After most of the trepidation surrounding the new Star Wars trilogy was eradicated with J.J. Abrams’ incredibly well-received Episode VII, there was more room for anticipation in the run up to Rian Johnson’s follow-up. However, where The Force Awakens’ biggest criticism was perhaps it sticking too closely to the familiar feel of the original films, The Last Jedi may have gone too far in the other direction.

Picking up exactly where the story left off in Episode VII, we are reunited with Rey, now having found Luke, as she attempts to understand the power she has, and bring Luke out from hiding. On the other side of the galaxy we rejoin the Resistance during an attack operation, which soon leaves them fleeing for their lives.

What follows is an exhilarating and entertaining adventure that, despite a comparatively long run time, never lags or lulls. It contains the great set pieces audiences have come to expect from Star Wars and certainly provides thrilling action. As the first sequel in this new trilogy, it needs less set up so can instead focus on development. In terms of characters and their relationships this is one of its strengths (moreso for some characters than others), particularly with regards to the relationship between Kylo and Rey. It remains a bit ambiguous (or perhaps simply appears so due to audience projection), as due to the unknown factor of Rey’s parents, and Star Wars’ tendency towards to the familial, it may appear as friendly or sibling-esque to some, but romantic to others. It is the mechanism through which their relationship builds that also introduces and plays with more interesting elements and developments in the overall Star Wars world.

The film’s layers really come through characters’ relationships, as in terms of the plot, it feels more like filler, building up to the finale of the trilogy. A lot of the story, especially in the first half, doesn’t feel like it is progressing the overall trilogy’s plotline much, and by the end you may struggle to summarise much progress that has been made overall. Whilst the pace and adventure is there in the moment of the film, there feels as though there is a lack of overall plot propulsion.

This is a very distinct Star Wars film. It has certainly come into its own and distinguished itself as its own thing. As a result, it feels different to the other Star Wars films – something that some commend, and others condemn it for. On the one hand, it is exciting that a writer-director has been allowed a more singular vision to breathe something new into a 40 year-old franchise, on the other hand, a little too much departure can damage an overall feeling of continuity. This seems to be where the film has divided people the most. The Last Jedi ups the humour massively from other Star Wars films. Where previously it has been part of Star Wars’ DNA for certain characters to quip back and forth with witty one-liners, this film inserts more actual ‘jokes’. Whilst the vast majority of these are genuinely funny, what it does is alter the tone of the whole film. Some jokes also feel a little timely, like they won’t fully hold up in the future, others lean dangerously towards damaging self-parody (these can take you out of the film and remind you you are watching a lot of adults dressed-up like weird aliens).

Another issue people seem to have had is with the film’s treatment of certain characters. Some that seemed to have been set up for more are discarded quite easily (adding to the sense of a lack of overall cohesion or story), others not treated as audiences believe that they should be (adding to the feeling of cutting ties with the original). The latter is mostly a matter of opinion and will depend on your relationship with the franchise and in how high esteem you hold certain characters. There are also some inconsistencies in how the force is used (including an intriguing final scene) but this also leads to an absolutely absurd and ridiculous moment (involving Leia in space – if you’ve seen the film, you’ll know what I mean).

However, despite any division over the direction he has chosen to steer the franchise in, Johnson’s skill in pulling this whole film together is fantastic. He brilliantly builds tension in the moments that require it, and uses humour well to lighten the tone at times (albeit sometimes it does feel a little misplaced). He also uses silence expertly – something rare and perhaps seen as risky in a big blockbuster – which adds effective breaks in the proceedings, and also emphasises how engaged the audience is with what’s on screen; you could hear a pin drop.

The cast are all excellent, infusing their characters with inner life, and there is a certain melancholic twinge to seeing General Leia, knowing that it is Carrie Fisher’s final performance (and, of course, it is an excellent one). Old hands and new additions work together perfectly, ensuring no one feels out of place or shoehorned in. Plus, the ports are cute.

The film does answer some questions posed by The Force Awakens, and ties up some threads (perhaps too soon for some), but the reliability of the information can be called into question, even as a result of fan reaction, leaving the next film open to do as it wishes. It’s not clear where the next film will take us, but this one, despite feeling a little like a filler film, is a great time at the movies, and the chills you’ll get at the start prove the lasting power of those opening words ‘A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…’.

Also anyone saying that the new trilogy is pandering to the ‘PC police’ because it happens to have women (yes, women plural) and people of ethnic minorities as main characters, please just stop.