Ask any “Star Wars” fan their thoughts on “The Last Jedi,” and you’ll either start an argument or find a new friend.
There were few middle-of-the-road opinions on this blockbuster.
At RottenTomatoes.com, 90 percent of movie critics liked it but only 48 percent of fans did so. One fan on the site called it “the worst ‘Star Wars’ movie ever made.” Another labeled it a “pile of bantha poodoo.”
‘A’ grade
Still, it got an “A” grade in the CinemaScore exit polling — and I’m among the moviegoers who loved it.
“The Last Jedi” is fourth on my list of favorite “Star Wars” films, trailing only “The Empire Strikes Back,” “A New Hope” and “The Force Awakens.” Yes, the director and the producers took liberties with the plot and the story arc, but the film also included more twists and turns than an episode of “24.”
Here’s the good news: “The Last Jedi” released on digital platforms, DVD and Blu-ray in March, so you can decide for yourself.
“The Last Jedi” contains a moderate amount of violence and about six coarse words, but no sexuality.
Of course, this newest “Star Wars” film — like every other film in that universe — has elements of pantheism (the belief that everything and everyone is “god”). The Jedi teachings also are called a “religion.” The worldview is definitely worth a post-movie discussion if you have children.
“The Last Jedi” is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence.
Other notables on DVD this month:
- “The Man Who Invented Christmas” (PG) — It’s the untold story of how Charles Dickens created “A Christmas Carol.” I considered this film an instant Christmas classic even though I wasn’t crazy about the movie title. (It was Jesus, not Charles Dickens, who invented Christmas.) Rated PG for thematic elements and some mild language.
- “Thor: Ragnarok” (PG-13) — Minus two sexually suggestive jokes and a bit of language, this movie could have been the clean version of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Oh well. Take that stuff out and it’s quite entertaining. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of brief suggestive material and sci-fi violence and action.
- “Justice League” (PG-13) — I enjoy superhero films but “Justice League” may be the worst one I’ve watched. Most of the characters aren’t likeable, the humor falls flat and the plot is confusing. Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action.
- “Ferdinand” (PG) — Based on the 1936 children’s book “The Story of Ferdinand” about a lovable bull, this animated film has tons of life lessons for children. It was nominated for an Oscar. Rated PG for rude humor, action and some thematic elements.
- “Jumanji” (PG-13) — Have you ever hated a movie that seemingly everyone loved? That’s me and “Jumanji.” There’s too much language (55 coarse words), too many sexually suggestive references (I lost count) and humor better suited for immature middle schoolers. Rated PG-13 for adventure action, suggestive content and some language.
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Meet the reviewer
Michael Foust covers the intersection of faith and entertainment as a writer and podcast host for Heirloom Audio. He also is the husband of an amazing wife and the father of four small children.
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