The Star Wars sequel trilogy, consisting of The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019), was highly anticipated by fans and critics alike. However, the reception of the trilogy has been mixed, with some fans loving the films and others feeling disappointed with the direction the series took.
One of the main criticisms of the Star Wars sequel trilogy is that it felt too derivative of the original trilogy, relying heavily on nostalgia and callbacks to previous films. The Force Awakens, in particular, has been criticized for its plot, which closely mirrored that of A New Hope. While this was intended as a way to reintroduce fans to the series, it left some feeling that the film lacked originality and creativity.
The Last Jedi, on the other hand, took the series in a new direction, subverting many of the expectations fans had for the film. While this was praised by some as a bold move, others felt that it betrayed the spirit of the original trilogy and undermined the legacy of the franchise.
The Rise of Skywalker attempted to tie up the loose ends of the trilogy, but some fans felt that it was rushed and unsatisfying. The film attempted to introduce new plot elements and characters while also addressing the criticisms of the previous films, resulting in a bloated and messy plot.
Another major criticism of the sequel trilogy was its treatment of characters, particularly those from the original trilogy. Many fans felt that the characters were not given the development they deserved, and that the new characters introduced in the sequels were underdeveloped and lacked depth.
Despite these criticisms, the sequel trilogy did have its strengths. The performances of the actors, particularly Daisy Ridley as Rey and Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, were widely praised. The films also had impressive visual effects and action sequences, which helped to keep audiences engaged.
In conclusion, the Star Wars sequel trilogy was a mixed bag, with some moments of brilliance and creativity mixed with moments of disappointment and missed opportunities. While it attempted to continue the legacy of the original trilogy, it ultimately fell short in some areas, leaving fans divided on its overall quality. Which leaves us wondering why on earth Disney and Lucasfilm would greenlight a Rey movie! A money-losing idea? We shall see!
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