Final ‘Star Wars’ Film Feels Underwhelming [VIDEO]

I've been getting excited for Star Wars movies since I was a kid. The original came out when I was just three years old in 1977. Then, The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, followed by the first Star Wars film I saw in the theater, Return of the Jedi in 1983. These were groundbreaking movies, but they were also part of my childhood. Then George Lucas did the prequel trilogy of films from 1999 to 2005. Those three didn't feel quite the same. Now, with The Rise of Skywalker, we have the completion of another trilogy. And I'm left feeling underwhelmed.

Let me first say this. I liked The Rise of Skywalker. I also really enjoyed The Force Awakens. The middle film of this trilogy, The Last Jedi, in my opinion, isn't nearly as bad as some fanboys would want you to think. But after seeing the final film over the weekend, one thing this trilogy clearly lacked, is a clear vision for what the filmmakers wanted to happen.

Too much was saved to reveal in this final film. Rey's parentage, the Emperor's return, increased Jedi powers just to name a few. It was all too much to take in. It felt like some of it should have been discussed sooner. But director J.J. Abrams was trying to undo some of what Rian Johnson did in The Last Jedi. He'll deny he was, but it's clear that J.J. should've just directed all three of these movies. One thing that WAS handled beautifully was the appearance of Carrie Fischer. She tragically passed away before this final film could be shot. Abrams used footage from previous Star Wars films and made it work for this movie. A job well done.

The bottom line is that Star Wars no longer feels like that fun film franchise I followed as a kid. Is that Disney's fault? J.J. Abrams? Rian Johnson's? Perhaps it is just growing up and knowing that nothing will ever touch the magic of that original trilogy. The Rise of Skywalker was enjoyable. It just also left me wondering what could have been.