Rogue One

Last year’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was a terrific movie experience and sublime new instalment in the franchise whose prequel trilogy -while good in my personal opinion- did not live up to the nostalgia or capture the atmosphere of the original trilogy.

Like all Star Wars fans and most movie aficionados, was curious to discover what Disney’s stand-alone movie “Rogue One A Star Wars Story” would turn out to be like. Could this new movie without the franchise’s well known and beloved characters really be an epic space opera adventure tale full of action, memorable characters with that unique look and atmosphere of the original movies?

So, Took a day off to go watch “Rogue One” in the cinema before holiday crowds rushed in for the weekend. My verdict: It is an amazing Star Wars movie that I recommend all Star Wars and sci-fi fans!

In fact, think I might even appreciate it more in some aspects than “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” which while terrific, did have the burden of bringing the audience back into Star Wars and hence pandered to viewers with lots of fanservice, mimicking the very first movie in many key points.

“Rogue One” absolutely nailed it as a stand-alone tale that does not feature the major heroes from the original trilogy, yet it still seamlessly ties into the plot “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope”. In fact, the rumour/joke that “Rogue One” ends where the opening scene of ‘A New Hope’ begins is almost spot-on.

Something I personally really appreciated about “Rogue One” is how it featured Grand Moff Tarkin and Darth Vader, with several key scenes it fleshed out both villains which provides additional depth to their appearances in “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope”, especially for those who do not delve into the books and other material outside the movies.

While some have lamented the use of a digitally generated Tarkin instead of a look-alike, to my eyes the recreation was very well executed and indiscernible. It also serves as a prime example how “Rogue One” used digital effects to much better effect than the prequel trilogy, to support the story instead of a showcase of technology.

“Rogue One” definitely succeeded in bringing audiences a Star Wars story with all the classic elements the franchise is known for, while also making some daring choices and being a much darker and gritty movie with some surprising choices, not unlike “The Empire Strikes Back”.
If all of Disney’s standalone Star Wars movies are of this calibre, then we’re in for a treat!