42 years after the original "Stars Wars" changed everything, "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" concludes with a confusing, long and overstuffed finale. Fans may delight, while others will find more of the same, recycled material. 2 stars, rated PG-13.
I feel like the character in "Moonstruck" who, when told who was and wasn't getting married, muttered softly "I'm so confused." The ninth and final episode of the "Star Wars" series hands the fate of the universe to Rey (played by Daisy Ridley) who must defeat the Emperor and Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver (is this the year of Adam Driver or what?) whom we are reminded is actually the son of Hans Solo and Princess Leia, which makes Darth Vader his grandfather (ouch.) By this time in the story, tracing the family tree can tax your brain, while trying to keep up with all of the space fights and lightsabers on screen. The original players return, including the late Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa (promoted from Princess) in archival footage, demanded by the fan base. Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill appear as holograms, which feels about right. Billy Dee Williams plays Lando Calrissian in the manner of an excited grandpa, telling the kids about his exploits back in the day. Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, and the Stars Wars hardware (C-3PO, R2-D2, and BB-8) plus a never-aging Chewbacca (how'd he do that?) provide more of the original space cowboy vibe. "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" is nothing more than more of the same. 2 Stars, rated PG-13.
