The Honest Trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi gives both sides of the heated fan debate equal time in its analysis of the film. Premiering last December, the eighth chapter of the Skywalker saga earned strong reviews from critics and grossed $1.3 billion worldwide at the box office, but the discourse went in some unexpected directions. Depending on who you ask, Rian Johnson's creative choices were either bold or offensive, and The Last Jedi became the most polarizing franchise installment since the prequels. Even though the dust has settled somewhat, the conversation still rages on.
Episode VIII has been in the headlines this month due to its home media release. The Blu-ray is out in stores today (March 27), so now it's time to close the book on Last Jedi once and for all. That means the gang at ScreenJunkies is here to deliver their highly-anticipated Honest Trailer for the blockbuster. You can check it out for yourself in the space below.
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Utilizing a trick they used for the Force Awakens Honest Trailer, the video combines the talents of John Bailey and Gannon Nickell (the series' current and previous voice over narrator, respectively) to act out the hottest points of contention. Bailey represents the side who felt Last Jedi was a refreshing subversion of Star Wars tropes, while Nickell is the stand-in for those who were disappointed by the way things turned out. Anyone who's been following Last Jedi since it debuted should know what's addressed in the Honest Trailer. Everything from Luke Skywalker's portrayal, Finn and Rose's mission to Canto Bight, and the answers to the questions posed by Episode VII are brought up. Overall, it's entertaining, and probably the only way ScreenJunkies could have looked at Star Wars 8.
Fortunately, the two parties are in agreement about certain aspects. They both feel Rey and Kylo Ren's fight against the praetorian guards, Yoda's reunion with Luke, and porgs are among the film's highlights. As for cons, they single out Admiral Holdo withholding her plan from Poe Dameron, which even Bailey's character can't defend. Humorously, the two voices opt to not do this routine again for Solo: A Star Wars Story, meaning the spinoff (like Rogue One before it), will have a more "traditional" Honest Trailer when it's released.
It will be interesting to see how opinions on The Last Jedi evolve after Episode IX comes out in December 2019. It's easy to forget now, but there was a time when The Empire Strikes Back didn't sit well with many, but it's now regarded as the Star Wars gold standard. Perhaps when viewed in context of the complete sequel trilogy, something similar will happen for Episode VIII. After all, Nickell's character expressed some hope upon learning J.J. Abrams had just completed the script for the finale.
MORE: The Last Jedi Removed The Weakest Parts of Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is now available on digital and Blu-ray.
Source: ScreenJunkies
