On Dec. 15, the latest Star Wars film, The Last Jedi, came out in theaters.  It’s been just under two years since The Force Awakens, the first movie in the new trilogy, was released, so fans were eager to see their favorite characters return to the screen. The Force Awakens left off when Rey (Daisy Ridley), a Force-sensitive girl with a mysterious heritage, was successful in tracking down Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Luke went into exile after one of his former students (and Han Solo’s son) Kylo Ren, was drawn to the Dark Side by Supreme Leader Snoke. Ren, the villain of The Force Awakens, attempted to eliminate the Jedi so nothing would stand in the way of the First Order to take over the galaxy.

Rey and Finn (John Boyega), a Stormtrooper turned Resistance fighter, were the main heroes of the film who worked together to destroy the First Order’s Starkiller Base in The Force Awakens.

The two actors developed a strong bond while filming, but when the two co-stars found out they would be split up for most of The Last Jedi, they were devastated.  Their characters go down different paths as Rey spends a large portion of the film training with Luke Skywalker on planet Ach-To.

The interaction between Rey and Skywalker in the last scene of The Force Awakens left the audience wondering: Will Luke be open to helping Rey strengthen her powers?  Or will he take some convincing?

Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, also had a major role in The Last Jedi.  Sadly, Fisher unexpectedly passed away last December, but because her scenes were filmed in advance, she still had a part in this year’s Star Wars movie. The film ends with a dedication to this beloved character and talented actress: “In loving memory of our princess, Carrie Fisher.”

“Carrie Fisher was so good in the previous Star Wars movies, and it’s a shame that she can no longer be in them,” said senior Saige Gitlin.

Along with iconic franchise veterans Hamill and Fisher, we are introduced to new faces such as Kelly Marie Tran, who plays Rose Tico.  Tico is a maintenance worker in the Resistance who plays an active role in fighting the First Order.  Also arriving in the Star Wars universe are the famous Laura Dern and Benicio del Toro.

“I am excited to see the new characters in the move,” said senior Davida Harris.  “Hopefully they live up to the characters in previous Star Wars movies,” said senior Davida Harris.

On Dec. 9, the premiere of The Last Jedi stirred up many positive reviews.  “He [director Rian Johnson] takes Star Wars to the edge and throws it over. What a crazy, awesome movie. We’ll be talking about this one for a long, long time,” wrote movie critic Germain Lussier on Twitter.

Countless viewers were left in awe after watching the film, while others complained that it was too long and dense.

As for predictions, fans have come up with dozens of theories explaining Rey’s past, which could have a major influence on her future.  One of the most popular theories posits that Rey is Luke Skywalker’s daughter who was left behind at a young age.  Presumably, Rey will face off against Kylo Ren again, maybe this time with the help of her newfound Jedi teacher.  Another epic battle will take place when Finn faces off against his old commander from his days as a Stormtrooper.  For the most part, the first two films in the new Star Wars trilogy haven’t failed to disappoint fans.  Watch Stars Wars: The last Jedi as soon as possible.  You won’t regret it!