The very title, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” is a teaser. No spoiler alert here, but, whether you’re an intense fan or casual fan of “Star Wars,” be prepared to be moved by the latest in what is the greatest science-fiction movie franchise on the planet.

“The Last Jedi” hits all the tropes in a multigenerational, ethnically diverse and multiple-storyline movie that not only has spectacular space battle sequences (the opening sequence is textbook phenomenal) and exciting martial arts scenes, but also moments of engaging dialogue, and often-lengthy shots of key characters in repose or contemplation.

“Star Wars” always was and is about a higher power, “The Force,” a quest for our better selves, a search to remain on the side of the angels. That essential conflict, symbolized by Darth Vader, who went over to “the dark side,” is represented again in “The Last Jedi” by Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).

“The Last Jedi” has a gravitas that goes beyond the movie screen because it represents what is probably the last appearance in a full-fledged role of Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa. Fisher died Dec. 27, 2016.

Her scenes seem to carry extra import, no more so than those with Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker). When once they were young and as antsy as teenagers, they are now wizened, sagacious and ruminative.

If Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher represent the elderly statesmen, then Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), and Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux) represent the next generation, the millennials (No small irony here with respect to the name of the Millennium Falcon spaceship.).

The cast includes Andy Serkis (Snoke), Laura Dern (Vice Admiral Holdo), Benicio Del Toro (DJ), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Jimmy Vee (R2-D2), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), and Frank Oz (voice, Yoda).

Some of the characters’ appearances are not much more than cameos, not unlike Mickey Mouse showing up at breakfast in the Contemporary Hotel at Disney World.

Composer John Williams is back to score the “The Last Jedi.”

“Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi” (its full title) is directed by Rian Johnson (director-screenwriter, “Looper,” 2012; “The Brothers Bloom,” 2008, “Brick,” 2005). Johnson wrote “The Last Jedi” screenplay based on characters created by George Lucas.

It’s the second in what’s called the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, which began with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015).

Johnson stays true to the “Star Wars” characters, mythology and humor. Johnson is apparently the announced director of the third movie in the trilogy, “Star Wars: Episode IX,” scheduled for release in December 2019.

“The Last Jedi,” you see, is just the beginning.

May The Force be with you.

“Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi,”

MPAA Rated PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.) for sequences of sci-fi action and violence.; Genre: Action, Fantasy, Science-Fiction; Run time: 2 hrs., 32 mins. Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Credit Readers Anonymous:

The “Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi” end credits state: “In loving memory of our Princess, Carrie Fisher.”

Unreel,

Dec. 29:

“All the Money in the World,”

R: Ridley Scott directs Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Williams, and Christopher Plummer in the crime-drama based on the true story about the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and the efforts to get the ransom paid by his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty.

“Molly’s Game,”

R: Aaron Sorkin directs Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, and Michael Cera in the biography-drama based on the true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran a high-stakes poker game.

“Phantom Thread,”

R: Paul Thomas Anderson directs Vicky Krieps, Daniel Day-Lewis, Lesley Manville, and Sue Clark about a dressmaker in 1950s’ London and how he found his muse.

Four popcorn boxes out of five popcorn boxes.