Enthusiasts will doubtless find the movie out of this world

Damon Smith

Why is the film so highly anticipated? The Rise Of Skywalker brings to an end the nine-part saga that began with the original Star Wars in 1977.

Millions of fans from around the world have waited years for the curtain to come down on one of cinema’s most beloved franchises.

However, scarred by the experience of Game Of Thrones’ controversial ending earlier this year, fans, including The Rise Of Skywalker actor Richard E Grant, believe a backlash is inevitable. Who is starring in the film? The Rise Of Skywalker boasts an impressive ensemble cast of old and new favourites.

It includes Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Ian Mcdiarmid and Billy Dee Williams.

What is the plot? Following the death of mentor

Luke Skywalker (Hamill), Rey (Ridley) finds herself on a parallel journey of self-discovery to Kylo Ren (Driver), who has assumed the position of Supreme Leader of the First Order after the demise of Snoke.

Finn (Boyega), Chewbacca (Suotamo), X-wing pilot Poe Dameron (Isaac) and C-3PO (Daniels) accompany Rey on her daredevil mission, while General Leia Organa (Fisher) presides over the entrenched Resistance.

Meanwhile, a shift in the Force propagates rumours about the return of Emperor Palpatine (Mcdiarmid).

Does it live up to the hype? Director JJ Abrams preached to the converted in 2015 with The Force Awakens, and here he provides generations of expectant Padawans and Sith apprentices with the nostalgiasaturated swansong they crave.

It is not always the most elegant film-making but it is a final hurrah made by a fan for the fans.

Rating: 7.5/10.