The Last Jedi (2017)

Plot: Rey develops her newly discovered abilities under the reluctant guidance of Luke Skywalker, Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.
Stars:  Mark Hamill,  Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver

Best Quote: Luke Skywalker: Amazing. Every word of what you just said was wrong. The Rebellion is reborn today. The war is just beginning. And I will not be the last Jedi.

I'll have to admit the critics are mostly right. Overall, is TLJ a disappointment? Yes.  Does it needlessly break with Star Wars traditions? Yes.  Is it "Diverse" to the point of insanity? Yes.  Is "Rey" a MarySue, to end all MarySue's? Yes. Did "Jake Skywalker" show up instead of "Luke Skywalker?" Yes.

But is The Last Jedi a bad movie? No.  Its a good movie - just not a great one.

You still have the wonderful John Williams music, thrilling battles and explosions, imaginative (if highly commercial) alien animals,  and great special effects and set design. All the TFA actors, especially Adam Driver, are better this time (Did everyone take acting lessons?) And unlike others, I thought Luke's death was well done. Nor did the "Humor" bother me.

My only real criticism?  Its too damn long. Almost every scene, especially at the end is strung out about 5 minutes too much. Illustration?  The ending.  It should have ended on the M.Falcon when the camera pans and we see everyone is safe and ready to continue the fight. It should be cut/print/cue Star wars music. *Instead* we cut to a slave kid on the Casino planet, see him sweep up the "stables" and then look up to the Stars while the camera pans down to his "Resistance ring"  Completely unnecessary - but then Disney is probably selling kids "Resistance Rings" at $20 a pop.

Summary: If you're a die-hard Star Wars fan you're going to hate it. If you're expecting it to rival the original trilogy, you're going to be disappointed.  If you're just a casual fan, you'll be happy.