I'm a bit conflicted on this one. Unlike TFA, in which I was giddy with excitement when I left the theater, I didn't feel that this time. Yet I did enjoy it and I felt it worthy of the franchise. Maybe we're just being so inundated with Star Wars lately that the movies are becoming less and less of a spectacle...
Have to say, though, I got that feeling from the moment it began. I just knew I wasn't going to feel super strongly about it, kinda like what
@col63onel is saying, although I think I liked it more than him. And then the middle of the film just felt, well, pretty boring... And seriously, what the HELL was with Leia floating through space?
Fuck, man, I cringed hard, although I cringed even harder during parts of that casino shit. Thought the film had some real lows...
...and some incredible highs. Snoke's death and the subsequent fight scene was awesome. No idea what the purpose was of his character; a plot device, as you guys said? Boy, that's a bit of a buzzkill, but whatever. The reveal on Rey's parents I was already spoiled on and I am 100% okay with it. Anyway, the highs: ah, yes. The end was fantastic with Luke and Kylo, although I am a bit disappointed that Luke is gone now. I thought Leia was toast in this movie, she lives? With Fisher having passed away? I'm...a bit confused as to how this will be handled.
Overall, no idea what I'd rate it. I'm not even sure if I like it more or less than TFA. Really conflicted on this one right now, but as always, I am happy to have been able to live to see Star Wars on the big screen once again. More thoughts tomorrow.