No spoilers don’t worry. We’d behead anyone that tried to spoil “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (and really, what kind of heel would you have to be to do that?). Lucasfilm’s latest installment in the ongoing “Star Wars” saga premiered last night—as if you couldn’t tell from the non-stop social media red carpet photos and video—and it appears that the Force is with its director Rian Johnson’s film.
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What’s the movie like? Did reactions give any taste of the story? Well, by all accounts Johnson’s ‘The Last Jedi’ is decidedly different from previous “Star Wars” films and reactions suggest it has carved out an identity outside of what we’ve seen so far on screen. On the other hand, it sounds like a lot of the heart and humor that is the soul of “Star Wars” is also very present.
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What about those Porgs? Are they the Ewoks of ‘Last Jedi’? Surprisingly, reactions about these adorable/detestable little creatures are muted and or even non-existent which perhaps makes you breathe a sigh of relief. Reactions to ‘Last Jedi’ from critics, pooled below, are almost unanimously positive, but there’s two interesting outliers. One is Playlist Awards guru Gregory Ellwood who said he absolutely loved ‘Rogue One,’ but was very “disappointed” in ‘Last Jedi.’ Another curious reaction is from Scott Mantz, a movie personality for Access Hollywood, not necessarily the most discerning outlet. While his tweet is far from negative, he does say ‘Jedi’ tends to be too long and sags in the middle.
Again, these are just two small outliers in a chorus of overjoyed fans, but it’s sometimes interesting to hear dissenting voices and how they stand out. The rest of the film critic world, myself included, expereiences “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on Monday, December 11 and the embargo will be up the next day on Tuesday, December 12. Until then, reactions will have to tide you over, plus some of the new posters and featurettes which you can see below too.
#StarWars: The Last Jedi is so beautifully human, populist, funny, and surprising. I cried when one POC heroine got her moment because films like these leave their mark on entire generations — and representation matters
— jen yamato (@jenyamato) December 10, 2017
I can’t believe The Last Jedi exists. @rianjohnson is a madman and I love him for it. He takes Star Wars to the edge and throws it over. What a crazy, awesome movie. We’ll be talking about this one for a long, long time.
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) December 10, 2017
THE LAST JEDI has more goosebump moments than any Star Wars movie I can remember. I was grinning for most of the 2 and a half hours. A worthy and great Star Wars film. The franchise is in great hands. Kudos to @rianjohnson
— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) December 10, 2017
Last Jedi disappointing. Can’t believe I liked Force Awakens better.
— Gregory Ellwood – 4 Quadrant Podcast on iTunes (@TheGregoryE) December 10, 2017
#StarWars #TheLastJedi is bonkers. I honestly don’t have any words. It’s jam packed and full of surprises. Avoid spoilers at all costs!
— Rachel Heine (@RachelHeine) December 10, 2017
#StarWars #TheLastJedi is AWESOME! I'm overwhelmed with all sorts of emotion on how incredible @rianjohnson's movie is! I can't wait to see it again. Also, PORGS!!!
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) December 10, 2017
So a lot happens in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”
— Kristopher Tapley (@kristapley) December 10, 2017
The Last Jedi is incredible. Character at the forefront, amazing action and so so so much emotional payoff decades in the making. I will be watching this one a lot. pic.twitter.com/KVOjLhwk27
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) December 10, 2017
It’s AMAZING. Just amazing. Have a lot to process, but WOW. #lastjedi
— Ryan Parker (@TheRyanParker) December 10, 2017
The Last Jedi end credits include a dedication ‘To Our Princess Carrie Fisher.’
— Rebecca Keegan (@ThatRebecca) December 10, 2017
There aren’t enough words to express how much I LOVED #StarWars #TheLastJedi! It is mind-blowing! I’m in geek heaven! pic.twitter.com/unXfYMkIle
— Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) December 10, 2017
#StarWarsTheLastJedi floored me. @rianjohnson and the team nail so much – thrills, laughs, heart and most of all, pushing the characters/overall franchise a major step forward. Some really rich material to explore in the future. Can't wait for more.
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) December 10, 2017
THE LAST JEDI: A little too long & dragged in the middle, but great fun overall! As good as The Force Awakens; Rogue One is better! More humor than expected, great #StarWars moments, #MarkHamill is awesome! A worthy Episode VIII pic.twitter.com/HHihSa788D
— Scott Mantz (@MovieMantz) December 10, 2017
#TheLastJedi is absolutely fantastic – gripping, touching, funny and powerful w/ gorgeous shots and the most badass battles. When it gets going, holy crap does it get going. Hands down the best #StarWars movie since Empire pic.twitter.com/nWWAhlNMJo
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) December 10, 2017
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a triumph. So many big moments, so much emotion, so much to digest. Had the whole crowd cheering and woah’ing.
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) December 10, 2017
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is everything. Intense, funny, emotional, exciting. It’s jam-packed with absolutely jaw dropping moments and I loved it so, so much. I’m still shaking. pic.twitter.com/fHddWjo201
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) December 10, 2017
The Last Jedi is a grand slam home run. Congrats, @rianjohnson
Get ready, everyone. Mind blower.
— Craig Mazin (@clmazin) December 10, 2017
Adam Driver in THE LAST JEDI obligingly serves the most STAR WARS beefcake since Luke went sleeveless on Dagobah
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) December 10, 2017
IT DOES NOT GET BETTER THAN STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI!!!!!!
— robertliefeld (@robertliefeld) December 10, 2017
This feels like an appropriate moment to let you all know that me and my big brother Oscar are blink-and-you'll-miss-us-rebels in 'The Last Jedi'. Oh, and the film is truly great. Go @riancjohnson! pic.twitter.com/8e3CaziJyu
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) December 10, 2017
#TheLastJedi is everything you LOVE about STAR WARS
— Brian Lynch (@BrianLynch) December 10, 2017
Luke was right: "This is not going to go the way you think." #TheLastJedi will shatter you – and then make you whole again. pic.twitter.com/PJyYpH5loP
— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) December 10, 2017
