In \u201cStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker\u201d\u2014the ninth film in the Skywalker family saga launched by George Lucas in 1977\u2014Palpatine (played again by Ian McDiarmid), the crypt creeper emperor, is back from the dead. Despite me having witnessed Darth Vader hurling him to his death in \u201cReturn of the Jedi\u201d in 1983 and, in so doing, sacrificing his own life, but redeeming his soul. So much for that.<\/p>\n
Supposedly Palpatine has been hiding out on some uncharted planet secretly building the largest fleet of star destroyers ever. And with Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), the gone-to-the-Dark-Side son of Han Solo and Princess Leah, at his side he plans to rule the universe again. I guess this is supposed to be scary, but Palpatine was always a cackling blabbermouth, not holding a candle to the iconic menace of Vader, which leaves films with him at the center lacking a villain\u2019s real threat.<\/p>\n
But! Kylo plans to maybe double-cross the decrepit, old baddie and rule everything with his star-crossed soul mate Rey (Daisy Ridley)\u2014even though Palpatine wants him to kill her. (I think. I\u2019m getting a bit confused myself.)<\/p>\n
Nevermind that Rey is one of the leaders of the Rebellion standing up to Kylo\u2019s First Order army and that she\u2019s pursuing her own vision quest, tracking down clues to find and defeat Palpatine\u2019s secret hideout\u2014and hopefully plumb her own heart.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s just the first five minutes or so.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Rise of Skywalker\u201d endeavors to wrap up nearly half a century of Skywalker family stories. I\u2019ve heard all the criticisms of the film, as if a million voices suddenly cried out in terror\u2014and I feel you, really\u2014but, me personally, I left the film feeling happy. Maybe it\u2019s just that I\u2019ve lowered my expectations the right amount this time. Because this film is flawed and often confusing and mostly shallow. But between the blurring stars of light speed and the humming light sabers, between the dazzling spectacle and a handful of emotional beats, it\u2019s more satisfying than the last two sequels, \u201cThe Force Awakens\u201d or \u201cThe Last Jedi.\u201d I liked it.<\/p>\n