although if they'd stopped at Force Awakens that would have done the job just as well.

| Dec 1, 2022

The story is messy, there’s enough plot to fill two movies, and some of its characters need more attention. But this is still very much a Star Wars film and will evoke many of those same old feelings of kid-like joy and excitement for those who allow it.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 25, 2022

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the creators of the new Star Wars Trilogy must be dedicated environmentalists, because they keep recycling the same old material over and over and over.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 22, 2022

The Rise of Skywalker is a satisfying and spectacular end to the third trilogy.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 12, 2022

Adam Driver as Kylo Ren/Ben Solo is the best thing the sequel trilogy gave us. The film has way too many flaws, but my fandom couldn't help to enjoy every minute of it. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 7/10 | Jul 7, 2022

Capably made but misguided in its attempts to satiate its fanbase, The Rise of Skywalker marks some kind of end to the franchise.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Feb 22, 2022

The Last Jedi took some narrative risks that didnt pay off, but a follow-up that plays it safe hardly seems preferable. What should feel like an epic conclusion to a 42-year-old story instead acts as proof that the franchise has lost its way.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Feb 21, 2022

Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver are the MVPs of Rise of Skywalker. Both give their all in their final performances as Rey and Ben Solo.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Feb 18, 2022

The Rise of Skywalker might play it safer than its predecessor, The Last Jedi, but it so effective in its messages that it connects and provides a more a very satisfying conclusion.

| Feb 12, 2022

A noteworthy farewell to the Skywalker saga, with the heart and action we have come to love from the Star Wars franchise.

| Original Score: B+ | Oct 20, 2021