We review fresh Rian Johnson interview highlights and analyze the latest comments about THE LAST JEDI from the director himself, including insight into Luke Skywalker, the humor in the film, and more. Melody Deel from The Unofficial RFR Facebook Group fills us in on what fans are talking about online and reviews some of the hot topics in STAR WARS news this week. We discuss new info about the upcoming novelization for THE LAST JEDI and deleted scenes, why Luke was in exile on Ach-To, speculation on when the SOLO trailer will drop, Snoke’s slippers, and could there be a place for Padme Amidala in Episode IX? Plus, listener voice mail, STAR WARS at the Oscars and more. 

"The Art of Star Wars: The Last Jedi" is the topic of conversation in this episode of Influences. We page through the new book while Paul Bateman offers his expert commentary on the amazing art design of Episode VIII. We discuss the film sets like Snoke's Throne Room, props like Rose's Resistance ring, ships like the Resistance Bomber, wardrobe, creatures, aliens and more. Paul applies his years of knowledge and experience in each item we analyze. If you loved the look of THE LAST JEDI, this is not a show you want to miss! 

The fallout from THE LAST JEDI continues! We review highlights from a recent Rian Johnson interview featuring his insight into some of the most talked about scenes from the film. Our TLJ breakdown continues with a visit from author/entrepreneur John Marcoux ("Poised to Pummell") who presents us with his "Mythological Blueprint for Luke Skywalker in 'The Last Jedi'". John digs deep into mythology, history, and religion and discovers amazing parallels with Luke's story in Episode VIII. Some of the info he reveals will blow your mind. Plus, a new official synopsis of SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, Listener Voice Mail, and STAR WARS IN POP CULTURE spotlights the popular NBC drama THIS IS US. For our review of the new midseason trailer for the Star Wars Rebels: Season Four, check out RFR Rush Hour #23, an exclusive show for the RFR Patreon Community

RFR returns for our first show of 2018! Celebrating THE LAST JEDI: ONE MONTH LATER with our first audio commentary track. Join us as we watch THE LAST JEDI for our first time together since opening night, while providing commentary fueled by our month-long deep dive into this new extension of the STAR WARS mythology. With multiple previous viewings under our belts, and reference guides at the ready, we decipher everything that makes Episode VIII work. Take us with you to the movie theater, watch with the upcoming home video release, or simply listen to our conversation as a podcast, and let us take you back to the experience of THE LAST JEDI. 

Paul Bateman joins us for a deep, down-and-dirty breakdown of THE LAST JEDI to wrap up another great year for STAR WARS and RFR. Paul always provides an educated and passionate analysis, and his review of Episode VIII is no exception! We discuss and debate everything Paul liked and disliked about the film, we talk about the polarizing effect it’s had on the STAR WARS fanbase, and we dig deep underneath the surface of what this latest chapter of the saga has to offer. Plus, interview highlights of Rian Johnson talking about some specific details of THE LAST JEDI, Instructions for how to blow up The Death Star at midnight on New Year’s Eve, Jeremy Meadows from Nissan talks about his experience at THE LAST JEDI red carpet premiere, and our final giveaway of the year, courtesy of the Stance Star Wars Collection.

STAR WARS prop and alien expert Tom Spina from Regal Robot joins us to give his review of THE LAST JEDI, including his assessment of the patrons of Canto Bight, Luke Skywalker’s character arc, the return of Yoda, the reveal of Rey’s parents and lack of reveal about Snoke’s origins. Plus, learn how you can win a Mandalorian Skull mini-sculpture from Regal Robot. And, we listen to your TLJ reviews on the RFR listener voicemail hotline, we give away more socks from the Stance Star Wars collection and a pair of headphones from Sudio Sweden, and report on an Outrageous Unthinkable moment on The Last Jedi’s opening night at a theater in Burbank.

Kyle Newman and F.J. DeSanto join us as we continue to review STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Kyle offers his perspective as a lifelong Star Wars fan, director (“Fanboys”) and film industry insider, while helping us look at the film through a very critical lens. His analysis is eye-opening and revealing. Famous for his predictions, producer F.J. DeSanto (“Transformers: Titans Return”) reviews the film and we determine if he was a “Prophet Or Loser”. You’ve heard our thoughts on THE LAST JEDI and we heard yours…Now hear from our friends!  "This is not going to go the way you think!" 

RFR LIVE returns for this listener call-in episode of recorded on December 15th - Opening day for STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. For almost two hours, we take your calls, uncensored and unscreened. We listen to your reviews and analysis of the latest theatrical release of the saga...From your likes and dislikes, to your emotions and feelings, favorite character moments, action sequences and more, with a little Episode IX speculation along the way. It's a full show dedicated to listener feedback and you certainly have a lot to say about THE LAST JEDI! 

About an hour after our first viewing of STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI on Opening Night, we gathered in the RFR studios to discuss our initial raw reactions, opinions, and analysis. We are happy to have RFR brother Billy Mac joining us for this spoiler-intense conversation. What did we love about the film? What had a huge impact on us as fans? What was weird, unpredictable, or unexpected? We talk about the big moments, reveals, and character development in this first of many shows reviewing the eighth episode of the amazing STAR WARS saga. 

THE LAST JEDI hits theaters next week and the media blitz has jumped into hyperspace. And so has our excitement! We review highlights from THE LAST JEDI press conference in LA last weekend and Jimmy Kimmel Show featuring the full cast. Plus, Mark Hamill on Good Morning America and Rian Johnson in Rolling Stone. We weigh in with our final EPISODE VIII speculation and predictions including the identity of Rey’s Parents and we ask the question: Does Rey already know who her parents are? To celebrate THE LAST JEDI and our audience, we are giving you the opportunity to win big from RFR. Listen to learn how you can win STAR WARS socks from Stance and amazing Bluetooth Regent headphones from Sudio Sweden.