Daisy Ridley blames 'social media' for poor 'Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker' reception

star wars: rise of skywalker
(Image credit: Lucasfilm)

"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" star Daisy Ridley is lamenting the poor critical and fan reception to the film, the third in her starring trilogy.

"It’s changed film by film honestly, like 98% it’s so amazing, this last film it was really tricky," Ridley explained of her process understanding the criticism of the film, speaking to Entertainment Weekly. "January was not that nice. It was weird, I felt like all of this love that we’d sort of been shown the first time around, I was like, 'Where’s the love gone?'"

Related: The best Disney Plus movies and shows for 'Star Wars' & sci-fi fans

"I watched the documentary, the making-of [The Skywalker Legacy], this week," Ridley went on to say, discussing the documentary feature included in "Rise of Skywalker's" home video release. "And it’s so filled with love, and I think it’s that tricky thing of when you’re part of something that is so filled with love and then people [don’t like it]. You know, everyone’s entitled to not like something, but it feels like it’s changed slightly. But I think in general that’s because social media and what have you."

"The Rise of Skywalker" currently sits at a 52% 'Rotten' rating on Rotten Tomatoes —  the lowest rated of the modern "Star Wars" trilogy by a wide margin, with immediate predecessor "The Last Jedi" rated 92% 'Fresh' and the first film "The Force Awakens" rated 93% 'Fresh.'

Originally published on Newsarama. 

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  • LGP
    To all the critics and disrespectful fans – please, stop – who do you think you are to judge and decide the fate of a movie or show? In the 70s 80s it was a joy to go in a movie theater, enjoy a movie and be free of all judgments or frustrations that make todays Medias, press and web. Not professional at all, if you are not happy or satisfied, fine, but you don't need to spit, be mean and disrespectful for the work that was done. Don't forget one thing; while you are sitting on your chair, doing your article, review, critic, or whatever… you remain a "small person", it's easy to criticize, but: - Aare you an "Oscar Nominee"? - Do you have your name on Hollywood Boulevard? - Are you as good as the new generation of Directors and screenwriters? - Are you aware about the pressure you give to the entertainment industry and actors? Who do you think you are, really? STOP being mean and little with your stupid reviews and comment or videos on the web. Entertainment is not that at all. It starts with respect, no matter the origins or the size of the production. Just be happy to be alive, be able to enjoy it or discover things. I can't be more thankful for the Star Wars Films, or Terminator, or others franchises. It's a gift to be able to see, to hear and bring back memories of a more peaceful time (before today's social medias/press/fans critics). Thanks to the studios and people behind this features, the real fans can recover some senses, feelings, sounds, atmosphere, it's only about the beauty and magic of the "CINEMA", even if we know that there's business too, but first of all; they made entertainment, for ALL of US, same thing when you go in an amusement park, stop thinking, just let it go, enjoy and live the moment. Today we forgot the essence and basics, we all think that it's normal, but nothing is, look around you…. Look how disrespectful humans are between them and with our mother earth…. Entertainment was made to forget the difficulties, the pain, the everyday routine, etc.… so please, think beyond. … Imagine if one day entertainment disappear….. What then? As the Black Eyed Peas express in a song: Be Nice.
    Reply
  • imtxsmoke
    Ever since Disney took over the franchise each movie has gotten worse. The Empire Strikes Back was the last great Star Wars movie. They've steadily gone downhill ever since.
    Reply
  • LGP
    imtxsmoke said:
    Ever since Disney took over the franchise each movie has gotten worse. The Empire Strikes Back was the last great Star Wars movie. They've steadily gone downhill ever since.

