The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Latest instalment of saga praised as ‘best ever’ film
Adam Driver hailed for performance as he reprises role of Kylo Ren from The Force Awakens
The Last Jedi has been hailed as the best Star Wars film ever, while critics and fans have praised Adam Driver’s star-making performance as Kylo Ren.
The film, directed by Rian Johnson, has been screening for press and critics in both the UK and the US, where it will go on general release tomorrow and Friday, respectively.
Early viewers have singled out Driver’s return in a role he originated in 2015’s The Force Awakens.
One early viewer wrote: “#TheLastJedi is ... amazing. Gamechanging. Johnson delivers the best movie ever (OT excluded). And Adam Driver? Oscar worthy. Also the biggest twist since I am your father...”
The Independent’s culture editor, Christopher Hooton, wrote: “I’ll keep it short. #TheLastJedi makes The Force Awakens look like child’s play.”
Lou Thomas, digital production editor at the BFI, said: “Lots to say about #thelastjedi.
“Adam Driver is now A-list if there was any doubt before. Rian Johnson does a great job as writer-director. Oh and it is easily the funniest and most spectacular of the #StarWars films.”
A fellow early viewer wrote: “#TheLastJedi is mostly excellent with a few niggles. Adam Driver continues to be downright stunning as Kylo Ren.”
Another said: “Star Wars: #TheLastJedi – simple storytelling beautifully done. A classic. No wonder LucasFilm gave @rianjohnson three more films. And as always, Adam Driver continues to be the MVP.”
Joshua Yehl, editor of IGN Comics, praised the film, saying: “I am STUNNED by #StarWars #TheLastJedi. I gasped, I laughed, I screamed, I cried and I had the time of my life. Rian Johnson pulled it off, making what might be the best Star Wars movie ever.”
Other viewers said they would return to see the film again, with one writing: “Just got back from a press screening of #TheLastJedi It’s not often that I’ll go see a movie more than once in the theaters, This will definitely be one of those.”
However, some noted that the long running time – more than two-and-ahalf hours – was a downside.
One member of the audience wrote on Twitter: “Finally out from the @starwars screening! You’ll get your cinema ticket money’s worth ... IT IS LONG!
“Enjoyable, but as is so often the way nowadays, at least 30 mins too much. Don’t know about the Jedi, but the art of ‘a 2hr edit’, is dead! Now for the loo queue! #thelastjedi”