3.5/5
Directed By: Gareth Edwards
Rated: PG- 13
Since the year 1977, The Star Wars franchise has been breaking new ground on the fields of special effects, sound mixing and editing, and production design, and now with their first of many anthology films, they are breaking new ground again. Aside from their upcoming and eagerly awaited eighth episode, Rogue One is the first of new additions to the seven Star Wars movies audiences have come to know and enjoy. Rogue One is a story of a planetary threat's shadow, an empire resolute on bending the galaxy to their will, and a sinister leader discontent with anything less than total rule through fear. It is a story of a young woman torn away from her only family, a ragtag team of fighters apart of a newborn rebellion, and the single most important mission this team would ever execute.
What separates this story from the other entries in the Star Wars galaxy, is Rogue One's steadfast main team of characters. Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is our able bodied heroine on this impossible mission. She is a daring and dynamic character, who, I am glad to say, is a great addition to the growing cast of Star Wars characters. Leading her on this mission is the alliance member Cassian (Diego Luna), a conflicted and cunning man. More than just the team's captain, Cassian is a sharpshooting pilot and an important mentor to Jyn. Their co- pilot is K-S20 (Alan Tudyk), an imperial droid who, since his reprogramming, has gotten into the habit of speaking whatever is on his circuits. These three are later accompanied by four other crew members, each with their own personalized fighting style and individual motivation to fight. When these seven members come together, the audience benefits. From their entertaining back and forth banter, comical witticisms, and admirable cooperative fighting style, this team is unforgettable. When they enter the heat of battle, there's no stopping them, and they will fight to the bitter end.
Their mission brings them to distant planets, close to the grasps of death, and into the heart of the Empire. The story's vitality is shown through it's impressive action scenes, most of them featuring well crafted visual effects, precisely choreographed close quarters combat sequences, and heart stopping moments of suspense. Sadly though, this story is a slow burner, and it regrettably takes about 45 minutes for the movie's spark to ignite its fuse. The pacing in the opening half of the film is sluggish and at some points overbearingly gritty. There is a copious amount of tedious scenes, and it's easy to pick out which ones are unnecessary. It distracts from the story, and removes audiences from the cinematic wonder the film is trying to have.
Once these scenes are over with, the rest of the film is fully engaging. Rogue One features one of the greatest climaxes I have witnessed in theatres (not just Star Wars climaxes, but film climaxes in general). It's gripping, action packed, and intense. The special effects are incredible, the action is fast paced, and it plays out on three different interacting stages. This film's crisis is worth the price of admission, for any Star Wars fan, however those who are new to Star Wars would do better watching this film when it comes out on home release.
I am pleased to say, Rogue One is a good movie and a worthy start to the new Star Wars anthology films. The best aspect of these new anthology films is their potential for possibility. These new movies can introduce us to new characters, reintroduce us to some of the franchises' most familiar faces, and explore further into the galaxy far far away that audiences have come to know and love. I look forward to these new films, and I have to wonder where are we going next.
What separates this story from the other entries in the Star Wars galaxy, is Rogue One's steadfast main team of characters. Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is our able bodied heroine on this impossible mission. She is a daring and dynamic character, who, I am glad to say, is a great addition to the growing cast of Star Wars characters. Leading her on this mission is the alliance member Cassian (Diego Luna), a conflicted and cunning man. More than just the team's captain, Cassian is a sharpshooting pilot and an important mentor to Jyn. Their co- pilot is K-S20 (Alan Tudyk), an imperial droid who, since his reprogramming, has gotten into the habit of speaking whatever is on his circuits. These three are later accompanied by four other crew members, each with their own personalized fighting style and individual motivation to fight. When these seven members come together, the audience benefits. From their entertaining back and forth banter, comical witticisms, and admirable cooperative fighting style, this team is unforgettable. When they enter the heat of battle, there's no stopping them, and they will fight to the bitter end.
Their mission brings them to distant planets, close to the grasps of death, and into the heart of the Empire. The story's vitality is shown through it's impressive action scenes, most of them featuring well crafted visual effects, precisely choreographed close quarters combat sequences, and heart stopping moments of suspense. Sadly though, this story is a slow burner, and it regrettably takes about 45 minutes for the movie's spark to ignite its fuse. The pacing in the opening half of the film is sluggish and at some points overbearingly gritty. There is a copious amount of tedious scenes, and it's easy to pick out which ones are unnecessary. It distracts from the story, and removes audiences from the cinematic wonder the film is trying to have.
Once these scenes are over with, the rest of the film is fully engaging. Rogue One features one of the greatest climaxes I have witnessed in theatres (not just Star Wars climaxes, but film climaxes in general). It's gripping, action packed, and intense. The special effects are incredible, the action is fast paced, and it plays out on three different interacting stages. This film's crisis is worth the price of admission, for any Star Wars fan, however those who are new to Star Wars would do better watching this film when it comes out on home release.
I am pleased to say, Rogue One is a good movie and a worthy start to the new Star Wars anthology films. The best aspect of these new anthology films is their potential for possibility. These new movies can introduce us to new characters, reintroduce us to some of the franchises' most familiar faces, and explore further into the galaxy far far away that audiences have come to know and love. I look forward to these new films, and I have to wonder where are we going next.
Verdict: Rogue One is a good film with an impressive cast of various characters, a good amount of action, and a well done climax that is sure to leave audiences satisfied and ready for seconds.
