An awesome prequel and spin-off

Rating: 8/10 (22 April 2017)

Well, at first I didn't know what to expect from this movie, because I tough it was a bit useless for the development of the saga. I went to the theater having watched one or two trailers at the most and I was absolutely amazed by this movie.
It's like a war film in the universe of Star Wars. It's more mature and dark than many of the other movies in the saga (and by far better than Episode VII). It tells us the story of a group of rebels who stole the plans of the Death Star to try to save the rebellion. The story is well established in here, with the feeling of a Star Wars movie but with no need of light sabers and the Force (well, at least not directly).
The character of Jyn Erso is portrayed by Felicity Jones in a superb way, making you feel what she feels and making you feel her pain, anger or hope. The other actors were also great, with the Mexican Diego Luna in the role of the Captain Andor, and also the two Asian actors in the roles of Chirrut and Baze, and the Hindu pilot Bodhi Rock. I have to mention the father of Jyn, played by Mads Mikkelsen, another great actor with a great performance. Also a special mention to the new droid K-2SO which surely will become a favorite, and Ben Mendelshon as the Imperial Director Krennic, an awesome new character full of power. There are other secondary characters that felt like a bit off place, like Saw Guerrera (Forest Whitaker).
One of the best parts of the film is the last third of it (no spoilers, don't worry), with all the space battles and so that remind me a lot of all the other Star Wars movies, and that makes you feel like the director is a true fan of the saga and he tried to give it that feeling, and for me, he achieved it. It's true that some parts around the middle of the film make it feel a bit long, but it's worth to watch it just for the beautiful and awesome cinematography and visuals, all with a score by Michael Giacchino (not Williams but still great) and one of the best scenes of the whole Star Wars saga (when you watch it, you'll know it)
I recommend it to any fan of Star Wars who wants to expand this universe, to the fans who felt the Ep VII wasn't bad, but wasn't great neither (a bit mediocre), but also to anyone who is not a fan of Star Wars but wants to enjoy a great action film with spectacular visuals.