On this week’s Mohawk Movie Review, Dana discusses reasons to love the latest installment of the Star Wars saga, The Last Jedi. That has to start, of course, with the iconic Carrie Fisher.

In what will be her last appearance, Carrie Fisher reprises her pivotal role as Princess Leia. Says writer-director Rian Johnson: “I remember the scene in the Death Star: ‘Into the garbage chute, flyboy.’ That had a huge impact on me. And carrying Carrie’s spirit into this movie felt really right.” Bring the tissues.

But there’s also an issue of representation that’s being resolved in the latest Star Wars installment. The Last Jedi features its first Asian-American women as leads, Veronica Ngo and Kelly Marie Tran. Johnson, 44, says of the increasingly inclusive cast, which also includes strong female leads in general, “It just feels right, especially now. It’s a sea change you feel happening. The fact that it is powerful for folks who haven’t seen themselves [reflected] on screen, as heroes and also villains, all types of characters… to see how much that matters to people, and how emotional that is, has been really impactful.”

Plus, the cinematography is really stunning. Cinematographer Steve Yedlin brought a command of lighting, pacing, and camera movement to the film, making every shot count. In the end, The Last Jedi has comedy, action, suspense, and well-developed characters, including kick-ass lead Rey.

You were going to see it anyways, but what more could you want?

Listen for a bonus review of Ferdinand, an animated movie about a matador bull who escapes because he doesn’t want to fight.