Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Lucasfilm · Directed by Gareth Edwards · 2016

(This review was typed in December 2016)

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I just got back from my second Rogue One viewing, and I think I actually enjoyed it even more this time around (if possible). I really noticed the soundtrack, and even though it's not John Williams it's still fantastic. The action scenes are unbelievable, very well choreographed and creatively done; and as far as the CGI goes, well, it's really hard for me to believe that the new droid K-2SO isn't a practical effect - it's just that lifelike; hands down some of the best CGI I've ever seen in a movie.

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The characters are all interesting, likable, and well-motivated; and the story is well-paced and never gets boring. My favorite thing about the movie has to be the feel of the universe it creates, everything looks so used and lived-in, I don't think I've seen a movie so Star Wars-y since, well, Star Wars! Did I mention all the new ships and locations? Tons of new ships and locations! (Which was something I really missed in Episode VII, it's very important to me!)

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The Force Awakens was a fun and perfectly adequate reintroduction back into the world of Star Wars after 10 years between movies (32 years if you don't count the questionable prequels), but I do feel like Rogue One is the more substantial film of the two. These characters feel better-motivated and bit more down-to-earth (is it okay to use that phrase when talking about Star Wars?) Rogue One also feels more like an actual expansion of the existing SW universe, while TFA was a step or two above being a Star Wars remake. But maybe that's just me expressing my overall diastase for JJ Abrams' storytelling/directing style. Yes, I still love The Force Awakens, I guess this is just more along the lines of what I want out of a Star Wars movie. If you haven't seen Rogue One yet, go see it!

 

Star Wars
The Empire Strikes Back
Rogue One
Return of the Jedi
The Force Awakens
The Phantom Menace
Revenge of the Sith
Attack of the Clones

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