Love it or hate it, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker remains a lightning rod for debate among fans. But beneath the controversy lies a film that, when you set aside its flaws, offers a genuinely entertaining ride. Every movie has its missteps, and this one certainly has its share, yet it also introduces bold ideas and memorable moments that deserve recognition. From character dynamics to fresh concepts, here’s what the most divisive Star Wars film actually got right.
A Trio Finally United
One of the biggest complaints about the sequel trilogy before The Rise of Skywalker was the lack of a core trio on an adventure together. Rey, Finn, and Poe spent much of The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi on separate paths. This film finally gives fans what they wanted: the three leads teaming up for a mission. They hunt for Emperor Palpatine’s wayfinder across Pasaana, Kijimi, and Kef Bir, even infiltrating a First Order Star Destroyer. The chemistry between Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac shines, making their shared screen time a highlight.
Leia as Rey’s Jedi Master
Carrie Fisher’s Leia Organa steps into a new role as Rey’s Jedi trainer, a surprising and heartfelt development. The film reveals Leia once trained under Luke Skywalker but abandoned the path after sensing tragedy for her son, Ben Solo. Now, she completes Rey’s education on Ajan Kloss, emphasizing patience and trust. This expands on Leia’s Force sensitivity, hinted at in The Last Jedi, and gives her a powerful legacy moment. It’s a fitting tribute to Fisher’s character and a nod to expanded universe lore.
The Citizens’ Fleet
The Battle of Exegol delivers an epic spectacle when Lando Calrissian arrives with a fleet of over 14,000 civilian ships. Ordinary citizens from across the galaxy unite against Palpatine’s Final Order, a moment that echoes the spirit of rebellion. Among the ships are familiar faces like the Ghost from Star Wars Rebels and Naboo N1 Starfighters. This sequence, while reminiscent of earlier concepts, provides a powerful visual of collective resistance.
Lightspeed Skipping
The film opens with a thrilling chase as Poe and Finn use lightspeed skipping—quick, successive jumps through hyperspace—to evade TIE Fighters. This high-risk maneuver counters the active tracking introduced in The Last Jedi and adds a fresh action beat. It’s a clever way to shake pursuers, though it requires precise calculations to avoid disaster.
Force Healing
Rey’s ability to heal wounds by transferring her own life force sparked debate, but it’s not a canon-breaker. Anakin Skywalker’s tragedy was his selfish pursuit of this power, while Rey uses it selflessly. The skill appears elsewhere in Star Wars, like with Barriss Offee in The Clone Wars and Grogu in The Mandalorian. Rey learns it from the sacred Jedi texts, making it a natural extension of her journey.
Babu Frik
The diminutive droidsmith Babu Frik steals every scene he’s in. His quirky personality and technical genius provide comic relief and a memorable addition to the Star Wars universe. Fans quickly embraced this little character, proving that even in a divisive film, new creations can win hearts.
For more on underrated sequels, check out our list of 8 Legacy Sequels That Actually Got It Right. And if you’re in the mood for overlooked gems, explore 10 Forgotten Action Movies That Are Actually Great.
