What went wrong with “Rise of Skywalker”? This question has been on the minds of many Star Wars fans since the release of the final film in the Skywalker saga. Despite being the culmination of a decades-long journey, “Rise of Skywalker” left many viewers feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the film’s shortcomings and discuss the factors that contributed to its underwhelming reception.
The film’s script, written by Chris Terrio and J.J. Abrams, was one of the primary reasons for its mixed reception. While Abrams had previously directed the successful “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the script for “Rise of Skywalker” seemed to lack the originality and depth that fans had come to expect from the franchise. The plot was convoluted, with a lack of clear direction, and the pacing was uneven, leading to a sense of confusion and disinterest among viewers.
Another factor that contributed to the film’s downfall was its reliance on fan service. While it’s understandable that the filmmakers wanted to pay homage to the original trilogy, the excessive use of callbacks and references to past films felt like a desperate attempt to win over fans rather than telling a compelling new story. This approach resulted in a film that was more focused on pleasing the audience than on delivering a satisfying narrative.
The characters in “Rise of Skywalker” also fell short of expectations. Many fans were disappointed with the development of key characters, such as Rey and Kylo Ren. Rey’s journey, in particular, seemed rushed and unfulfilling, with her character arc feeling more like a patchwork of previous films than a cohesive progression. Kylo Ren’s character, while intriguing in the previous films, was left with little room for growth or change in the final installment.
The visual effects and action sequences in “Rise of Skywalker” were also criticized. While the film did have its moments of impressive visuals, the overuse of CGI and the reliance on action set pieces detracted from the emotional impact of the story. The film’s climax, in particular, was marred by a lack of originality and a sense of déjà vu, with fans feeling that they had seen similar scenes in previous installments.
Lastly, the film’s ending was met with widespread criticism. The revelation of Palpatine’s return and the subsequent twist involving Rey’s parentage were met with confusion and frustration. Many fans felt that the ending was a rushed and poorly executed attempt to tie up loose ends, rather than a satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga.
In conclusion, “Rise of Skywalker” faced numerous challenges that contributed to its underwhelming reception. From a weak script and reliance on fan service to underdeveloped characters and a lackluster ending, the film fell short of the expectations set by the previous installments in the franchise. While it’s important to remember that no film is perfect, the shortcomings of “Rise of Skywalker” serve as a reminder of the importance of storytelling and character development in the world of cinema.
