Long long time ago, a story worth retelling... Fine sci-fi war movie...

Rating: 7/10 (28 December 2016)

I watched this two days ago, and sadly by coincidence Carrie Fisher (aka Princess Leia) passed away the next day, so for those immersed in the Star Wars universe this is a very sad time. It will definitely have led many to drag out their old box sets and the fan boys to again ogle over the Jedi pics of her in that golden bikini.
Back to the latest film, it's strange to think now that we are onto our eighth film from the Star Wars universe (nor including Ewok movies) but this one is supposedly a one-off tale, which is as much a filler as it is a self-contained episode. Regardless, it stands up well on its own.
Based around the time just before Episode IV, we follow our leads out to infiltrate and steal the plans for the Death Star for the benefit of the Rebel Alliance. So really you kind of know how this will pan out from early on. Despite that, the motley crew out to save the day are an interesting bunch, and you really do feel involved with them.
The story runs at a fair pace, and the main lines are intersected by scenes with the Imperial forces, which gives an all round look. It was engrossing, and we even get some CGI generated returns of some recognisable characters, which just about works. Okay, CGI hasn't yet perfected human features so those CGI 'actors' do look a bit puppet like, but it's a major advance over Tron Legacy which tried similarly but it wasn't yet good enough.
The action is a slow build till it becomes a fabulous war movie effort in the final acts, and it's worth the wait. Really exceptional space battle scenes which will remind you of the fun of the original films.
The major issue is the characterisations. As it's a self-contained movie there is minimal scope for character development in the limited film time, and that generates a flat note. It's a shame as I liked our lead two characters, although our leading lady doesn't seem to have much to work with to provide a fully-rounded character. Shame.
Also I still don't see the point of a few of the characters. They may add colour, but maybe they would have been better cutting them out and giving that added airtime to the lead characters instead.
Beyond that the story is great, and will appeal to adults instead of a dumbed down experience as in some prior 'episodes'. Some corny dialogue and scenes at times, but come on this is a sci-fi fantasy movie.
It's a very good offshoot. I wish they had allowed it to be built over a trilogy, but it works as it is. Ignore those being sniffy about it all. Fine film and a fine experience.