Autistic Reviewers Opinion Of This Movie.

Rating: 9/10 (17 December 2016)

Rogue One is the first film of a set of anthology films that is based during the Star Wars saga, when it was announced people were eager and anticipating the possibility of what the film offers, safe to say that what we see is nostalgic, epic driven and a true prequel that puts the original trilogy in place.
Taking place between the film events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, we are introduced to the events that lead to the very beginning of AHP. Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is rescued by the Rebel Alliance to help locate her estranged father, who was earlier abducted by Imperial Empire and was a key creator to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon to conquer the galaxy. With new allies on her side and enough hope to change the future, Jyn and the Rebels race in time to find the weapon's schematics, thus setting the events of the famous first film we know and love.
What I really enjoyed about this film was Gareth Evans's eye on detail and representation to the continuity and universe of the franchise, he does manage to make the film feel as closer to the original trilogy than the recent episode VII (which is pretty much a year old now), he gives a fresh coat of new characters, intriguing concept and a satisfying style that gives light for the film. The cast as a whole handle themselves to the level of great and convincing, with Oscar nominated actress Felicity Jones playing the lead female hero, Diego Luna (Blood Father) playing her ally and Rebel Intelligence officer Cassian, Australia's own Ben Mendelsohn (Bloodline, Killing Me Softly, Animal Kingdom) as the convincing villain with a purpose Orson and Alan Tudyk (I, Robot, Wreck It Ralph, Tucker & Dale vs Evil) as K-2SO being the standouts.
The visual effects we know from Star Wars is as amazing and incredible is present again, with incredible use of practical and CGI work that takes it to a level of respect for the series. The music score by Michael Giacchino (Doctor Strange, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) is engaging throughout, with use of John William's original music from the trilogy incorporated to key moments.
Lastly, the storyline itself pretty much summarizes how a prequel should work if you take it to heart of the original trilogy (take note of the first three prequels). With moments of character connection, development, action set pieces and set ups to AHP, this literally should have been the only prequel to be made rather than Episodes I, II, and III.
Overall, Rogue One is an epic piece of pure nostalgia and fun for all old and new fans of the franchise, with a solid eye on direction, story, production value, visual effects work and key references and connections to the original trilogy. Well worth the ticket price to watch, even for its engaging and action packed climax.
4.5/5 - The Autistic Reviewers