Don't visit this thread too often but was excited to see a SW discussion taking place. I went to see TLJ on opening day and left thinking maybe it was the best Star Wars movie I had ever seen. Then came here to read the reviews and was amazed how widely they varied.
I just watched it again this week at home. Having read all the harsh criticism it was definitely a different experience watching it this time. Several points I could see (and relate) to where they were coming from. It still had some very high points, but it certainly wasn't as good this time. Interestingly as a stand alone movie I think it was good, but taken in context of what Star Wars has been it fell pretty short. The most frustrating part is they could have done a couple things different that would have made it so much better:
1. Leia- Wow what a fitting and amazing end it would have been if she had flown the cruiser through the FO ship at lightspeed. I can't believe through CGI or something they didn't go back and make that change after her untimely death. It would have been such a tribute to her......
2. Admiral Ackbar- If is wasn't going to be Leia he would have been the perfect backup option for the sacrifice. I mean Holdo was good, but certainly not worthy.
3. Luke- In some ways I still think the criticism of his character portrayal is unfair. I don't have an issue with the reluctance to teach Rey or his disdain for the Jeid order. But the route they choose for the first interaction with the lightsaber just comes off poor after the surprise of it is gone. Luke was always curious, I think he first instinct would be question before rejection. Also it just doesn't develop his change from reluctance to the ultimate sacrifice nearly enough. I think had Yoda come to visit before he was willing to train Rey it would have made much more sense. I did think the scene where Chewy appears by destroying the door was still awesome and Luke asking about Han, how sobering.
4. Rose & Finn & Canto Bight- I get where the strong criticism of this part of the story comes from, ie The Pointless Impossible Mission. But I am going to hold out some judgment until the triology is complete. As someone who watched ROTJ before ANH and ESB I try to think about how different I would have felt about some characters after each of the first two. Prime Example: Lando. Depending on how the story concludes that little side trip might stand up to time much better than we think.
5. Rey & Kylo- It was a very interesting thought they could "burn down the past" and start something new and different. In some ways it may have been more interesting story if they went that direction before "redeeming" Rey in the 3rd movie. But now, what can they give us besides Good vs. Evil epic battle in the finale?? The redemption of Vader was so great because it was somewhat unexpected and uplifting. Assuming they don't go for redemption 2.0, where can they take the story in an interesting, but also validating conclusion. Glad I'm not in JJ's chair so to speak.
There were other unnecessary and unfulfilling arcs (see Snoke, Phasma, Maz, Poe) but I'm rooting for the underdog in the finale. Meaning at this point it would be a pretty big upset if they manage to wrap this series up in a way that does justice to it.
Luke had one arm, vader could have been lying, the empire had the rebels on the ropes and the audience was a bit confused that the movie ended where it did. Fortunately there was a plan and in 6 the good guys came back and saved the franchise by, uh, partying with some bloodthirsty ewoks. 
/soapbox
