Disappointing Expectations in 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker'

For many fans, the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was met with a wave of anticipation mixed with uncertainty. Some viewers found the experience underwhelming, feeling that the movie failed to deliver on the plot and ending they had been eagerly awaiting. If you’re among those who missed out on the excitement, this article will explore the plot and ending you might have hoped for, but didn’t receive.

Why Some Fans Disliked the Movie

The failure of The Rise of Skywalker to live up to expectations stems from a series of plot holes and disappointments, perhaps most famously highlighted by the term "jump the shark." Many critics and fans saw the movie as a continuation of the poor storylines introduced in The Last Jedi. This sequel, rather than building upon its predecessor, seemed to regress, with seemingly nonsensical plot twists and an unsatisfactory ending that left many feeling unfulfilled.

The Decline of the Skywalker Trilogy

The Star Wars saga, originally conceived to be a trilogy, felt dramatically disjointed from the success of The Force Awakens. The departure from the positive reception of the Original Trilogy and The Force Awakens marked a significant departure in fan sentiment. The inclusion of elements like the "Empire" returning, as seen in The Last Jedi, was seen as a convoluted storyline that eroded the excitement for the following films. The attempt to revive the first empire in The Rise of Skywalker felt like a cheap ploy, causing ire among many fans.

A Missed Opportunity for Plot Development

The movie’s plot lacked depth and continuity. Kylo Ren's decision to resurrect the Empire was jarring, lacking the narrative cohesion that the franchise had previously provided. From a fan's perspective, an Empire in disarray, led by characters such as Kylo Ren and Hux, offered a compelling storyline. These characters already displayed their own strategic and personal dilemmas, which could have been explored further.

With Rey, her journey from an untrained force user to a powerful Jedi should have been a central theme. Her complex relationship with Kylo Ren, a character who epitomizes both the legacy and betrayal of the Jedi, could have provided a rich source of narrative conflict. Instead, the movie’s focus on Emperor Palpatine overshadowed Rey's growth and damaged the evolving narrative landscape.

The Disappointing Dynamics Between Characters

The dynamic between Finn and Rose, initially underestimated, could have been an integral part of the story. Their on-screen romantic relationship was introduced for comedic effect but ended up becoming a pivotal element in the finale, igniting rebellious feelings among the First Order troopers. Unfortunately, this relationship wasn't fully developed, leading to a sense of missed potential.

For Poe, the hope was for him to evolve into a more mature leader, deeply rooted in experience. Poe's character arc from the cocky flyboy to a more cautious and strategic leader was undercapitalized, leading to an anticlimactic conclusion rather than a refreshing one.

Conclusion

While Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker may not have met the expectations of many fans, it presents a valuable critique of how plot and character development play crucial roles in maintaining story continuity. The lessons from The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker highlight the importance of narrative coherence and character arcs in epic storytelling. For those seeking more satisfying storytelling within the Star Wars universe, future installments might offer better plot development and character dynamics.