During 20 years and more as a syndicated film critic, I have sat through many Star Wars movies. Most of the time I wasn’t impressed, but that’s part of my job. However, I did enjoy an invite to Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch where critics learned so much about the making of these films and all the work that George Lucas and his comrades put into making the movies.

I just saw Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and this film delighted me. I became immersed in the entire movie.  Writers Lucas and Rian Johnson (who also directed this offering) have a real winner here. We have new characters and new adventures, but also back are some of our favorites making us laugh or causing us to hold our breath as we worry about whether they will survive.

Several people are looking for the long-lost Luke Skywalker (expertly played by Mark Hamill). One is his son Kylo Ren (a determined Adam Driver) who wants revenge for things Luke has done. Of course we can’t forget Leia (Carrie Fisher) who also wants to find Luke and sends the newest character Rey (Daisy Ridley) -- who also appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens -- to look for him.

Then there’s’ Finn (John Boyega, recently in Detroit), Poe (Oscar Isaac) Dj (Benicio del Toro) and a few other characters who add more drama to the film by unlocking mysteries of the past. The regular animals and robots appear and seem to have bigger roles and more personality than before.

The cinematography by Steve Yedlin is incredible.  And John Williams’ score sounds perfect.  It’s exciting, keeps the action going but doesn’t blast so loud that I needed ear plugs. Thank you, John Williams. Production by Rick Henrichs made me feel like I was right there in the film watching it live.

It took hundreds of talented people to complete this film, but with good comments buzzing around like bees and the movie’s great action and adventure, it should have a big pay-off. Those who like Star Wars movies should not miss this film nor should those who have not yet tried one. You won’t be disappointed.  

(Released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and rated “PG-13” for sequences of sci-fi action and violence.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.