CinePals
CinePals
January 11, 2026

STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII: THE LAST JEDI Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Mark Hamill

Quick Read

The host reacts to 'The Last Jedi' with a mix of excitement for action sequences, disappointment in character arcs, and appreciation for new directions, despite widespread fan criticism.
The host praises 'The Last Jedi' for its intense action and stunning visual effects, especially lightsaber duels.
Finn's origin as a defected Stormtrooper is celebrated as a powerful symbol of hope and a valuable asset to the Resistance.
Despite initial disappointment in Luke's reclusive state, his final stand and the film's overall direction were ultimately enjoyed, contrasting with widespread fan negativity.

Summary

The host, Chris Pino, provides a first-time reaction to 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi,' expressing strong opinions on its plot developments, character portrayals, and action sequences. She particularly enjoys the lightsaber fight scenes and the film's visual effects. Key reactions include her admiration for Leia's resilience, initial disappointment in Luke Skywalker's broken spirit, and a strong appreciation for Finn's backstory as a defected Stormtrooper. She highlights the emotional impact of character deaths and the film's unexpected twists, such as Snoke's demise and Kylo Ren's continued allegiance to the dark side. Despite acknowledging that many fans disliked the film, she found it enjoyable, praising its fast pace, cool edits, and powerful moments like Holdo's sacrifice and Rose's 'saving what we love' line. The host also reflects on the real-world passing of Carrie Fisher, adding a layer of melancholy to her appreciation of Leia's character.
This reaction provides a fresh, unvarnished perspective on a highly divisive Star Wars film, offering insights into how a first-time viewer processes its controversial plot points and character decisions. It highlights specific elements that resonate (action, visual effects, Finn's arc) and those that cause emotional conflict (Luke's initial state, character deaths), serving as a valuable counterpoint to established fan narratives and a guide for others approaching the film for the first time.

Takeaways

  • The host loves Star Wars fight scenes, especially the sound and glow of lightsabers.
  • Leia is consistently praised as a 'badass' for her strength and ability to hold things together.
  • Finn's backstory as a defected Stormtrooper is considered one of the coolest and most hopeful elements of the new trilogy.
  • Luke Skywalker's initial broken spirit was disappointing, but his final appearance and actions were 'fire' and redeeming.
  • The Force connection between Rey and Kylo Ren is a 'wild' and 'cool' new development.
  • Admiral Holdo's sacrifice is lauded as a 'cool way to die' with impressive visual effects.
  • Rose Tico's line, 'Not fighting what we hate, saving what we love,' is highlighted as a powerful and impactful message.
  • The host acknowledges the film's divisive reception but views it as a new direction for Star Wars, trying not to cling to the past.
  • The emotional impact of losing beloved original characters (Han, Luke, and Leia/Carrie Fisher) is a significant struggle for the host.

Insights

1Leia's Unyielding Strength and Force Abilities

The host consistently admires Leia's 'badass' nature, noting her emotional resilience after Han's death and her unexpected use of the Force to survive in space. This moment was a significant surprise and solidified Leia's legendary status in the host's eyes.

Chris states, 'She's hardcore. When the love of her life died, she was not like emotion, like too emotional in front of everybody. She held strong. And she is a badass.' () and later, 'I told you she's badass. We can't wipe her out.' () after Leia uses the Force.

2Finn's Unique Value as a Defected Stormtrooper

Finn's journey from a Stormtrooper to a Resistance hero is a core element the host deeply appreciates. She sees him as a symbol of hope, demonstrating that anyone can turn from the dark side, and values his insider knowledge of the First Order.

Chris expresses, 'Finn has the one of the coolest stories. I love that he was a Stormtrooper and then went against all odds and like came to our side. It's the coolest thing about him, honestly.' () and later, 'Finn is the definition of hope because if he can turn then any of them could.' ()

3Luke Skywalker's Redemption Arc and Emotional Impact

Initially, the host expresses disappointment in Luke's cynical and reclusive state, wishing he would train Rey. However, his eventual return to confront Kylo Ren and his peaceful passing are seen as a powerful, albeit sad, redemption, leaving a lasting impression.

Chris comments, 'Oh, Luke, what happened to you? Oh, his spirit has been broken. This is not the Luke we know.' () but later cheers, 'Hell yeah. I ain't clean up nicely.' () when Luke appears, and 'I'm like, 'No.' () when he dies.

4The Force Connection Between Rey and Kylo Ren

The host finds the telepathic connection between Rey and Kylo Ren to be a 'wild' and 'cool' new aspect of the Force, appreciating how it allows for character development and intense interactions across distances.

Chris states, 'Why is the Force connecting us? Yeah, this is crazy.' () and later, 'I'm like obsessed with how they did the whole like both both the kids talking to each other and seeing each other. I was like, 'What? I didn't know the forest could do that.'' ()

5Admiral Holdo's Strategic Sacrifice

Holdo's controversial leadership and ultimate sacrifice are highlighted as a visually stunning and impactful moment. Despite initial skepticism about her command, the host praises the 'cool cut' and special effects of her hyperspace jump.

Chris reacts, 'Whoa. Okay, that was really cool the way they did that. That's really cool. Favorite scene right there.' () and 'I thought her them wiping her out, she went down and it looked cool.' ()

Notable Moments

Poe Dameron's stalling tactics against General Hux.

The host found this scene 'amazing' and 'so good,' highlighting Poe's cleverness and humor in a tense situation, setting the tone for his character's impulsive but heroic actions.

Leia's use of the Force to save herself in space.

This moment was a major surprise for the host, reinforcing Leia's 'badass' status and showcasing a new, powerful aspect of her character, proving her legendary capabilities.

Kylo Ren killing Supreme Leader Snoke.

The host was genuinely surprised by this 'great misdirect,' expecting Kylo to turn to the light side. It was a pivotal, unexpected twist that redefined the power dynamics.

Luke Skywalker's final confrontation with Kylo Ren and his peaceful passing.

This sequence provided a powerful redemption for Luke, with the host calling him 'a legend' and 'so much cooler' than she thought, despite the sadness of his death.

Admiral Holdo's hyperspace jump sacrifice.

Described as 'really cool' and a 'favorite scene,' this moment was praised for its visual spectacle and strategic impact, making Holdo an 'MVP hero' in the host's eyes.

Quotes

"

"She's hardcore. When the love of her life died, she was not like emotion, like too emotional in front of everybody. She held strong. And she is a badass."

Chris Pino
"

"Finn has the one of the coolest stories. I love that he was a Stormtrooper and then went against all odds and like came to our side. It's the coolest thing about him, honestly."

Chris Pino
"

"Oh, Luke, what happened to you? Oh, his spirit has been broken. This is not the Luke we know."

Chris Pino
"

"Failure also. Yes. Failure most of all. The greatest teacher is failure."

Yoda (quoted by Chris Pino)
"

"That's how we're going to win. Not fighting what we hate. Saving what we love."

Rose Tico (quoted by Chris Pino)
"

"I'm not trying to hold on to my past of Star Wars and hold on to everything we went went through and I'm trying to I'm trying to allow them to let me let my characters go for the new ones, but it's so hard. It's so hard."

Chris Pino

Q&A

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