An improvement after Episode VII, but not without a cost

Rating: 7/10 (17 December 2016)

I went to the theaters with a skeptical thoughts because I certainly didn't like Star Wars: The Force Awakens. I almost hated it, but not because of production values (in that aspect, it's well done), instead I think it had too similar plot structure as Episode IV, too much nostalgic pandering, old characters we know looking tired and depressed, poor world building and there were too many idiotic moments that took me out of the movie. Also, Rey. I hate overpowered characters and she was most likely given that because otherwise, it would have been offensive and sexist. But anyway, as a movie, Episode VII was for me 6/10, but my enjoyment level were more like 4/10. With this in my mind, I guess I'm not a Star Wars fan and I'm not going to be one of many people who praise the way Disney goes with our favorite franchise. Apologies, if my review is messy. I'm a really messy person, you see.
This is a first (official live-action) spin-off Star Wars movie we have and next one is coming at 2018 if I'm correct (after Episode VIII in 2017). Yearly Star Wars. It's really sad for me, because it seems that Disney does it just because of the money and the people who just take it without any questions. But is the movie good? The answer is; yes, but it's not as "good" as some people will say. For me, it's better than The Force Awakens for different reasons. I'll do my best to not spoil the movie and tell what is good and what isn't. I prefer not to into the route some people go as to just say "My review: It's good. Go watch and see it." I don't consider those as reviews.
I'll start with the positives:
Scenery, backgrounds and set designs are all well done. Sure there are some moments where you can tell what is CGI and what isn't, but overall, there isn't really anything wrong in it. If there something Gareth Edwards does right, it's the huge backgrounds and action. Shots look great and it's easy to see whats going on, not to mention the fact, everything looks big (for example: AT-AT's). This movie is going to be compared to Godzilla, which is directed by the same guy. It's a good thing and most likely it's going to be a trademark of Gareth Edwards directing. I really like the fact that all references and other nostalgic elements are kept subtle. They are not thrown at the audiences and are just a part of the movie. They clearly took a lesson from The Force Awakens. I liked some characters in Rogue One. The imperial Robot was good. The pacing is OK for the most part. I knew what was going on at least at the final moments. This is however the problem with the first act. The feeling of Star Wars was there compared to previous entry. Stormtroopers have their old voices and behavior. The set designs also have a part with this. Action was pretty standard but at the final 3rd, it got really good So...the final 3rd is the best part due to many things happening, keeping me interested. I guess you can figure it out yourself, what's going to happen, if you have watched any movie ever.
There are other things that kept me interested in this movie, but It's hard to mention other things because being precise is important for me and I don't like to spoil too much. There was certainly some scenes that I even loved, but I think you'll understand why. This review is mean't to be read by an average person who wants to find out if the movie is good or not with reasons. (I mean, without shouting that movie is garbage or that it's the best Star Wars movie)
Now, here my negatives. Rogue One was at some points boring. There wasn't much happening despite having a chance to develop the characters. While acting wasn't bad really, but they didn't have that much emotions to make them believable. It wasn't the only problem. The characters didn't have much screen time and they are not likely to be recognized for their personality. They were lackluster. Now that I think about, the writing was not that great. Some things were explained pretty well and can be considered well explanations for the Episode IV. They were contradictions though, which were annoying. While CGI was good, there are a few scenes where it was too obvious and distracting. While Vader is not the main point, I think there should've been more scenes with him, since he's one of the best movie villains and all scenes where he appeared, were amazing. There are too much planets with scenes that are only like two minutes long. What was the point of crediting them anyway? It's not suppose to be a standard Hollywood movie. IT'S STAR WARS!!! There were a few distracting moments and even some weirdness. You are going to hate the sentences when it comes to The Force. At the end, there were some "forced" scenes too. Contradicting as I mentioned earlier.
But really at the end of the day, the movie is good and I consider it a part of the Star Wars saga, unlike The Force Awakens. I might write a review for that movie later when I'm not lazy. I walked out of the theater satisfied and happy. Not sure if my thoughts are the same when I watch it again from Blu-Ray, but who knows. I recommend Rogue One to anyone who likes Star Wars movies, games and books or any other form of entertainment. Most people love this movie and I understand why, but please....you should accept that not everyone has a same opinion as you have.
7/10
The future looks better with this one