This week, in preparation for the premiere of The Rise of Skywalker, I'm rewatching all of the live-action Star Wars films. Some for the first time in years. As I go along I'm collecting some of my thoughts on how each film has changed in my own estimation, and how well I think they hold up overall in the story as it stands.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi is my favorite Star Wars movie. I'd maintained over the last couple of years that it was a solid second after The Empire Strikes Back but nope, it is hands down my favorite in the franchise. Which is why JJ Abrams may soon be my sworn enemy, but I digress. Honestly, going into this, I was struck by how much it gave off the vibe of "the last film made a ton of money so this one has an actual budget" - even though I know The Force Awakens had a similar budget. Really, I think it boils down to your skills as a producer and a filmmaker. And, judging from this and Knives Out, Rian Johnson is one hell of a filmmaker.

( That's how we're gonna win. Not fighting what we hate, saving what we love. )