Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – A Parent’s Movie Review

Get ready to use the Force!  The final installment to the Star Wars Skywalker Saga, The Rise of Skywalker, is about to be released in a movie theater near you and it is fantastic.  However, you might want to leave younger kids at home.  I attended a media screening in exchange for a review but as always, all opinions are my own.  Keep reading to find out what I thought about the movie (the spoiler free version!), what ages it is appropriate for, and whether or not you should see the other Star Wars movies before watching the final episode.

Star Wars:  The Rise of Skywalker – A Parent’s Movie Review (No Spoilers)

Confession.  After the last Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi, I was about ready to give up on Star Wars.  I was extremely disappointed with it.  But, I needed closure and answers, especially when it came to Rey’s heritage.  And now that I’ve seen the last episode, I’m glad I stuck it out.

The Rise of Skywalker is the last installment in the Skywalker Saga;  a total of 42 years and 9 episodes.  It’s supposed to to tie everything in together and did it ever.    For me, it was emotionally satisfying, to the point where I needed Kleenex.  I felt every emotion I could, but if there was one emotion that overpowered the rest, it was nostalgia in seeing some of my favorite characters back on the big screen and hearing references to prior Star Wars movies.  Other things that stood out:  the fight sequences (especially the lightsaber duels between Rey and Kylo), the cameos (I don’t want to spoil the movie but there is one cameo in particular that brought a gasp from me), the special effects, and the moral of the story.  But, this movie is extremely dark at times, with mature themes.  Which brings me to the following question…….

Is Star Wars:  The Rise of Skywalker Kid Friendly?

The Rise of Skywalker is rated PG-13, so parental guidance is suggested for children under 13 years old.  The media screening presented me with the opportunity to decide if my 7 year old son is ready to see the movie.  While I think that a parent always knows their child best, and should always use their discretion, I do think that this movie is suited more for children 10 years old and older.  While there really isn’t any bad language or sexual content, the movie has very dark moments and a lot of violence.  There are not only several deaths but also explosions.  As a result, I’d suggest leaving younger kids at home for this movie.  Prior to receiving an invite to the media screening, I had purchased tickets for me, my husband, and our son.  However, now that I’ve seen the movie, I won’t be taking my son to see it in the theater.  I think he would have a difficult time with the subject matter.  Also, the movie is approximately 2 1/2 hours long which may be difficult for younger children to sit through.

Do you have to watch the other Star Wars movies in order to understand The Rise of Skywalker?

Yes.  The Rise of Skywalker is Episode 9 in a series of trilogies.  I’ve seen all of the episodes and even I still get confused at times.  Unlike the sequels to Frozen and Maleficent, you should see the other Star Wars movies before watching The Rise of Skywalker.  There are references in The Rise of Skywalker that only those who have seen the other Star Wars movies will completely understand….and appreciate.  Although in all fairness, I like to pretend that the prequel trilogy (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith) never existed.  Jar Jar Binks, anyone?

Overall Thoughts

I’m still processing the movie but I can say without any hesitation that I loved it.  It was everything I hoped it would be and more.  I had lost hope after The Last Jedi but this final episode really redeemed it for me.  Some moviegoers might think that the ending was wrapped up too neatly with a bow.  However, as a longtime fan of Star Wars, it’s exactly what I needed.  It was a fitting farewell for some of my beloved characters and it was a new beginning for younger generations.  It has endured the test of time – and multiple generations – and I’m glad I was there for it.  And someday I’ll show it to my son, when I know he’s ready.