'Star Wars' creator George Lucas gives his verdict of 'The Last Jedi'

The first reviews are in for the highly-anticipated eighth installment 'The Last Jedi' of the epic sci-fi franchise 'Star Wars' and critics are calling it 'Star Wars' 'most exciting iteration in decades'.

'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' also has the ringing endorsement of the franchise's creator, George Lucas.

Lucas saw 'The Last Jedi' shortly after its Saturday night premiere and, like the hundreds of critics raving about Rian Johnson's film, he loved it, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The 'Star Wars' creator recently screened the installment and thought it was "beautifully made", said a representative of Lucas.

The representative added, "And in speaking with director Rian Johnson after viewing was complimentary."

The space opera currently boasts a 94 per cent score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with over 187 reviews counted.

In comparison, 2015's The Force Awakens - also scored a 93 per cent, but with significantly more reviews.

Industry analysts expect that 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' could power to USD 440m opening at the global box office. Meanwhile, the Rian Johnson directorial is heading towards a USD 200m opening at the US box-office.

Helmed by Rian Johnson, 'The Last Jedi' stars Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, John Boyega, Oscar Issac, Adam Driver and late Carrie Fisher in pivotal roles.

The flick is slated to release on December 15.