Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY — We stand at the precipice of what so many of us have been waiting decades for: The conclusion of the "Star Wars" saga with the film "Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker."
How this movie will go down in the history books is still yet to be determined, but it goes without saying that a staggering number of people will make their way to the theaters this weekend to see this film. If you find yourself and your family swept up in the crowd pushing the doors down to see this movie, but would like to know what to expect before you sit down, you've come to the right place.
Here is what you can expect from "The Rise of Skywalker":
Violence and gore
There is violence; a lot of space violence to be exact.
If you are even vaguely familiar with the "Star Wars" franchise, you know what to expect and that's why you're planning on seeing this film. If this is your first "Star Wars" movie, I strongly advise you to not start with this film and familiarize yourself with the previous eight films just to get caught up.
In this film, there are the usual laser gun fights, laser sword fights, Force-choking and the annihilation of an entire inhabited planet. There are a few scenes that get a little intense. Some of the more intense visuals include one scene where a character's skin and face disintegrate. We also see a non-human character's decapitated head on a table with what looks like green blood coming out of it. There is a lot of stylized killing with little to no blood shown.
Language
There is very little in the way of language to be aware of. There are one or two mild swear words that are common on network television as well as some minor insults are thrown around. There is no language or dialogue in this film that crosses the line into offensive or demeaning.
Sexuality
The only thing in this film that would approach anything sexual is a brief kiss between two characters toward the end of the movie that is not portrayed in a sexual way at all. Beyond that, there are a couple mentions of kissing and that's it.
Spoiler-free review: 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' almost rises to the occasion
The time has come. Your patience has finally paid off. The end of the Skywalker saga is now upon us. Here is a spoiler-free review of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" and why it's fine, but not great.Message
The message in this film is all about family and choosing one's own path in life. The role models in this film are very strong and deliver a positive message of bravery in the face of conflict. If you are looking for a film with a great message and strong male and female role models, this film has it.
For all that this film encompasses, it does a great job of telling the final story of a saga that began over four decades ago.
A lot has changed with what is considered acceptable viewing material in that time and this film manages to tell a good story without relying on any gratuitous sex or violence or negative message. Though the film is rated PG-13, I took a 9-year-old who seemed to come out relatively unscathed.
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" is rated PG-13 for for sci-fi violence and action.
