Don't wait to see this amazing movie!

Rating: 8/10 (28 February 2017)

I'll warn y'all when I start dropping spoilers, so if you're interested in what I feel about it first, feel free to read until then.
Soooo, I've just come from from seeing it in the cinema. I know, I'm late. Poor uni student, blah blah blah. I had a free ticket that was going to expire tomorrow so I dragged my housemate out into this blasted heat and went to see it.
And oh my google. My face leaked from every orifice.
Both joy and sadness, mind you. I'm a long term fan of the movies (sorry television and written work, I'm just not that into you), so whenever there was even the slightest throwback it hit me in the feels. For fans of the franchise you won't be disappointed in this installment and it can stand up next to the original series as a great.
For those who haven't seen the other Star Wars, don't worry. It's a 'stand-alone' meaning you don't have to have seen any of the others for it to be a complete story to entertain and thrill you. However, this *is* a linking story so there is a before and after that you may wish to explore after dipping your toes into a universe far, far away. The story arc is not dented as it sometimes is with add-ons and it's satisfying on it's own.
SPOILERS INCOMING.
My biggest disappointment with Rouge One was actually in the very first minute. There was no rolling text. Something that every movie has had so far. It was jarring and the fan in me was waiting for that big trill of music and the story so far. It never came.
In this way, I also became a little disorientated with the fact that they messed with the original score of the films. It was like walking into your best friend's apartment drunk after they'd moved the furniture. I get what they were going for, pairing off from the older films but in my opinion it didn't work.
These are trifling things though. In the big picture the story was complete and contained, embellished enough for the fans and understandable enough for the newbies. The CGI for the old characters who have ages or passed on (Carrie, I love you) was superb.
While my brain knew how the ending must go (having seen the movies after it) I was still shocked and amazed at how it panned out, the ending was amazingly tense and choreographed and yes, I cried like a baby, a hungry, angry baby.
In all, 8.5 out of 10 in my opinion. I love it, I will watch it endlessly and K2 will forever be the sassiest of droids, but there is room for improvement. A classic, entertaining and endearing watch I recommend for all.