Following the world premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, critics have taken to Twitter to give their initial reactions to the film.
Here’s what they are saying.
Rob Keyes from Screen Rant describes the film as “immensely satisfying.”
Just stepped out of #TheRiseofSkywalker. It’s an immensely satisfying and MASSIVE end to the saga. It somehow addresses issues, problematic characters, and most unanswered questions from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi too. pic.twitter.com/TMKeXCXuUx
— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) December 17, 2019
He goes on to describe it as Star Wars movies in one.
The Rise of Skywalker has a ton of content packed into one movie as well and wastes no time. It’s like two Star Wars movies in one. Lots of fan service bonuses too 😉
— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) December 17, 2019
He does add there are “weird things” in the film.
There are seemingly some unanswered questions and weird… things with #TheRiseofSkywalker. I’m dying to see what you think this weekend and to discuss after.
— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) December 17, 2019
SyFy Wire writer Jenna Busch detailed that she was “blown away” by the film.
#StarWars #TheRiseOfSkywalker…OH MY GOD! 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. You WILL cry…. pic.twitter.com/Jfx5bzdZOO
— Jenna Bûche de Noël (@JennaBusch) December 17, 2019
Erik Davis of Fandango described the film as “epic.” He added it was “a terrific finale.”
Epic. All of it. #TheRiseofSkywalker is a terrific finale that is just stuffed with so much of everything. Action, adventure — answers!! — humor, heart, love, and grit. I spent the entire second half with tears in my eyes – a wonderful way to end the Skywalker story pic.twitter.com/K2NhHSGWzM
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 17, 2019
Davis details that Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver steal the movie.
There was someone yelling “Yeah J.J.” during key moments and it was hilarious. Lots of big reveals; tremendous action, imo. Poe steals the movie, as does Adam Driver. Both were favorites of mine
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 17, 2019
Variety’s Adam B. Vary stated he would need time to digest the film.
I’m gonna need a minute to digest #StarWarsTheRiseofSkywalker. There’s so much movie in this movie. But its best moments are the quietest and most human. Giving this more of a think, though.
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) December 17, 2019
Maude Garrett of Geek Bomb declared that it is “the best film in this trilogy.”
I realized within the first 20 mins of #StarWars #TheRiseofSkywalker that it was the best film in this trilogy, and it kept getting better right through to the end. THANK YOU!!! #Maytheforcebewithyou
— Maude Garrett (@maudegarrett) December 17, 2019
Mike Ryan of Uproxx described the film as “convoluted” and that the first half is “bogged down with exposition and new plot and doodads and beacons and transmitters.”
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is certainly the most convoluted Star Wars. There is a lot I liked, but the first half gets so bogged down with exposition and new plot and doodads and beacons and transmitters, it feels like it should have been three movies on its own.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) December 17, 2019
My favorite Star Wars are the ones that take their time and focus on the characters. The whole first half felt like all exposition. It does get better. And Lando rules. But there’s just so much plot it feels so rushed. And the Emperor stuff is so weird.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) December 17, 2019
Yolanda Machado of Latinx Factor felt the film had too much fan service.
So, I’m not too surprised and at times I felt too much fan service was given, but #TheRiseofSkywalker is everything and nothing that you’re expecting.
So I guess what my immediate reaction is: God I love this franchise and I’ll miss the Skywalker saga.
— Yolanda Machado (@SassyMamainLA) December 17, 2019
Collider’s Steven Weintraub noted he would wait to comment on the film until after it has opened.
I might be in the minority on #TheRiseofSkywalker. I have a lot to say but will wait till after it has opened. pic.twitter.com/Pn9B18uTVk
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) December 17, 2019
Chris Taylor at Mashable described the film as “9 movies of plot in one.”
#TheRiseofSkywalker is a lot. It’s like 9 movies of plot in one. Going to take me about 9 days to process.