    Hello,
    It’s a personal point of view.
    The fact that people like or not a movie, doesn’t’ give the rights to be mean with all the work that was made to make it. Artists’ works deserve respect; you have to keep in mind that is just for entertainment and fun. You have to be happy to be alive and able to enjoy these movies or others things that life can brings you.
    By the way, Empire Strikes Back wasn’t from George Lucas, the Director is Irvin Kershner.
    Reply
  • imtxsmoke
    It's the internet and there are a lot of jerks out there that post mean stuff. So what? It's real easy. Just ignore them.
    Reply
  • Jimboy
    I liked it.
    Reply
  • Lovethrust
    Well Daisy I believe the big problem was how it was turned into a feminist vehicle which really ignored the previous rules and groundwork laid by the movies before it. After the horrible writing of the eighth flick I and apparently many others just lost interest and hope in the ninth. It also doesn’t help that Daisy always seems to have a sourpuss face that looks like she is smelling a dog fart!
    And before anybody accuses me of being misogynistic I loved Rogue One and I thought Felicity Jones was great, in fact I wish she had gotten Daisy’s role.
    Reply
  • Peace-Lover Wheatus
    LGP said:
    To all the critics and disrespectful fans – please, stop – who do you think you are to judge and decide the fate of a movie or show? In the 70s 80s it was a joy to go in a movie theater, enjoy a movie and be free of all judgments or frustrations that make todays Medias, press and web. Not professional at all, if you are not happy or satisfied, fine, but you don't need to spit, be mean and disrespectful for the work that was done. Don't forget one thing; while you are sitting on your chair, doing your article, review, critic, or whatever… you remain a "small person", it's easy to criticize, but: - Aare you an "Oscar Nominee"? - Do you have your name on Hollywood Boulevard? - Are you as good as the new generation of Directors and screenwriters? - Are you aware about the pressure you give to the entertainment industry and actors? Who do you think you are, really? STOP being mean and little with your stupid reviews and comment or videos on the web. Entertainment is not that at all. It starts with respect, no matter the origins or the size of the production. Just be happy to be alive, be able to enjoy it or discover things. I can't be more thankful for the Star Wars Films, or Terminator, or others franchises. It's a gift to be able to see, to hear and bring back memories of a more peaceful time (before today's social medias/press/fans critics). Thanks to the studios and people behind this features, the real fans can recover some senses, feelings, sounds, atmosphere, it's only about the beauty and magic of the "CINEMA", even if we know that there's business too, but first of all; they made entertainment, for ALL of US, same thing when you go in an amusement park, stop thinking, just let it go, enjoy and live the moment. Today we forgot the essence and basics, we all think that it's normal, but nothing is, look around you…. Look how disrespectful humans are between them and with our mother earth…. Entertainment was made to forget the difficulties, the pain, the everyday routine, etc.… so please, think beyond. … Imagine if one day entertainment disappear….. What then? As the Black Eyed Peas express in a song: Be Nice.
    Many congratulations on writing what may be the stupidest comment in the history of the internet. It genuinely terrifies me that someone who appears to be reasonably articulate such as yourself could hold such mind-numbingly complacent views on art and art criticism.
    Who are we to judge and decide the fate of a movie? We are the paying audience, i.e., the people whose dollars and cents ensure the existence of these films, the companies that produce them and the lavish careers of the celebrities that you so admire. If you paid thirty dollars for a fillet steak at a restaurant and were presented with a mound of cold gristle, I don’t imagine that you would feel ‘grateful and respectful’ for the work that was done. You would complain, rightfully so, and you probably wouldn’t visit that restaurant again.
    First of all, entertainment does not ‘start with respect.’ Entertainment is a business, like any other, and it starts with a budget. From that budget, production companies attempt to create a brand that will appeal to as wide an audience as possible. They then market the brand, and if you find the product appealing, you give the production company your money. If you are happy, you keep giving them your money. If you aren’t happy, you complain and you don’t visit that restaurant theater again. That is as far as your loyalty towards companies like Disney should go. The great thing about capitalism is that you don’t have to be ‘grateful’ for the things that you consume. You paid for them, and you have every right to register your dissatisfaction if you feel cheated. If you find yourself defending a shitty product because you have an emotional connection to the brand then you have been manipulated, my friend.
    Secondly, if you think that art criticism in the 70s and 80s was any less stern or acerbic than it is today then you are living in a fairy tale. All three of the original Star Wars films received heavy criticism from commentators at the time who felt that they were dull, gimmicky and infantile, and plenty of critics pointed to movies such as ‘Jaws,’ Star Wars’ and ‘E.T’, as heralding the death of ‘serious cinema.’ Ultimately, the films rose above that criticism and are now recognized for their artistic merits.
    I agree that there is no excuse for cruelty, bigotry or bullying, but honest criticism is incredibly important. Without it, companies like Disney will see no incentive to provide us with quality entertainment. The Rise of Skywalker was a sloppy, poorly-written, disjointed, derivative and dissatisfying mess, and if we don’t call it out then the next Star Wars film will be too.
    Incidentally, my name isn’t inscribed on Hollywood Boulevard, but I have in my time been both a teacher and a hospital worker, and as such I feel that I’ve made a much greater contribution to society than a bunch of hack directors and brainless celebrities. Who are the ‘small people?’
    Reply
  • COLGeek
    Be nice folks. Thanks.
    Reply
  • Meteoric Marmot
    Peace-Lover Wheatus: Thank you for saving me from having to write what you did. I haven't enjoyed a Star Wars movie since the first two in the '80's. As the people who pay to consume these products, we have every right to be critical and to warn others not to waste their money on sub-sub-substandard products.
    Reply
  • Truthseeker007
    imtxsmoke said:
    Ever since Disney took over the franchise each movie has gotten worse. The Empire Strikes Back was the last great Star Wars movie. They've steadily gone downhill ever since.

    Many people notice this. The ones made by Disney just seem long and boring. The last one I watched I fell asleep an hour in. Maybe they should just stick to cartoons for kids. Star Wars don't seem to be their thing. But then again what do I know I don't waste my time with much TV.
    Reply