Review- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Today, the newest film in the Star Wars franchise, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, releases nationwide here in the US. I was able to catch an early 3D screening last night at my local theater. What follows is as close to a spoiler-free review that I can get, but I will heed a word of caution: do not continue if you want to be completely spoiler free.

The movie is good at its’ main purpose: being the direct prequel to the original movie  Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. It tells of how the Rebel Alliance obtained the plans for the Death Star, which is the catalyst for what happens with Luke, Leia, Han, and the rest of the characters that we know and love. It’s a battle-heavy movie, which, if you are into that sort of movie, would be right up your alley. However, if you want a movie rich in story and character development, something I feel I have gotten in most of the previous Star Wars movies, I am not sure you will leave the theater satisfied.

I, personally, was hoping for, and expecting, more of a spy/ covert movie. Released shots from the film suggested that, in all honesty. I knew there would be battles (there always are in this franchise), but there was too much for my liking. Also, I knew this going in, but I didn’t like it: there was a lack of lightsabers. Those who know Star Wars history know that the Jedi are in hiding by this time, at least those that are still surviving. Therefore, lightsabers in general are scare. There are individuals who are one with The Force, as is represented in this movie. However, none of them aside from Vader have lightsabers. So, we do not see any awesome lightsaber duels as has happened in every single Star Wars movie prior to this one.

In past films, I felt a connection to the characters and to the planets/ locations. In this movie, not so much. Perhaps it was because the film’s director, Gareth Edwards, stated prior to the film’s release, that there would not be a sequel to this movie (and you can easily understand why by the film’s credits). Understood, seeing as the sequel is technically A New Hope. However, this gave the film’s team the chance to strip down some of the characters, knowing that they, for the most part, would be “one-shots” in the film franchise. Yes, I am sure they can get their own backstories, adventures, etc. in books and comics, but for the film I never really connected to any of them like I have in any other of the franchise films. (The only other possibility that I can think of is if some of these characters will also appear in the upcoming Han Solo film, as it is set to take place roughly ten years prior to the events in Rogue One.) As far as the locations, the only one that resonated with me is the island planet where the main battle takes place… if not for anything than because of its’ beauty.

A highlight for me of the movie was all of the Easter Eggs in the movie tying the film into the franchise canon without using the main stars for most of the movie. I was announced months ago that Darth Vader would be making an appearance in the film, so that was surprising. However, what was surprising was some of the other characters that made cameos, or even bigger roles, in the film. A couple of them were done with CGI, which in one case I felt was great, and in another a disappointment. I won’t say who, but if you see the movie I am sure some of you will agree with me.

I will also like to give props to Alan Tudyk, who voices the droid K-2SO, a reprogrammed Imperial intelligence droid. In recent years, Tudyk has voiced a lot of characters for the Disney family of movies. From K-2SO and Moana‘s Heihei this year to all the way back to King Candy in Wreck-It Ralph, Tudyk is, to me, the Phil Harris of the modern Disney era. (Harris voiced a lot of roles back in the 60’s and 70’s for Disney, including Little John in Robin Hood, Baloo in The Jungle Book, and Thomas O’Malley in The Aristocats.) However, unlike Harris, who almost always had a distinct sound to him, Tudyk is able to give all of his characters their own voice, which is great.

K-2SO and Vader joining me for last night’s showing of Rogue One.

Overall, did I enjoy Rogue One? Absolutely. Will I be seeing it again in theaters? It’s not a ‘must’, but if I have the opportunity, yes. Was it as good as I was hoping or expecting? No.

Did you see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story? What were your thoughts? Share them below.