premiered Monday night to a crowd of celebrities and critics, and if you thoughtStar Wars: The Last Jediwas divisive, wait until you see the first reactions to this one. Actually, much of the disagreement on the new movie, which concludes the primary narrative of the franchise, stems from opinions on the previous installment. Still, even the more disappointed have some positive things to say about old and new characters. As for those who love the latest episode, they really love how returning director J.J. Abrams wrapped things up.Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

?Here’s what critics are saying about theStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker:

Is it a worthy end to the Skywalker Saga?

OH MY GOD! I am absolutely blown away! I’ve never been so satisfied by a film… This did [the franchise] justice in a way I didn’t imagine it could.–
Jenna Busch, Legion of Leia

It’s an immensely satisfying and MASSIVE end to the saga.–
Rob Keyes, ScreenRant

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalkeris TRULY a satisfying conclusion to the saga. It answers practically everything you want to know and more.–
Mansoor Mithaiwala, ScreenRant

J.J. Abrams nailed it. He was able to bring a cohesive arc to this trilogy that feels like a fitting end to the saga as a whole.Star Warsfans will be very happy.–
Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm

And how is it as a conclusion to the new trilogy?

It is the big adventure, lightsaber adventure I hoped for…a very satisfying end to this new trilogy.–?
Kristian Harloff, Schmoes Know

It somehow addresses issues, problematic characters, and most unanswered questions fromThe Force AwakensandThe Last Jedi.–?
Rob Keyes, ScreenRant

I had some issues withThe Last Jedi. This movie fixes most of my problems and creates a cohesive story… For me, in the new trilogy, it’s #2.–?
Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm

The WEIRDEST trilogy of films I’ve seen in my lifetime. None of them fit, and they all seem to actively dislike each other. Truly, head-scratchingly bizarre.–?
Sean O’Connell, CinemaBlend

It didn’t work for me, but fans ofForce Awakensare going to love it.–?
Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment

And compared to?The Last Jedi?

It’s amazing.Last Jedihaters will be very pleased.–
Ryan Parker, Hollywood Reporter

If you LOVE LOVEStar Wars: The Last Jedi, you may have some issues withThe Rise of Skywalker.–
Rob Keyes, ScreenRant

If you lovedThe Last Jedi, I have some bad news for you. If you didn’t, then you might be pretty stoked.–
Joanna Robinson, Vanity Fair

Bottom line: If you likeLast Jedi, you probably won’t likeThe Rise of Skywalker. If you didn’t likeLast Jedi, you’ll love this.–
Mansoor Mithaiwala, ScreenRant

It felt like an apology forThe Last Jediin some ways and a sequel toThe Force Awakensin many, which I found frustrating.–
Terri Schwartz, IGN

Some choices feel like an unnecessary course-correct fromThe Last Jediand some just plain don’t make sense.–
Laura Prudom, IGN

The Rise of Skywalkercould only have been ruder to Rian Johnson if they had motion-smoothed it.–
Kyle Buchanan, New York Times

Will die-hard fans apreciate it?

Full of the right kind of fan service.–
Dan Casey, Nerdist

Thrives on moments designed for big fans. There’s a lot of cause for cheer throughout and they went for some really big ideas.–
Brandon Davis, ComicBook.com

Has some great surprises in store for fans that will make you gasp and cheer.–
Scott Chitwood, ComingSoon.net

LOTS of emotional fan service… Yes, all of your questions are answered if not immediately off the bat.–
Griffin Schiller, The Playlist

At times I felt too much fan service was given, butThe Rise of Skywalkeris everything and nothing that you’re expecting.–
Yolanda Machado, The Wrap

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerhas everything you want and more. Which I don’t necessarily think is a good thing.–
Germain Lussier, io9

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalkeris the ultimateStar Warsmovie forStar Warsfans who want more of the same. Its 100% fan service and a collective hodgepodge of allStar Warsfilms combined.–
Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment

In the end, it wasStar Wars‘fans’ that killedStar Wars.–
Scott Mendelson, Forbes

How big of a movie is it?

The Rise of Skywalkeris a lot. It’s a big, giant movie with a lot of spectacle and high stakes and it’s definitely going to start a conversation.–
Brandon Davis, ComicBook.com

Brings the serial feeling back toStar Wars. A lot happens, there is constant forward momentum. There seems to be a lot for future Expanded Universe to explain.–
Dave Gonzales, Thrillist

Certainly the most convolutedStar Wars… the first half gets so bogged down with exposition and new plot and doodads and beacons and transmitters.–
Mike Ryan, Uproxx

I have some quibbles with some of the plot, it gets a bit convoluted but I’m not sure it matters in the end because of the emotional payoff.–
Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm

Felt a bit more concerned with plot than character, tad rushed, good not great.–
Griffin Schiller, The Playlist

I was not expecting a genuinely bad movie with video game plotting, thin characters, weak action and endless exposition of no consequence. Heartbreaking.–
Scott Mendelson, Forbes

So moviegoers will get their money’s worth?

The Rise of Skywalkerhas a ton of content packed into one movie as well and wastes no time. It’s like twoStar Warsmovies in one.–
Rob Keyes, ScreenRant

It feels like it should have been three movies on its own.–
Mike Ryan, Uproxx

The Rise of Skywalkeris a lot. It’s like nine movies of plot in one. Going to take me about nine days to process.–
Chris Taylor, Mashable

How is the pacing?

Man doesThe Rise of SkywaklerMOVE. This film hits the ground running and doesn’t let up. J.J.’s energy is all over this thing. ALast Crusadestyle adventure.–
Griffin Schiller, The Playlist

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerhits the ground running and rarely lets up. There’s a LOT going on.–?
Scott Chitwood, ComingSoon.net

The Rise of Skywalkerhas a bumpy start but finds its footing, and when it does, it flies — especially the third act.–?
Perri Nemiroff, Collider

Will there be any middle ground for fans?

I loved parts, I didn’t love others, and I’m leaving the theater very, very conflicted about it.–
Germain Lussier, io9

Overall I would say I liked it but had some big problems with it. Can’t say I loved it but there’s still a lot to unpack.–
Jim Vejvoda, IGN

There is good inStar 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.–
Eric Eisenberg, CinemaBlend

I will say that I think the more casual of aStar Warsfan you are, the happier you will be.–
Chris Taylor, Mashable

Who are the standouts this time?

The bromance between Poe and Finn steals the film.–
Griffin Schiller, The Playlist

The best thing I can say aboutRise of Skywalkeris that Daisy Ridley gives her best performance.–
Gregory Ellwood, The Playlist

Lando rules…The Emperor stuff is so weird.–
Mike Ryan, Uproxx

All hail Babu Frick and Zorii Bliss, who are my favorite things from the second they show up.–
Dave Gonzales, Thrillist

I’ll say this I fricking looooove Zorii Bliss and Babu Frick. Love.–
Joanna Robinson, Vanity Fair

I wanted to see more of the new characters inThe Rise of Skywalker. They were solid additions.–
Scott Chitwood, ComingSoon.net

WillThe Rise of Skywalkerleave fans in tears?

You WILL cry….bring tissues. They stuck the landing. Also, Leia! My entire heart!–
Jenna Busch, Legion of Leia

What a lovely send off for our General Leia.–
Angie Han, Mashable

I’m emotional, overwhelmed, surprised, shocked & stunned.? More than anything, I’m happy.? Thanks for coming through one more time,Star Wars.–
Mark Ellis, Schmoes Know

I’m so emotionally drained.Star Warsfans will be very happy.–
Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm

The emotional highs are spectacular.–
Laura Prudom, IGN

?is in theaters December 19.Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

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