Anna Daniels
The Rise of Skywalker is now entering its third week at the box office, and reviews are not getting any better. The initial critics’ response was the worst of any Star Wars movie; however, many fans do love the film. Three easy fixes could have made the movie a huge winner, aside from more time in the editing room.
[Warning: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker spoilers ahead]
Redeem Ben Solo earlier in ‘The Rise of Skywalker’, so it makes a more substantial impact
Fans agree that they like that Ben (Adam Driver) travels to Exogol and has a fantastic moment where Anakin’s lightsaber is Force-beamed into his hand by Rey (Daisy Ridley). He helps to defeat the evil Emporer Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) and even shares a romantic moment with Rey.
“I think by sacrificing himself he’s acknowledging that ‘what I did was irredeemable, this is all I could do now to try to make things right,’” wrote one fan on Reddit.
However, his redemption happens so quickly, and then he is gone. It left viewers wanting more for Ben. The audience does not get to see Ben earning the trust of the Resistance after he leaves the Dark Side.
“I think the only reason the ending is kind of disappointing is the fact that we wanted more stuff with Ben,” added another Reddit user. “It’s just kind of sad that we won’t see it.”
It is a simple fix to have Kylo Ren kicked out of the First Order by Hux and the Knights of Ren to have Ben’s redemption happen earlier in the film. Viewers would get more time between Rey and Ben and seal their connection further. This addition also would have made his death more impactful.
Continue where Luke Skywalker left off in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’
In the final scene of the previous movie in the trilogy, The Last Jedi, viewers watch as a young boy uses the Force to grab a broom. Many fans believe this scene is crucial and should have more relevance in The Rise of Skywalker than it does.
“It shows that there are more force sensitives in the galaxy and that Luke’s sacrifice is inspiring people all over the galaxy,” one Reddit user explained the implications of the last scene of Episode VIII.
In The Rise of Skywalker, the only scene that is a hopeful moment of a galaxy bonding together is the conclusion when all of the ships come to aid the Resistance. Many fans wanted to see this hope develop more over the course of the movie, rather than only at the very end.
“Luke’s act of sacrifice and heroism reignited the spark of hope as his story was spread through the galaxy,” added another Redditor. “Remember if Luke hadn’t done what he did, the first order would rule supreme.”
However, that hope storyline is not reignited in The Rise of Skywalker as it should be. A quick scene or two earlier in the movie might have again given the ending more impact.
Why can’t Rey just be Rey?
There was an enormous amount of fan theories flying around before The Last Jedi came out regarding Rey’s lineage. Then, the movie satisfied viewers by claiming that anyone could become a Jedi. There was no need for her to have a lineage.
In The Rise of Skywalker, we find out that she is part of the Palpatine family. Many fans predicted that this might happen. She is descended from the Dark Side but is still good. Although predictable, it does send a worthy message.
However, in the last scene, when she gives her name, is it necessary for her to add a surname at all?
“I thought she would finish with, ‘just Rey’ signifying that everyone is their own person and your bloodline doesn’t matter,” wrote one Redditor.
This fan describes what many feel. The addition of Rey taking on the Skywalker name seems predictable and unnecessary. Let’s just let Rey be Rey.
Without going overboard and changing the whole movie, these three easy fixes might have made the film more popular with both fans and critics alike. The Rise of Skywalker is playing in theaters everywhere now.
Written by: Cheat
