A two minute editing change to The Last Jedi, could fix everything

I don't think it is a simple as that. So many people's complaints center on the fact that was not an accurate portrayal of who Luke is at all. MUCH harder to fix. I'm not one of those people, but I have several friends who definitely fall into that camp.

 

As an OT fan and growing up with Luke as my hero, I somehow still felt OK that he died. For one reason, his return at the end to be the hero we know and love is such a big payoff after watching him struggle all film.

Secondly -- he's a Jedi! All great Jedi must die and return as a Force ghost. It's not as sad when you remember that it's consistent. And it also means we will assuredly get more Luke in Episode IX.

 

Luke could do a great deal of good as a Force ghost because there is nowhere that Kylo could hide from him. A physical form would confine Luke to a single point in space, in which he may or may not be able to connect with Kylo. Maybe Luke could astrally project himself or whatever, but that seems to take a lot of energy.

 

What's sad is, you're probably right.

The anger directed at this film seems to be widespread, but I think its root is with Luke's death. That's why its so divisive- perhaps it's not a "bad" film at all, but simply features a scene that has divided the community, thereby forcing a reactionary over-analyzation of almost every other element of its plot.

After all, take a look at the "plot holes" thread and you'll see people cropping up all sorts of presumed plot holes, almost all of which actually have reasonable explanations or were explained clearly in the film. There seems to be an almost involuntary reaction to rebel against this film if you didn't like Luke's scenes.

Again, I don't think this applies to everyone (indeed, the film does have its problems, like any movie), so I don't want to invalidate anyone's critique of it. I think, though, that this could be an explanation of the sort of mass hysteria around it.

 

Not by me because this would have been ridiculous.

Luke had to die in this movie to set a message: this story is not about Luke Skywalker. And Luke himself knew this. He may return as a force ghost, but the legend of Luke Skywalker ended with him facing off against the FO.

 

Probably.

And no doubt it would've been cool, for sure.

Here's the thing- it seems like Disney is using external media to sort of test things with their audiences. Kyber crystals teased before Rogue One, for instance. In this case, a lot of people were curious what we'd see in TLJ that had been teased this year, with one prevailing theory being "The Grey" referenced in a lot of stuff (notably the Bendu in Rebels).

What I think was much more important, though, was Maul's fight with Kenobi. It was a showdown many had been waiting for... and it was over in like three hits.

I think it was also a sort of trial run for Luke v Kylo. Both seem firmly rooted in samurai film tradition, first of all. Both are also short, brutal fights- almost no flashiness at all.

Maul's fight with Kenobi was mostly well received- it was a little divisive, but for the most part it was praised as fresh, unique, and ultimately where the characters needed to be. "Look what I've risen above," Kenobi says to Maul, and he's right. Maul, in his unending and unhealthy quest for vengeance, has simply become outclassed and outdated.

With Luke and Kylo- well, it may not have worked quite as well with the same formula. Fans who have seen Rebels may not think this kind of fight is as fresh as it was when Maul and Kenobi did it. Fans who hadn't seen rebels and moviegoers who aren't really Star Wars fans at all may have thought it was a letdown because it seemed anti-climactic.

I guess, to me, it was anti-climactic only if you are looking at it only as a fight scene, and not in the greater scope of the trilogy. Sure, Luke going absolutely ham on the First Order would've been amazing to see. But it would have been the Old Jedi way- the way that led the order astray and let Palpatine take control. "A Jedi uses the force for knowledge and defense, never for attack," Yoda told Luke (knowing all too well the folly of the Clone Wars by that point).

So, when we see Luke confront Kylo, he's not only stalling for the Resistance to evacuate, he's bringing hope to the galaxy. The Jedi are back- the true Jedi, a force that hasn't been seen for a very, very long time. And I can get how that might not be an exciting scene, but in the bigger picture, the implications it has for Star Wars are actually pretty incredible.

 

Surely you're mistaken.

 

Totally agree, this trilogy was never about the OT characters, it was about a transition and handoff to new heroes. Regardless if the movie is liked or not, TLJ continues this theme from ep VII.
I have some issues with some things done with ST but not so much centered on Han and Luke’s fate. If Luke stayed alive to be the hero in ep IX, then there is no need for Rey at all, at least imo

 

I’m not disagreeing with this, I’m just saying for the objective of what Disney has said about making the movies, Luke would have stolen the show and would have no need of a new Jedi such as Rey. If Luke was unleashed with his full capability he would smash the FO in no time. The FO is nowhere near the might of the empire and he beat them as a much less experienced Jedi.

 

It's a trilogy. She doesn't have to have earned her place yet. These movies are her journey.

Her "attitude" is what kept her alive when she was living alone on a very harsh planet. Luke did little training and also went against Yoda's instructions.

I tend to see that Chewie has taken possession of the Falcon and is choosing to help Rey.

It's not fair to expect her character complete when the series isn't complete.

 

I know it sounds weird (and likely too simplified), but I feel like a lot of negative reaction to this film is the subconscious sadness for some that Luke died. I get this, and I felt the same way when Han died. The difference is, (key) Jedi never really "die" in Star Wars....I know Luke was likely destined to be a Force ghost, so I was OK with it.

I think people who hated it should revisit it after their nerves are settled and watch it through a fresh lens. I only know a few people that didn't like it, yet ALL said they liked it a lot more after a 2nd viewing.

 

If the Resistance has the equivalent of Lightsaber Goku on their side, what's the point? If Luke wrecks Kylo and the FO army on Crait, do we just call the trilogy a wrap? Why would we need Rey? Or Finn, Poe, and Leia?

Not to mention, as I said in my previous post, it would show Luke learned nothing from the flaws of the old Jedi Order.

 

And she's the hero of the story.

But regardless, that wasn't my question.

 

You know this ability was already a thing in the 90s.

So, it's not really that ridiculous.

Didn't Luke learn that Jedi shouldn't take part in any conflict? The Jedi always interfered with the situations which were present at their time. This behaviour was their undoing.
Luke didn't face the FO directly, he just went for his nephew. So I think he learned a lot from the flaws of the old Jedi order.