Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Parent Guide
Fans of the franchise will likely be satisfied with the ample action sequences and the characters' shifting motivations in this Star Wars episode.
Parent Movie Review
After awakening the force in Episode VII of the Star Wars saga, the battle is on between The First Order and The Resistance.
Snoke (Andy Serkis), Dark Lord and Supreme Commander of The First Order, pushes his right-hand man, General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson), to wipe out the little band of rebels who are responsible for some big losses to their military might. He also emotionally manipulates his apprentice Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) to use his powers to track down the young girl Rey (Daisy Ridley) before she can further develop her own gifts with the Force.
Princess Leia Organa (the late Carrie Fisher), leader of The Resistance, tries to stay one step ahead of The First Order’s threats while facing some dissention in her ranks. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) is loyal to the cause, but questions her methods. Taking matters into his own hands, the hot-headed flyboy develops a plan for saving their fighters, and enlists the help of Finn (John Boyega).
At the same time, Rey is in a remote corner of the universe trying to recruit the legendary Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Yet it is hard to engage the disenchanted Jedi.
Facing conflicts from within and without, fate flickers on the spark of hope that was supposed to ignite the galaxy in a joint effort to extinguish the dark. Will Luke really be the last Jedi? Is it still possible to rekindle the light side of the Force?
These doubts and challenges provide the screenplay with many opportunities for violent clashes. Lightsabers slash, impale and dismember. Spaceships shoot, bomb and collide. Supernatural powers toss and choke opponents. Injury, death and mass destruction are seen and implied. And it becomes difficult to tell the good-guys from the bad-guys.
For fans of the franchise, the action sequences will be sure to impress (although they do seem more lengthy than necessary). And the fluctuating motives add welcomed complexity to the good-vs-evil story. Even though some of the plot points may feel familiar (similar situations are depicted in past movies), the dashes of humor, special effects and questions about the survival of the Jedi will likely keep Star Wars aficionados sufficiently satisfied.
Directed by Rian Johnson. Starring Daisy Ridley, John Bodega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill. Running time: 150 minutes. Theatrical release December 15, 2017. Updated March 27, 2018About author
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Rating & Content Info
Why is Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi rated PG-13? Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sequences of sci-fi action and violence.
Violence: Frequent scenes depict confrontation and war, usually on a broad scale. We see countless ships destroyed and the loss of helpless people within some of those ships is emphasized. Scenes of one-on-one confrontations include fantastical weapons. Characters are impaled and dismembered with lightsabers (one character is cut in half at the waist and we later see the mangled remains). Injuries and corpses are shown. Characters are subjected to metaphysical forces that cause choking, some bleeding and other discomforts. Explosions throw characters into the air and outer space. A Taser-like weapon is used to subdue characters. Discussions of genocide toward a specific group are heard. Torture is threatened and characters are seen with Taser-like weapons being brought toward their faces. Characters engage in suicidal missions to protect the lives of others. Characters lie to and betray others. Some frightening images are seen. Characters are in frequent peril.
Sexual Content: A character extracts milk from the breasts of an alien being, which we see in detail. Female characters are seen in low cut tops. A male character is seen topless.
Profanity: About a half-dozen mild profanities and one moderate profanity are heard.
Alcohol/Drugs: A casino is depicted with many people gambling and drinking. An inebriated secondary character is depicted.
Page last updated March 27, 2018
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Parents' Guide
Snoke says that, “Fear, properly manipulated, can be a sharp tool.” Whose fears does he manipulate? What other characters follow his example and exploit both lack of confidence and over confidence? How are you affected by your worries and your pride?
Why does the dark side seem so tempting? What promises does it use to tease characters into dabbling in its power? Once on the dark path, how easy is it to return to the light?
Some of the characters in this movie question the methods of their superiors. Why? What actions do they take because of their lack of faith? When is it a good idea to challenge authority? When is it dangerous? How can you tell the difference?
A wise character suggests that a person can learn as much (or more) from their failures as their successes. Do you agree? Has this ever been true in your own experiences?
News About "Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi"
The first Star Wars movie, A New Hope was released 40 years ago, on May 25, 1977. It starred Harrison Ford (Hans Solo), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Carrie Fischer (Leia). The character Leia appears in The Last Jedi (2017), even though Carrie Fischer suddenly passed away in December of 2016, because shooting for this movie was well underway.
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi movie is March 27, 2018. Here are some details…
Home Video Notes: Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi
Release Date: 27 March 2018
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi releases to home video (Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy) with the following bonus features:
- The Director and the Jedi - Go deep behind the scenes with writer-director Rian Johnson on an intimate and personal journey through the production of the movie-and experience what it’s like to helm a global franchise and cultural phenomenon.
- Scene Breakdowns (Lighting the Spark, Snoke and Mirrors, and Showdown on Crait).
- Balance of the Force - Explore the mythology of the Force and why Rian Johnson chose to interpret its role in such a unique way.
- Andy Serkis Live! (One Night Only) - Writer-director Rian Johnson presents two exclusive sequences from the movie featuring Andy Serkis’ riveting, raw on-set performance before his digital makeover into Snoke.
- Deleted Scenes - With an introduction and optional commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.
- Audio Commentary - View the movie with in-depth feature audio commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.
Related home video titles:
This movie part of the Star Wars Franchise: - Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Episode IV: A New Hope - Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back - Episode VI: Return of the Jedi - Episode VII: The Force Awakens - - Episode VIII: The Last jedi - - Episode IX
And a spin-off tale: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
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