A long time ago (but not quite as long ago as those pesky prequels)

Rating: 8/10 (17 January 2017)

And lo, did Disney acquire the rights to arguably one of the most famous film franchises ever created (in this galaxy and all those before it). And, as everyone guessed, they began to milk it for all its worth. However, unlike the prequels, they did their best to appease everyone (i.e. the 'soft reboot' that was 'The Force Awakens'). However, along with what is technically the 'main' Star Wars story, they also decided to make one about just about everything from those little rodents you see briefly outside Jabba's palace, to why that Stormtrooper didn't see a door in front of him.
And here we have 'Rogue One' – the tale we all know the end to about how the Rebels got their hands on the plans to the Death Star. So, if you've seen any previous Star Wars story, you basically know the end – which is technically a 'spoiler,' but never mind that. Despite us all knowing how it turns out, it's actually pretty fun.
We join a young girl who has tenuous links to both the Rebels and the Empire and see her lead a band of misfits on a raid to steal and delivery the plans for the Death Star. And that's about it plot-wise. Like I say, if you've seen any of the others, you can probably guess how it all turns out. However, what's good about it is basically how well it ties the (depressing) prequels to the (excellent) originals. There are so many, not so much 'in-jokes,' but 'nods' to the original that only forty-year old fogies like myself will get. It's great to see all the faces who were in the original 'New Hope' film back here, even if some are a little 'CGI.' Rogue One in some ways is nothing new in as much as you know the story, however it is a worthy addition to the franchise due to it keeping with all the 'rules' of the universe (and not mentioning those 'midi-chlorines' or whatever they're called). Much of the talk surrounding the film centres on the use of computer graphics to restore dead actors (or 'un-age' them). I thought it was done pretty well, but there are those who say it's either disrespectful or just plain bad.
But, whether you're a die-hard fan like myself, or a casual cinema-goer who can't name every single X-wing pilot in the battle of Yavin, you should enjoy this story as a fun, action-packed romp which is suitable for all the family (assuming you like action/sci-fi of course). Let's just hope all those other Disney rumours about 'prequels' and 'back-stories' live up to this one. My hopes aren't high for the 'Han Solo origin story.'