Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the first of the standalone films, directed by Gareth Edwards and takes place before a new hope as the rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans to a super weapon known as the Death Star, this sets up the saga which follows.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One: The good
Felicity Jones is perfectly cast as the films feisty heroine “Jyn Erso” she is charismatic, even more so than Daisy Ridley in last years The Force Awakens and is someone who you would follow into battle and beyond.
Rogue One Poster
Diego Luna [“The Terminal”, “Elysium”], is equally well cast as the rebellions head of intelligence, “Cassian Andor” and has very much a Han Solo swagger about him and he shares great chemistry with “Jyn” as well as screen stealer K-250 as voiced by “Firefly’s” and “I Robot’s” Alan Tudyk who is share to be a new favourite with fans in years to come and he is the films comic relief which is used well amongst all the action and character development.
Donnie Yen [XXX-The Return of Xander Cage], is sure to be another need fan favourite as Chirrut Immwe, a blind warrior who helps Jyn and “Cassian” in their quest to teal the death star plans. Forest Whitaker has a small role as Saw Gerrera [a api character from the [Star Wars, Clone Wars animated series] and Mads Mikkelsen as “Jyn’s” father.
Ben Mendelsohn [“The Dark Knight Rises”], stars as the film’s villain Orson Krennic who is set to be a new iconic villain along with fan favourites like Darth Vader and the Emperor.
Speaking of Vader, his return in “Rogue One” reminds fans of how terrifying he as as well as why he is a cult favourite. The most merle moments of the film feature him and boast some of his best “Star Wars” moments. Voiced by original voice actor, James Earl Jones its a thrill to see him on try screen again.
The action in Rogue One is up there with the best of Star Wars, that final third act threatens to rival the opening to the “Empire Strikes Back: in terms of thrilling action and bolt tightening tension. Gareth Edwards {“Godzilla”, “Monsters”], has directed a truly satisfying “Star Wars” film jam packed with referenced and treats for fans as well as people who haven’t seen the original trilogy, The special effects and the creates are memorable, original and eye popping K-250, to a space monkey with a blaster ILM [Industrial Light and Magic] have out done themselves.
Rogue One: The bad
While last years the Force Awakens featured a checklist of what fans wanted and was uplifting with fan favourite characters like Han Solo, Luke and Leia. Rogue struggled to find its lighter side, its very dark in places and quite violent especially for younger viewer, much pitched like a “Saving Private Ryan in space.” It could do with a few more laughs and lighter touches.
Conclusion:
Overall: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is an action-packed blockbuster, perfect for Christmas and boasting a great lead performance from Felicity Jones and some of the most thrilling action in a star wars movie since the “Empire Strikes Back”. its sure to be an iconic film in year to come Gareth Edwards has outdone himself.