Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Movie Review



This movie is a lesson on how to put together a filler story to cover the gaps in the main story. I don't even know what to call this non-canon story given the already confusing chronological order of the planned nine-part series. Let's just simplify and explain that 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' tells the tale of events that take place between Episode III: Phantom Menace and Episode IV: A New Hope.

Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is the daughter of Imperial scientist Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen), one of the main brains behind the Empire's greatest weapons. We are introduced to Galen working as a farmer when Imperial Director Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) arrives to collect him to resume work on the Death Star. In this face-off, Krennic shoots Galen's wife while little Jyn sees the whole incident before escaping to her hiding spot. From thereon, Jyn plays the pivotal role in the events that unfold, after she gets rescued by Rebel Alliance forces from an Imperial Prison transport. Her association to militant rebel leader Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker), who was her guide in the early years, is what they need, as Saw is the only way to track down Galen Erso himself.

Tasked with this important assignment is Captain Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a loyal soldier of the Alliance, and his droid partner, a reprogrammed Imperial bot called K-2SO whose pragmatic humor makes him one of the most liked characters of the whole line-up. From the point in time where Jyn agrees to work with the Rebels to find her father, there is barely a moment of peace as conflict and danger chases our trio throughout. It's not to say there is too much action or a senseless amount of laser sounds and explosions, but that it is well paced sequence of events.

On their perilous mission, they encounter and befriend a warrior-duo, former protectors of the Jedi temple- the blind stick-fighter Chirrut (Donnie Yen) and gunslinger Baze (Jiang Wen). Further teammates of Rogue are acquired as the plot unfold, particularly a defected Imperial cargo pilot, who was the original messenger, carrying crucial information from Erso, regarding the Death Star.

This is a Star Wars movie for the grown-ups, much to the pleasure of some fans, and while it does have some light moments with the odd spot of humour (usually between K2SO and the others), it's still a serious enough story. There will be moments when the Empire, in its approach and justification, does sound like the narrative of US when deploying troops in other countries in the name of 'peace'. Director Gareth Edwards has done well with this film, bringing to life the story of that written by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy. The cast have all done a brilliant job to bring these smaller characters of the bigger plot to life and make them as loveable as they are. The level of cross-referencing to events that followed, or happened till then or give a gentle nod to the latest part Episdoe VII gives you plenty of happy-squeal moments.

It is a really good addition to the Star Wars lineup, and definitely worth a watch. I'd rate it 11 out of 12 space cookies.

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