The Rise of Skywalker Early Buzz and Reactions from 21 Film Critics

J.J. Abrams‘ Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) made its world premiere in Los Angeles, California today and reviews from the premiere have begun pouring in. The reviews are generally positive. Some denote the film as being a mixed bag. A few reviews praise every aspect of the film. It’s the reviewers that are holding their tongue until the film is released that are the most interesting to me. Whether positive, or negative, or ambivalent, their silence, until a cacophony of other reviews erupts this weekend, says something.

The Rise of Skywalker Early Buzz and Reactions from 21 Film Critics

Um so the best thing I can say about Rise of Skywalker is that Daisy Ridley gives her best performance and for hardcore fans…ya get what you want. Wish JJ had another year to work on it. #RiseOfSkywalker Advertisement — Gregory Ellwood – The Playlist ? (@TheGregoryE) December 17, 2019

#RiseofSkywalker brings the serial feeling back to Star Wars. A lot happens, there is constant forward momentum. There seems to be a lot for future Expanded Universe to explain. — The Marvelous Da7e Gonzales (@Da7e) December 17, 2019

#StarWars #TheRiseOfSkywalker…OH MY GOD! I am absolutely blown away! I’ve never been so satisfied by a film. This is the end of an era and a franchise that has defined my life and this did it justice in a way I didn’t imagine it could. You WILL cry…. pic.twitter.com/Jfx5bzdZOO — Jenna Bûche de Noël (@JennaBusch) December 17, 2019

Well, #StarWarsRiseofSkywalker is a definitive end to the Skywalker Saga, and a mixed bag. There are moments of inventiveness and crowd pleasing, but much of it is forced. If you thought Game of Thrones was rushed at the end… Leia’s sendoff doesn’t work, but Kylo’s arc does. pic.twitter.com/VjYVwApH6f — ComingSoon.net by Mandatory (@comingsoonnet) December 17, 2019 Advertisement

I’m emotional, overwhelmed, surprised, shocked & stunned. More than anything, I’m happy. Thanks for coming through one more time, Star Wars.#TheRiseOfSkywalker — Mark Ellis (@markellislive) December 17, 2019

My favorite Star Wars are the ones that take their time and focus on the characters. The whole first half felt like all exposition. It does get better. And Lando rules. But there’s just so much plot it feels so rushed. And the Emperor stuff is so weird. — Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) December 17, 2019

#StarWars #TheRiseOfSkywalker is good. It’s big and full of surprises and, in the words of Luke Skywalker, “This is not going to go the way you think.” pic.twitter.com/nruJtzaMC4 — The Brandalorian (@BrandonDavisBD) December 17, 2019

I realized within the first 20 mins of #StarWars #TheRiseofSkywalker that it was the best film in this trilogy, and it kept getting better right through to the end. THANK YOU!!! #Maytheforcebewithyou — Maude Garrett (@maudegarrett) December 17, 2019

Also, I can confirm there is queer representation in #StarWars #TheRiseofSkywalker. It lasts maybe two seconds, and you may miss it entirely. Welp. — Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) December 17, 2019

So, I'm not too surprised and at times I felt too much fan service was given, but #TheRiseofSkywalker is everything and nothing that you're expecting. So I guess what my immediate reaction is: God I love this franchise and I'll miss the Skywalker saga. — Yolanda Machado (@SassyMamainLA) December 17, 2019

I might be in the minority on #TheRiseofSkywalker. I have a lot to say but will wait till after it has opened. pic.twitter.com/Pn9B18uTVk — Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) December 17, 2019

Epic. All of it. #TheRiseofSkywalker is a terrific finale that is just stuffed with so much of everything. Action, adventure — answers!! — humor, heart, love, and grit. I spent the entire second half with tears in my eyes – a wonderful way to end the Skywalker story pic.twitter.com/K2NhHSGWzM — Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 17, 2019

Abrams brings a magical energy to these characters and their interactions. I can’t wait to see it again. — Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) December 17, 2019

#TheRiseOfSkywalker is ummmmmm a lot! tons to love here, no shortage of crowd pleasing moments and twists and cameos, but also quite a bit to ?. some faves: jannah ?, d-0 ?, finn of course ?. and what a lovely send off for our general leia ??? — Angie J. Han (@ajhan) December 17, 2019

When people talk about #StarWars , they talk about their childhoods. Their best memories. The people they loved and shared it with.#TheRiseOfSkywalker brings back all those feelings. And then some. I absolutely loved it. And now I feel … pic.twitter.com/5wkQh6v97G — Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) December 17, 2019

First reaction to #StarWarsTheRiseofSkywalker The Dark Side has never been as creepy. We see why it is “unnatural”! — Scott Chitwood (@Red5Aggie) December 17, 2019

The #StarWarsTheRiseofSkywalker has some great surprises in store for fans that will make you gasp and cheer. — Scott Chitwood (@Red5Aggie) December 17, 2019

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. #StarWars #TheRiseOfSkywalker pic.twitter.com/mPpg7Q74al — Dan Casey (@DanCasey) December 17, 2019

There is good in Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. But there is more that is disappointing. There are a number of choices that just don't track, fan service that doesn't work, and ignored details that are missed. I'm bummed. #StarWarsRiseofSkywalker pic.twitter.com/Ztk0VzGc6H — Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) December 17, 2019

I’m not going to say much more because I’m trying to be completely spoiler-free until people see it. — Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) December 17, 2019

RISE OF SKYWALKER could only have been ruder to Rian Johnson if they had motion-smoothed it — Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) December 17, 2019

Plot Synopsis

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker‘s plot synopsis: “Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.”

Cast and crew

J.J. Abrams‘ Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Ian McDiarmid, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Keri Russell, Billie Lourd, Naomi Ackie, Matt Smith, Dominic Monaghan, and Richard E. Grant.

Abrams and Chris Terrio wrote the screenplay for this film.

Leave your thoughts on the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Early Buzz and Reactions from 21 Film Critics below in the comments section. Readers seeking to support this type of content can visit our Patreon Page and become one of FilmBook’s patrons. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will be released in U.S. theaters through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on December 20, 2019. Want up-to-the-minute notifications? FilmBook staff members publish articles by Email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Flipboard.