Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Chirrut Îmwe: "I'm one with
the Force, and the Force is with me."
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
is directed by Gareth Edwards ("Godzilla" (2014),
"Monsters") and stars Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso, Diego Luna as
Cassian Andor, Ben Mendelsohn as Orson Krennic, Mads Mikkelson as Galen Erso,
Alan Tudyk as K-2SO, Donnie Yen as Chirrut Îmwe, Wen Jiang as Baze Malbus, Riz
Ahmed as Bodhi Rook, and Forest Whitaker as Saw Gerrera.
Taking place just before "Star Wars:
Episode IV - A New Hope", the Rebellion has received information about the
Empire building a planet destroying weapon called the Death Star. Criminal Jyn
Erso is asked by the Rebellion to lead them to her father, Galen Erso, who
holds the plans to the Death Star. On the way, she and her fellow soldiers
encounter difficulties in obtaining the plans including warfare and a Sith
lord.
The fact that "Rogue One: A Star Wars
Story" is the second "Star Wars" film in a line of 6 "Star
Wars" film until 2020, perhaps, and that it's also the first stand alone
film set in the "Star Wars" universe has me squealing like a little
kid. From the looks of the trailer, I was hopeful and cocky that "Rogue
One" would be fantastic. My hopes were definitely met. I enjoyed
"Rogue One" from start to finish. Sure I might be a little more
partial to the saga, but I think that's because there is so much more material
on the main plot than in this film. The biggest reason that makes "Rogue
One" so great, though, is how the Rebellion obtains the Death Star plans: the
big war scene in the third act. This is the war you want to watch in a
"Star Wars" movie. The feeling of people fighting and killing for a good
cause, but still being incredibly human at the same time is something yet to be
witnessed in a "Star Wars" film. The Rebels say it themselves;
they've done bad things for the Rebellion, but stuff their horrific acts in the
back in their minds thinking that they're fighting for good. "Rogue
One" is a more down-to-Earth film in a universe filled with extraordinary
events.
"Rogue One" is not a perfect
movie, by any means. In fact, I would say that "The Force Awakens" is
just a bit better, in my humble opinion. Some of the main characters in
"Rogue One" weren't as fleshed out as I wanted them to be, especially
since the ones that aren't have big parts in the film. Don't get me wrong, I
f***ing loved all the characters' personalities. They're all quite compelling
for what they do and how they're portrayed. The always beautiful and talented Felicity
Jones carries the film well as Jyn Erso, Diego Luna sides with Felicity Jones
as the steadfast Rebel Cassian Andor, and Alan Tudyk lends his voice as the
standout character (for me, that is) K-2SO. Jyn, being the protagonist that we
care for and follow, is the character with the most back story; however, with
the other characters, there isn't too much information about their history to
get on a certain level of empathy that I wanted to feel for a movie that
surrounds itself with a tight knit group. All in all, I enjoyed the characters
and how they were portrayed, but the writing could have been revised a little
bit more to bring out a personal connection with them.
You'll all have a good time with
"Rogue One", even if you aren't a "Star Wars" geek. I know
I sure as hell don't know as much about the universe as someone who reads the
books and plays the video games to get more into the lore of the stories. I
still had fun. Though, it would be to your advantage to be a "Star Wars"
fan to get all the little Easter eggs and hidden messages that are throw backs
to "A New Hope". Who am I kidding though? It's a "Star
Wars" movie. Almost everyone is going to see it whether I say to or not
to. The signiture John Williams score, beautiful CGI, and fascinating
animatronics are all found in bulk in "Rogue One". These elements
plus the characters are what make "Star Wars" "Star Wars"
so you won't be disappointed.
4.5/5
PRO
- In-depth and unseen look at Rebellion
- "Star Wars"-isms are abundant
- Cool characters played phenomenally by top tier actors/actresses...
CON
- ...But the characters weren't as fleshed out as previous "Star Wars" movie characters
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is rated PG-13 for
extended sequences of sci-fi violence and action
Click here to watch the
trailer
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is in theaters
everywhere now
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