AFP, LOS ANGELESThe Rise of Skywalker was meant to provide a satisfying conclusion to nine Star Wars films but for many critics, its aim was as wide of the mark as a stormtrooper in a blaster battle. It has a score of 59 percent from around 200 critics on movies website Rotten Tomatoes — the worst of any live-action Star Wars episode since the panned prequel The Phantom Menace two decades ago. “The long term prospects will depend on solid word of mouth propelling the film to greater and greater heights worldwide week after week,” he added. The film opened in several markets Wednesday including France, Germany and China, ahead of its arrival in US theaters on general release today. French fan club Planete Star Wars leapt to the film’s defense following its release there Wednesday.

Source: Taipei Times December 19, 2019 15:56 UTC