Written by: Kevin Berge

Star Wars Reviews: Episode I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | Themes of the Trilogies | Rogue One | Solo | Clone Wars (2003) | The Clone Wars (2008) | Rebels (S1/S2/S3/S4)

Those who have not watched Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker should turn back now. I have already a spoiler-free review of the film focusing purely on its merits.

This will be all about the story beats of this film and why it frustrated me so much. Those looking for a balance critique of TROS may also want to turn back now.

Written by: Kevin Berge

Quick Take: Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker may be the purest distillation of fans' fears for what Star Wars would become under Disney. It is overlong yet wildly rushed, lacking for any meaningful emotional interactions while also making radically polarized decisions that never have a chance to land.

Written by: Kevin Berge

Star Wars Reviews: Episode I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | Rogue One | Solo | Clone Wars (2003)| The Clone Wars (2008) | Rebels (S1/S2/S3/S4)

In 1977, George Lucas released one of the single most influential films ever made. It was a movie about a farm boy who saved everyone from an evil fascist empire attempting to control the galaxy by threatening to blow up planets.

It was a remarkable science fiction experience, but it was truly a fantasy, a hero's quest. 42 years later, that hero's quest has defined cinema. Technology and storytelling has grown because of the film that was the first in a trilogy.

That trilogy spawned a second trilogy that began in 1999. Once more, George Lucas helmed a fantastical tale though this time it was a Greek tragedy. It was about the rise of a republic driven by the fall of a promising young inventor turned warrior.

In 2015, the final trilogy of this Star Wars saga began with Lucas handing over the reigns to Disney. This story returned to the series' roots exploring the story of a young orphan who finds she has the power to topple a fascist order with the help of her friends.

Written by: Kevin Berge

Quick Take: The Dragon Prince Season 3 brings to bear many of the series' most important stories. Feeling like the final act of this first arc, it is engaging, impressive, and daunting with a heart-filled story at its center that makes this one of the best fantasy series out there.

Written by: Kevin Berge

Quick Take: Knives Out makes the audience feel like they know too much before reshaping the central mystery. It is both a delight of great acting and colorfully energetic experience, built on the back of a smart script. There's too much here not to enjoy.