'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' first reactions see critics praise it for being a fitting end to the iconic film franchise

Critics at the UK premiere of 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' are revealing their first impressions online, and they have high praise for the film.
'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' poster (Lucasfilm)
'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' poster (Lucasfilm)

With one of history's most iconic franchises bringing an end to its long-running saga with 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,' the anticipation has never been higher. Fans eager to know just how good the movie is might just gain new hope from the critics, who speak of a powerful experience that's a worthy end to the nine episode film series. 

"THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is everything I wanted it to be — because there’s never been a STAR WARS movie like this before. It’s dark and scary, but hopeful and beautiful. It ends the trilogy while also ending the saga as a whole. I know I’m rambling — but I worship this movie" said a user on Twitter. Another said "Tweeting through tears - #TheRiseofSkywalker isn’t the best Star Wars film, but it is the ULTIMATE Star Wars film. A truly stunning finale to a nine film saga."

Most critics seem to think that the movie is far from perfect, but is definitely an enjoyable experience well worth the price of admission. "It isn’t a perfect movie and I’m sure I’ll find plenty to nitpick in the days and weeks ahead but right now I’m grinning from ear to ear," says one critic. Some critics make note of the fact that the movie is very dense - which is unsurprising, as a film that seeks to end a nine-film saga isn't going to be light viewing. "The Rise of Skywalker has a ton of content packed into one movie as well and wastes no time. It’s like two Star Wars movies in one. Lots of fan service bonuses too," notes one tweet

The denseness of the film did not sit well with all critics. Some felt the the movie bowed down too far to appease the fans who hated 'The Last Jedi.' "I’ve seen #StarWarsTheRiseofSkywalker. It’s... a lot. There’s a lot I like and some I loved but overall my feelings are pretty mixed. It felt like an apology for The Last Jedi in some ways and a sequel to The Force Awakens in many, which I found frustrating" said a user. CinemaBlend said, "Well... #TheRiseOfSkywalker is a drastic departure from TLJ, but also not as invigorating as TFA. It is a movie packed with action (it’s seriously nonstop), but also jammed with fan service. @starwarsfans - brace for the debates." 

'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' releases in cinemas on December 20.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

A new recurring character enters the medical drama as Grey Sloan adjusts to losing two longtime doctors
20 minutes ago
In an exclusive sit-down, Jack Griffo shares why returning as Max feels different this time and hints at what’s ahead
5 hours ago
Kira Kosarin reveals how Glinda from ‘Wicked’ inspired her performance as Phoebe in one of the movie’s funniest scenes
6 hours ago
Milly Alcock’s 'Supergirl' begins streaming on HBO Max after earning $126 million worldwide in theaters, and it's coming sooner than you think.
1 day ago
Greta Lee and a 'Silo' star team up for the romance drama, which follows two women whose chance meeting leads to an unexpected week together.
1 day ago
Ryan Reynolds’ 'Mayday' is a Cold War spy thriller that brings its 1987 story to life through carefully selected real-world filming locations.
1 day ago
‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ begins streaming on Disney+ on September 2, 2026.
1 day ago
The Russo brothers explain why ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ started filming without a finished script and how actors shape scenes through rehearsals
1 day ago
Netflix’s 'Facing El Chapo' dramatizes the events behind Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán’s 2016 recapture by two federal police officers.
1 day ago
Danny Boyle’s 'Ink' starring a Guy Pierce reveals its first teaser trailer that tells the story of the rise of Britain's The Sun newspaper.
2 days ago