My first thought after watching the The Last Jedi on Thursday night was “what a mess”.
Seriously.
But I didn’t dwell on that.
My second thought was that it’s the 21st century, I’m 50 years old, and Star Wars films are still a thing. This cornerstone from my childhood is still here.
The film is a mess, but I can’t explain why without spoilers. The most I can say, after seeing it for a third time, is that certain story elements… failed.
There were a few visual continuity problems (mostly body positioning). There were questionable casting/character decisions.
And then there’s the whole subplot that some say should not be dismissed, but I felt it could have been.
It’s not a better film than Episode V, but for some reason I like it more than Empire, warts and all.
It’s an enjoyable mess, and very emotional to me.
I should take the lead of others and simply say that I like the Original Trilogy, the Disney movies, and some of Revenge of the Sith. With no ranking of the films themselves.
Though the original Star Wars is still my all-time favorite.
Rogue One is a VERY close second.