What Would Ruin Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Introduction

When it comes to the final installment of the sequel trilogy, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker faced significant criticism from many quarters. This article examines the key factors that detracted from the movie's quality and the issues that could have further ruined it if left unchecked. By understanding these aspects, we can gain insights into the ideal features that a successful conclusion to the trilogy might entail.

Inconsistent Tone and Pacing

One of the most notable criticisms of the film is its inconsistent tone. The narrative frequently shifts between serious and lighthearted moments, which can be jarring for the audience and disrupt the emotional engagement. A more consistent and coherent tone could have helped maintain a stronger emotional connection with the viewers. For example, the film's plot jumps from intense dramatic moments to comical interludes, which can feel abrupt and unreal to the audience.

Underdeveloped Characters

A significant portion of the criticism centered around characters who were underdeveloped or given insufficient screen time. Particular attention was drawn to characters introduced in the previous trilogy (like Rey) and those from the original trilogy (like Leia). Not providing adequate development or screen time for these characters can lead to a lack of emotional investment from the audience. Characters should ideally have arcs that contribute to the overall narrative and leave a lasting impact on the viewers.

Rushed Plot

The film attempts to wrap up multiple complex story arcs and introduce new elements in a limited timeframe. This rushed approach can lead to a lack of coherence in the storyline. A more focused narrative with fewer plot points would have made the story more understandable and engaging. By streamlining the narrative, the moviemakers could have provided a more satisfying and comprehensive ending to the trilogy.

Retconning Previous Plot Points

Another major issue was the film's tendency to retcon (retroactively change) significant developments from earlier entries in the sequel trilogy. This approach can be frustrating for fans who were invested in the established storylines. For instance, altering previous events or introducing new elements that contradict past plot points can create confusion and dissatisfaction among long-time fans. It is crucial to maintain internal consistency and respect the established lore to preserve the integrity of the franchise.

Overreliance on Nostalgia

A common critique was the film's reliance on nostalgia without providing meaningful context. While callbacks to previous films can add depth, an overreliance on them without proper integration can feel forced and detract from the new story being told. This approach can make the most recent films feel redundant and unoriginal, appealing only to those seeking a nostalgic experience rather than engaging with a fresh narrative.

Unclear Motivations

Some character motivations, especially those of the main antagonist, were criticized for being vague or poorly explained. This can weaken the stakes of the story and make it harder for the audience to empathize with or understand the conflict. Clear and compelling motivations are essential for maintaining the audience's engagement and investment in the story.

Lack of New Ideas

Critics argued that the film relied too heavily on established concepts from earlier films rather than introducing fresh ideas. This approach can lead to a feeling of stagnation in the franchise, making it seem repetitive and unoriginal. To keep the audience engaged, it is crucial to introduce new concepts, twists, and ideas that build upon the existing universe while offering something new and exciting.

fan Service Over Story

A significant concern was the movie's reliance on fan service over narrative coherence. Decisions made primarily to appease fans rather than to serve the story can detract from the overall impact of the film. While it is important to consider the fan base, the narrative should remain the central focus. Striking a balance between catering to the fan base and maintaining a coherent and compelling story is essential for the success of a movie.

Future Avoidances

To avoid these pitfalls, it is essential to plan the future of the franchise carefully. Here are a few key factors to avoid in upcoming Star Wars films:

Continuing the Killing of Old Characters: The film should avoid killing off or removing all character development from old characters, particularly those from the original movies and prequels. Leia's survival is crucial to the franchise's legacy. Also, Chewbacca must remain an integral part of the story and not resort to any MCU-style antics. Bringing Back Palpatine: Reviving Palpatine would completely ruin Anakin's tragic arc as the film would have to discard a significant portion of the evolving narrative. Keeping Kylo Ren Flawed: Kylo Ren should remain an inexperienced and weak villain rather than being elevated to a Sith. His character arc should focus on his weaknesses and growth rather than being overly powerful and justifying his actions. Improving Rey's Character: Rey's character development should be a priority. She must be given more depth and screen time to ensure she is not the next Jar Jar Binks. Avoiding Forced Reveal of Jar Jar Binks as Sith: Revealing Jar Jar Binks as a Sith lord would be a major disappointment and could alienate fans. A more thoughtful approach would be better. Originality Over Fan Service: Keep the narrative focused on delivering new and original content rather than relying on familiar tropes and callbacks.

Conclusion

By addressing these issues and avoiding the pitfalls outlined above, future Star Wars films can build on the success of The Rise of Skywalker and create a stronger emotional connection with the audience. A well-crafted, consistent, and coherent narrative is essential for maintaining the franchise's legacy and ensuring that each new installment resonates with fans and newcomers alike.