The Star Wars saga is not one that can be easily critiqued. The first Star Wars movie, “A New Hope,” dates all the way back to 1977. Just the fact that a movie series has been popular for over 40 years is incredible. Since the saga has been around for four decades, fans and movie lovers will always be ready with a movie ticket for the next cinematic masterpiece. No matter how much hate one of the movies may get, everyone knows the true art that goes into these films. The plot, the graphics, the storylines, the characters, the connection to the other movies, and twists always come together to make the Star Wars fans wanting more. 

The newest addition to the series, “The Rise of Skywalker”, released December 20, was directed by JJ Abrams, and contains the same nostalgic key aspects and music to bring back all the memories of the old films. When the theme song starts playing and the summary of events pop up on the screen for everyone to read, excitement floods the theatre. Heavy breathing and whispers come with anticipation for the movie to begin. As the words fade away into the galaxy of bright stars, the world waits to see if the movie truly lives up to the Star Wars name. 

Since the beginning of the franchise , the story has revolved around light vs dark. The light side of the force coordinating with the Jedi, which is considered “good.” And the dark side of the force coordinating with the Siths, which is considered “evil.” In the Star Wars universe, there is an ongoing conflict between the Siths and the Jedi for the fate of the galaxy. 

The infamous Darth Vadar is a Sith and uses the dark side of the force. And the legendary Luke Skywalker is a Jedi Knight who attempts to rid the galaxy of the Sith’s rule. 

“The Rise of Skywalker” is a continuation of the previous chapters. After Luke Skywalker had saved the universe from the dark side of the force, he trains a new Jedi to become a protector of the light side of the force. 

Too bad the training doesn’t go the way he planned and the Jedi he taught, Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver, becomes one with the dark side. 

This causes an insane shift in the story and new characters take on the challenge of protecting the galaxy. Including Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, Finn played by John Boyega, and Poe played by Oscar Isaac. 

As the trio, and many droids, come together to stop Kylo Ren and the Siths, Star Wars fans everywhere fell in love with this heart wrenching, beautifully crafted film and the Star Wars franchise gained a new audience.

Some say the newer movies, such as “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi” don’t live up to the Star Wars name. But after watching this last wrap up of the Skywalker series, everything finally comes together. The missing pieces are filled in and there is finally rest for the Skywalkers name. The movies become more closely connected and unexpected plots take place. Such as the origin story of Rey and her parents.

The characters of the past and present converge their stories to fight the last battle for the galaxy. General Palpatine has taken over the universe and has   at his beck and call. Except for the resistance.

The resistance, though, is weakening. Strong supporters of the past have gone quiet and the universe has lost hope. Rey soon realizes Ben Solo must become one with the light side if she ever wants the resistance to become victorious. This task may be more difficult than she believes. As Kylo Ren still fights the inner battle we witnessed in the last movie, Rey uses their connection to lead him toward her. Will Kylo help Rey defeat Palpatine? Or will he lead her right into the arms of her long lost relative?

The galaxy is torn. With the loss of hope, many believe the resistance is fighting an empty battle, but they soon discover the importance of coming together to fight this long lasting battle. As the movie nears the end, a battle erupts bigger than any Star Wars battle seen before.

“The Rise of Skywalker” left many in tears. But, the real question is: Who hasn’t cried during a Star Wars movie? The tears just show how invested the audience is to the series and expresses the impact of the story itself.

Star Wars fan or not, this movie was one unlike any other. “The Rise of Skywalker” was truly a satisfying ending to a beautiful story.