The latest Star Wars film is sure to be a box office hit; a popular choice for fans who have been anxiously awaiting the return of Rey, Finn, R2D2, BB8, and other favorite Star Wars characters to the big screen.
See Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in theaters now
Title: Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-fi
Rating: PG-13
U.S. Release Date: December 20, 2019
Run time: 2 hours & 22 minutes
Summary provided by Lucasfilm:
Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters on December 20.
Is Star Wars Episode IX appropriate for kids?
I had the chance to preview Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker a few days before it opened to the general public. I took along my 9-year old daughter and although she enjoyed it, I honestly would not recommend it for most 9 year old children. If your child is a big fan of Star Wars and is accustom to the cyber-galactic fighting and the intensity of the Star Wars films on the big screen, then you might consider bringing younger children to view this in the theater. However, for children 11 and under, I highly recommend waiting until the film is released for streaming or on DVD so you can watch in the comfort of your own home and have the ability to fast-forward through parts not suitable for children.
As a parent, you need to know that the film includes violence, sexual content, cursing, and “drug” references:
- Violence – intense battles, duels and some graphic deaths (point-blank gun shot, a head is chopped off, and a body crumbles away to dust)
- More darkness and creepy, mystic powers displayed through the return of Palpatine and sith lords.
- More light saber duels including a scene with intense flashing lights that could be unpleasant for those with light sensitivity and could trigger seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy.
- Passionate kissing between a leading male character and female character.
- Kissing between two female characters, though this is not the central focus of the angle/shot, they are shown in a large group of people celebrating. My 9-year old didn’t notice it, but my 13-year old did.
- Cursing – curse words used include: a$$, hell, and damn.
- References to “drugs” or the Star Wars version of such, referencing a character’s past life as a “spice runner” in the black market for illegal substances, presumably a “drug dealer” in a galaxy far away.
Overall, I enjoyed this film and it was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, which answered many questions I had about Rey’s past. Episode IX tied together loose ends from past Star Wars films. I thought the acting was superb, the film had lots of action, and I appreciated the infusion of humor, heroism, and hope. One of the most memorable quotes and messages that stood out to me was “some things are stronger than blood” — drilling home that a person’s blood ties do not define who he or she will become; “destiny” relies in larger part upon that person’s strength and character. Fortitude forges your future.
As a parent, I do not recommend Star Wars Episode IX for younger kids
I would not recommend this film for most children 11 and under, even though I took my 9-year old to see the film. I think this film could result in nightmares for many younger children, due to the violence and darker content of this film, even more so than past Star Wars films. It is rated PG-13 and I believe it is up to each parent to research and determine if this movie is appropriate for their own child. I honestly did not do much research before taking my 9-year old, and I do regret that a little bit.
What do kids think of Star Wars Episode IX?
In case you’re wondering what kids think of the latest Star Wars film, I’m happy to report that it was well received by both of my kids.
My 9 year old: She said she loved the film. Honestly, I think a lot of it went over her head. She has seen the other Star Wars films (most at home) and is a big Rey fan. She has dressed up as Rey for Halloween the past two years. And she was really excited to get to see the movie before her big brother!
My 13-year old: He also gave the film an enthusiastic review after seeing it on opening day with his friends. Out of everyone with whom I’ve discussed this movie, I was most excited to talk with him about the plot and get his take. In fact, I asked him to write a quick summary since he is a bigger Star Wars fan than myself.
13-year old summary of Star Wars Episode IX: TROS
I would like to start by saying that I am a huge Star Wars fan. Ever since I was little, I have always adored the journeys of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewy, R2-D2, and C3PO. And I have to say, the year and a half wait for Star Wars episode nine, the movie to end the saga, was worth it.
Overall I thought the movie was amazing. It was a solid movie and kept the audience on the edge of their seats. At some parts you are frozen with fear, thinking, “What is going to happen? Was it all for nothing? I have a bad feeling about this.” And at other parts you want to rise up and scream “Yes! Yes! Yes!” It was also humorous, all the while feeling like a Star Wars film. I would recommend it to everyone ten and up.
As for the plot, it was a thrill to see Rey and Kylo Ren increase in power throughout the movie, unleashing it sometimes on each other, for each other, and on other things. It is bold and holds many surprises, such as the rising again of an old sith lord, Rey’s lineage, and the betrayal of the First Order in a certain jealous commander.
In The Rise of Skywalker, we experienced places and topics that aren’t usually explained in the main Star Wars movies but more so in the Star Wars comics, such as the outer reaches of the galaxy, sith beacons, and the sith temple. It also had a little bit of horror, like when they entered into the sith temple.
One of the themes in the film was enduring hope; even when you are lower than you thought you could go, have hope and persevere. Overcoming adversity and that no matter your bloodline or background, you can achieve great things.”
Other main messages I took away from this film were to rely on teamwork and camaraderie instead of trying to tackle obstacles on your own. In whatever you do, you are not alone.
In conclusion, I thought Star Wars, The Rise of Skywalker, was phenomenal. It was a funny, scary, surprising, and unique adventure that kept everyone in the audience on the edge of their seats every second of the movie. The editing and script were amazing. I hope everyone loves this movie just as much as I did. May the force be with you!
*Disclosure: I was invited to attend a special media screening event for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker before the official opening to the general public. Please note, I am not a formal movie critic and I was not compensated to write this post. All opinions are my own.
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