— Chris Taylor (@FutureBoy) December 17, 2019
Angie J. Han also at Mashable noted there was quite a bit to ponder.
#TheRiseOfSkywalker is ummmmmm a lot! tons to love here, no shortage of crowd pleasing moments and twists and cameos, but also quite a bit to 🤔. some faves: jannah 💜, d-0 💚, finn of course 🖤. and what a lovely send off for our general leia 💕🚀💫
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) December 17, 2019
Dan Casey of Nerdist described the film as a “fitting ending for this incredible, 40+ year-long saga.”
All I can say is “wow.”#StarWars: #TheRiseOfSkywalker is many things: horrifying, hopeful, violent, lowkey horny, and full of the right kind of fan service.
But most of all, it’s a fitting ending for this incredible, 40+ year-long saga. pic.twitter.com/pd2GEwI7O3
— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) December 17, 2019
CinemaBlend described the film as “drastic departure from TLJ, but also not as invigorating as TFA.”
Well… #TheRiseOfSkywalker is a drastic departure from TLJ, but also not as invigorating as TFA. It is a movie packed with action (it’s seriously nonstop), but also jammed with fan service. @starwars fans – brace for the debates. pic.twitter.com/DjKo9ejRWw
— CinemaBlend (@CinemaBlend) December 17, 2019
Slashfilm’s Peter Sciretta states that “JJ Abrams nailed it.”
#StarWarsRiseofSkywalker reaction: JJ Abrams nailed it. He was able to bring a cohesive arc to this trilogy that feels like a fitting end to the saga as a whole. I’m so emotionally drained. Star Wars fans will be very happy.
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) December 17, 2019
However, he added the movie “gets a bit convolulted.”
A lot of people are asking where this ranks. For me in the new trilogy it’s #2. I have some quibbles with some of the plot, it gets a bit convoluted but I’m not sure it matters in the end because of the emotional payoff.
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) December 17, 2019
Reel Blend’s Jake Hamilton loved the movie so much he is now worshiping it.
THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is everything I wanted it to be — because there’s never been a STAR WARS movie like this before.
It’s dark and scary, but hopeful and beautiful.
It ends the trilogy while also ending the saga as a whole.
I know I’m rambling — but I worship this movie. pic.twitter.com/XoJFl8Rv8n
— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) December 17, 2019
Terri Schwartz of IGN noted she has mixed feelings about the movie stating it “felt like an apology for The Last Jedi.”
I’ve seen #StarWarsTheRiseofSkywalker. It’s… a lot. There’s a lot I like and some I loved but overall my feelings are pretty mixed. It felt like an apology for The Last Jedi in some ways and a sequel to The Force Awakens in many, which I found frustrating. pic.twitter.com/6m8sOQWhTx
— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) December 17, 2019
John Campea noted he does not love the movie.
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker reaction – There are a few big great moments, and I’m sure a lot of people are going to love this movie. Unfortunately, I’m just not one of them. Hopefully I’ll like it a little bit more after I see it again tomorrow.
— John Campea (@johncampea) December 17, 2019
Kristian Harloff described the film as a “big adventure, lightsaber adventure I hoped for.”
Lot to take in with #riseofskywalker It is the big adventure, lightsaber adventure I hoped for. A few things I still wonder if it was necessary but it was a very satisfying end to this new trilogy.
— Kristian Harloff (@KristianHarloff) December 17, 2019
Perri Nemiroff of Collider notes the film has “a bumpy start.” However, the film takes off in the third act.
#RiseOfSkywalker has a bumpy start but finds its footing and when it does, it flies – especially the third act. Dug the conclusion of certain key storylines, some of which I didn’t think I wanted. Random big likes – the use of Rey’s theme, lots of lightsabers and D-O. #StarWars
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) December 17, 2019
Instagram user Bespin Bulletin also has some additional reactions from critics.
What do you make of these critic reactions?
Will they influence you on whether you see Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in theaters?
The film hits theaters on December 20, 2019.