The first shot is the classic text "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away". This way of beginning the movie is epic as you are instantly up to date with what's going on in the galaxy. The music during this text scene has always been captivating. All the characters from the "Star Wars The Force Awakens" return; Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, Daisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn, Oscar Isaac as Po, Anthony Daniels as C3PO, Jimmy Vee as R2-D2, Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca (voice), Tom Kane as Admiral Ackbar (voice), Frank Oz as Yoda (voice), Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma and Kelly Marie tran as Rose Tico. Plus a few new additions; Andy Serkis as Snoke (voice), Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux and Benicio Del toro as DJ.
The plot revolves around Rey wanting to learn the force. She then drags Luke into the fight against the First Order forces. Ray, Po and Chewbacca also get involved. Kylo Ren works under Snoke and grows in strength. Kylo ends up facing Luke Sky in the ultimate show down.
Light comedy was part of the first 3 movies. This movie follows that trend. Po (who is in his X Wing) says to a First Order Mother Ship "there is a message for him..." (Kylo Ren) "... from his mother" (Leia), hahaha. In another Scene Luke drinks milk from a beasts teet. The satisfying look on his face after drinking the milk is laugh out loud hahaha. Go Hamill! He also asks Rey "Where are you from" and she says "No where". He repeats his questiom then she finally says "Jackoo". Luke replies "Well, that's pretty much no where" hehehe.
The ultimate funny scene is when Luke is teaching Rey the force and tells her to close her eyes. He then says "Can you feel it!" (whilst tickling her hand with a branch). She replies "Yes yes I can feel it!" hahahahaha! The crowd in the cinema was in tears after that scene! What a hilarious moment! Leia says to Luke "I know what your going to say... I changed my hair" hehehe. Then ofcourse there is the scene where the Imperial Walkers battalion fire all weapons on Luke and he survives. He dusts off his shoulder as if to say that massive barrage of weaponry was nothing! hehehe. This was supposed to be a serious moment but his facial expression was hilarious. The comedic timing in this movie is outstanding.
The one on one duels in this movie are some of the best in the whole series. This is a return to those fights where the two fighters are equally matched. Kylo and Rey vs Snoke. Snoke shows his power by moving/throwing Rey from a distance. Kylo defeates snoke and then both him and Rey defeat Snokes' guards. Ray vs Captain Phasma was the ultimate duel I think. Captain Phasma had a great stylised weapon. There was a lot of animosity between the two (as they have a history together) making this scene intense. Kylo Vs Luke was magnificent. I don't want to spoil it but this fight had great coreography.
"Mark Hamill owns this movie. He is the secret ingredient that has been missing in this series since the first three movies"He has been sorely missed. Hamill's presence and the other comedic elements plus the memorable man on man duels and space ship battles make this movie reminiscient of the first three movies. This movie deserves a second and third viewing! You will definitely enjoy the full 2hrs 32min.