Is 'The Rise of Skywalker' Worse Than 'The Phantom Menace' or 'The Last Jedi'? A Comparative Analysis

Legends of 'The Rise of Skywalker' (RoS), 'The Phantom Menace' (TPM), and 'The Last Jedi' (TLJ) in the Star Wars saga continue to spark debates among fans. While some argue that RoS surpasses TP Me in its failure to deliver, others place it alongside TLJ as a damaging story within the franchise. This essay delves into these comparisons and analyzes each film in light of their reception, overall quality, and impact on the broader Star Wars universe.

The Phantom Menace: The Dismal Low Point of the Franchise

Often regarded as the nadir of the entire Star Wars franchise, The Phantom Menace caused a wave of disappointment among fans. Despite promising visuals and impressive costume and CGI work, the movie's fundamental weaknesses in narrative, character development, and storytelling left much to be desired.

While the stunning visuals and some standout special effects elements can still be enjoyed, the overall experience is marred by poor dialogue, uneven pacing, and a general lack of engaging content. It feels akin to one of the less successful entries in a popular franchise, like certain chapters of the Harry Potter series, which, while budgeted handsomely, miss the mark when it comes to executing a compelling story and emotional connections.

Comparing RoS to TLJ: A Controversial Debate

The Last Jedi faced its own set of criticisms, particularly with issues in pacing and tone. Finn and Rose's subplot, for instance, didn't resonate well with audiences. However, TLJ also had moments of brilliance, setting a compelling direction for the storytelling and hinting at a dramatic shift in the Skywalker legacy.

Comparing RoS to TLJ is indeed a complex endeavor. While RoS benefits from better dialogue and acting than its predecessor, the narrative remains a significant mess. The film tries to rectify and simplify storylines but ultimately falls short. On the other hand, TLJ had room for improvement but took steps to innovate and push boundaries, which RoS fails to do.

This complexity is further heightened by the fact that RoS makes the Star Wars universe smaller and less engaging by resolving major plot points in a manner that feels forced and underdeveloped. In contrast, TLJ at least attempted to explore new and intriguing narrative directions.

The Bottom Line: Why RoS Is Considered the Worst

Many contend that The Rise of Skywalker is the worst film in the franchise due to its unwarranted, lazy narrative choices. The introduction of Palpatine and his dramatic return add significant layers of irredeemable canon damage, leaving fans feeling disheartened and disappointed. This includes wide-ranging story developments that felt out of context, such as the sudden introduction of a massive fleet and planet-destroying weapons.

The busyness and hurried nature of RoS overshadow any positive elements, making the overall experience underwhelming at best. Additionally, the impact of Palpatine's resurrection is marred by the lack of contextual buildup, analyzed and discussed in several online discussions.

In conclusion, while both RoS and TLJ are considered underwhelming, RoS arguably represents the nadir due to its more detrimental impact on the canon. It is a testament to the franchise's enduring legacy that such controversial endings still provoke such heated debate among longtime fans.