Part 5/14:
Conversely, The Rise of Skywalker presents a superficial emotional landscape. The confrontation between Rey and Palpatine, meant to mirror Luke's battle with Vader, feels hollow. Rey's heritage—disclosed suddenly as Palpatine’s granddaughter—lacks the buildup necessary to make it meaningful. Her final victory relies on plot convenience rather than internal struggle, resembling a video game boss fight more than a climactic moral choice. Finn and Poe, characters with potential for significant arcs, are sidelined or reduced to peripheral roles, diminishing the emotional stakes.