Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker called "epic" and "satisfying" in first reactions

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker received its world premiere last night (December 16) and the first reactions have landed.

And it seems we may have another winner on our hands, as critics have heaped praise on the final chapter in the Skywalker saga.

The consensus seems to be that the movie is "satisfying" and "epic", if a little overly complicated in parts.

"Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker reaction: JJ Abrams nailed it," wrote SlashFilm's Peter Scrietta. "He was able to bring a cohesive arc to this trilogy that feels like a fitting end to the saga as a whole. I'm so emotionally drained. Star Wars fans will be very happy."

"I realized within the first 20 mins of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker that it was the best film in this trilogy, and it kept getting better right through to the end. THANK YOU!!! #Maytheforcebewithyou," added Geek Bomb's Maude Garrett.

Meanwhile, The Economist's Gady Epstein tweeted: "An ultimately satisfying and moving conclusion to the trio of trilogies. This is the ending Star Wars deserves."

"It’s an immensely satisfying and MASSIVE end to the saga," said ScreenRant's Rob Keyes. "It somehow addresses issues, problematic characters, and most unanswered questions from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi too."

Jake Hamilton called it "dark and scary, but hopeful and beautiful", admitting he "worship[s] this movie".

Some have also noted the sheer amount of story that is packed into the film, while others predicted that it may be divisive.

"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is good," said Brandon Davis. "It's big and full of surprises and, in the words of Luke Skywalker, 'This is not going to go the way you think.'"

However, it wasn't praise across the board, with Mike Ryan adding: "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is certainly the most convoluted Star Wars. There is a lot I liked, but the first half gets so bogged down with exposition and new plot and doodads and beacons and transmitters, it feels like it should have been three movies on its own."

CinemaBlend's Eric Eisenberg added: "There is good in Star 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."

Take a look at some more reactions below:

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We'll have to wait until Wednesday morning for the full reviews to arrive, and for the critics to expand on their (spoiler-free) thoughts on the climactic chapter in the Skywalker Saga – including right here on Digital Spy.

Returning director JJ Abrams has recently opened up about his biggest regret from The Force Awakens involving Leia and Chewbacca.

"I wish that Chewie hadn't walked past Leia in the third act of The Force Awakens after Han died," he explained. "There are things all over the place I always know I could have done better, but that's part of learning, I guess."

Expect ALL the hugs in Rise of Skywalker then.

Mark Hamill has also been paying an emotional tribute to Luke Skywalker as we all prepare to say goodbye to Luke, Leia and co in the new movie.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is released in UK cinemas on December 19 and US cinemas on December 20.

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Ian Sandwell

Movies Editor, Digital Spy  Ian has more than 10 years of movies journalism experience as a writer and editor.  Starting out as an intern at trade bible Screen International, he was promoted to report and analyse UK box-office results, as well as carving his own niche with horror movies, attending genre festivals around the world.   After moving to Digital Spy, initially as a TV writer, he was nominated for New Digital Talent of the Year at the PPA Digital Awards. He became Movies Editor in 2019, in which role he has interviewed 100s of stars, including Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba and Olivia Colman, become a human encyclopedia for Marvel and appeared as an expert guest on BBC News and on-stage at MCM Comic-Con. Where he can, he continues to push his horror agenda – whether his editor likes it or not.
 

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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.