There were cheers, gasps, droid photo opportunities, casino games and more than a few standing ovations at the jam-packed world premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi on Dec 9 in Los Angeles, which many are already praising online.

Rian Johnson, the writer and director of the eighth installment of the franchise, dedicated the night to the late Carrie Fisher, who died after filming had completed.

"She's up there flipping the bird and saying, 'Don't bring this night down with solemn tributes,'" Johnson said on stage at the Shrine Auditorium.

It was in that spirit that Johnson excitedly introduced his cast, including Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley and Laura Dern. Hamill and composer John Williams, who Johnson called one of the "greatest living film composers" were among the few who got standing ovations.

"Let's watch a Star Wars movie!" Johnson exclaimed as the cast took their seats, the lights dimmed and the yellow Star Wars logo and iconic scrawl appeared on screen to signal the start of the film.

The enthusiastic audience laughed and cheered throughout much of the two-and-a-half-hour film.

The elaborate premiere featured a massive assault vehicle and a procession of Stormtroopers and droids that preceded the first showing of the film in advance of its Dec 15 release in the United States. The mood was joyous and pregnant with anticipation for the highly anticipated and guarded film, which sees the return of Hamill's Luke Sky-walker as well as Fisher's final performance.

Journalists and others at the screening who shared their initial reactions online said The Last Jedi packed the adventure expected in a Star Wars film, but took it into new territory.

J.J. Abrams, who directed 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens and will return to direct Episode IX, said that the film was "great" and that "Rian killed it".

Logan director James Mangold also praised the film's director, calling the movie "a great chapter of a blockbuster franchise", that also had Johnson's "voice shining through".

Producer Adam F. Goldberg wrote that the film made him feel like a kid again.

Many who made online posts about the premiere said they were still processing the film.

Fans at the premiere were also treated to up-close looks at new characters, including an elite squad of guards clad in red armor as well as a collection of droids, including the droids C-3PO, R2-D2, and BB-8, who walked and rolled down the red carpet before the film's stars arrived.

"It's a Star Wars movie, and the energy tonight is pretty amazing," says a beaming Andy Serkis, who plays the villain Supreme Leader Snoke.

Ridley, who plays Rey, arrived wearing a shimmering dress adorned with stars. Ridley was in good spirits, saying about her dress, "I mean, it's just fun. It's fun. And I feel fun. And it's got stars on it."

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