Analyzing The Rise Of Skywalker’s Rotten Tomatoes Score: Am I Too Critical Of The Last Star Wars Film?

As a viewer, my enthusiasm for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was lukewarm at best. However, a glance at its audience score on Rotten Tomatoes has left me questioning whether my perspective aligns with that of the broader audience. The sequel trilogy has sparked significant debate among fans, often being labeled as some of the weaker entries in the Star Wars franchise. Among these, The Rise of Skywalker appeared to draw the most criticism, particularly due to contentious plot choices like the hasty return of Emperor Palpatine.

In addition to the reactions that I personally found unjustified, such as Rey adopting the surname Skywalker—a move I interpreted as a powerful tribute to Anakin Skywalker—I still regard The Rise of Skywalker as my least favorite film within the Skywalker Saga. Nevertheless, the surprisingly positive Rotten Tomatoes audience score has made me reconsider whether there are elements of the film that I may have overlooked.

Reasons Behind My Dislike for The Rise of Skywalker

Broader Issues Beyond the Palpatine Revelation

One major bone of contention for me, like many others, was the revelation that Emperor Palpatine orchestrated events throughout the sequel trilogy. This twist seemed more like a contrived attempt to salvage a narrative that felt disjointed due to changes in direction. Instead of unifying the trilogy, it felt like an unnecessary rehashing of past ideas, failing to introduce fresh innovations.

My issues, however, do not end with Palpatine’s reappearance. A significant concern for me was the treatment of Ben Solo/Kylo Ren’s arc. I had anticipated the final installment would prominently feature his journey, as the title implied. Thus, it was particularly disappointing when Ben met his demise without experiencing any closure through appearances as a Force ghost, especially while Luke and Leia witnessed Rey’s actions on Tatooine. This could have been somewhat excusable if the film had been more balanced in its character focus, but sadly, it sidelined key characters like Poe Dameron, Finn, and Rose Tico.

Another troubling aspect of The Rise of Skywalker was how the film incorporated Carrie Fisher’s character. Following her untimely passing, the film’s narrative had to adapt, utilizing unused footage from prior movies along with some creative visual effects. To me, this approach felt unsettling and somewhat ethically dubious; her presence on screen made me uncomfortable, overshadowing the emotional weight of the film.

An Unexpectedly High Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes

The Rise of Skywalker’s Audience Score Surpasses All Prequels and Other Sequels

Finn, Chewie, Rey, 3PO, and Poe in the desert in Star Wars

Despite the criticisms I’ve highlighted and the myriad complaints from other viewers, The Rise of Skywalker boasts an impressive 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This remarkable figure positions it above all three of the prequel films and the rest of the sequel trilogy in audience appreciation, resulting in an unexpectedly positive reception.

Star Wars Movie	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace	59%
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones	56%
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith	66%
A New Hope	96%
The Empire Strikes Back	97%
Return of the Jedi	94%
Star Wars: The Force Awakens	84%
Star Wars: The Last Jedi	41%
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker	86%
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story	87%
Solo: A Star Wars Story	63%

The high audience score for The Rise of Skywalker is surprising in its own right. However, it becomes even more astonishing when compared to the audience reception of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, a film that many fans regard favorably. While I am not inclined to completely revise my own opinion based on Rotten Tomatoes ratings alone, this unexpected score has encouraged me to reassess my critical stance and the complexities of audience reception.

Am I Being Too Critical of The Rise of Skywalker?

Viewers Identify Value in The Rise of Skywalker

Daisy Ridley as Rey Skywalker duels Adam Driver as Kylo Ren in Star Wars Rise of Skywalker

While I maintain that many of the issues I raised about The Rise of Skywalker remain valid, it is intriguing to explore the positive feedback the film has garnered. Fans who rated it highly often highlighted the dynamics between Kylo Ren/Ben Solo and Rey, the return of the original trilogy’s heroes, engaging action sequences, and surprising plot developments. Ironically, these are the very elements that have drawn criticism from others.

The relationship between Kylo Ren and Rey sparked a devoted fanbase known as the ‘Reylos,’ who found significance in their interactions, particularly with the introduction of the Force dyad—a fresh concept that creates potential for future narratives within the franchise. However, whether this devoted following sufficiently explains the film’s audience score is uncertain.

It’s also essential to acknowledge that a segment of the audience remains enthusiastic about anything Star Wars produces. Still, the fact that The Rise of Skywalker holds a higher score than many other installments in the series makes this situation even more puzzling. As someone who still holds a critical view of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the surprising audience score suggests that perhaps this film warrants another look.

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