This will be short and sweet.
I’ve avoided writing about Star Wars: The Last Jedi for the past few weeks. As a script writer for hire I made the decision not see it in the cinema based on feedback online and from friends who said – Matt – “you’ll hate it”.
I didn’t mind The Force Awakens – but had a bad reaction to Rogue One (which I find unwatchable). Everyone seemed to like Rogue One, so they assumed I’d hate The Last Jedi. I didn’t – I loved it.
I loved it, because:
- It took me by surprise
- It introduced new elements
- It ripped up the rule book
- It wasn’t scared do awkward comedy (the original trilogy is full of it)
- Visually, it was very interesting
- Mark Hamill (who doesn’t like the film) actually turned in a really good performance.
Friends have said to me, it’s because you had very low expectations… So, I watched it again, and I was equally impressed – in fact, I saw more in the film the second time. I think it will grow…
So there. This might lose me a few friends. But I think The Last Jedi is very good entry into the Star Wars universe and since George handed the baton over – it’s my favourite so far.
Matthew Cooper has been a script writer for hire for over 20 years. He’s written for most of the UK soaps, including writing award winning episodes of Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs and has been BAFTA shortlisted and Royal Television Society nominated as a script writer. He’s also a leading UK script consultant. You can find some of his broadcast credits on the IMDb. You can get in touch with Matthew on matcoop23@yahoo.co.uk or hire him on Peopleperhour