A new perspective into the Star Wars universe

Rating: 9/10 (15 December 2016)

Rogue One, directed by Gareth Edwards, is the first standalone film in the Star Wars saga and by far the most intriguing in the franchise. Set as a prequel to Episode 4: A New Hope, Rogue One brings in a group of unknown rebels led by Jyn Erso (played by Felicity Jones), as they travel to new worlds to find the plans to the Death Star, devised by her father Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelson). Gareth Edwards, who's other major films include 'Godzilla' and 'Monsters', brings in a new perspective into the Star Wars universe, combining characters and action so well, you'll leave the theater buzzing for more (even when you realize that it leaves you right off a New Hope).
The plot to Rogue One is very simple, but it's the characters that really take this movie to new heights. The likes of Jyn, Captain Andor (Diego Luna), K-2S0 (Alan Tudyk), Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen) and Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) make this movie worth watching (other than it being a Star Wars film). The droid, K-2S0, was the stand-out secondary character, able to bring great sources of humour while still being of use. But the real star of the show was Jyn Erso, with Felicity Jones doing a great job as the female lead. She is tough, rebellious and reckless, making her a well-crafted character, that has a great backstory.
Though Star Wars creates great protagonists, Rogue One's main antagonist Orson Krennic is definitely up there with the best. Ben Mendelsohn is powerful, able to give you a villain that any Star Wars fan would want.
The action was also spectacular, with the final climatic fight one of the best in the franchises history, which is definitely saying something. Full of wonder and delight, you never drift your eyes away from the screen, with the special effects staff deserving full recognition as they recreate some of the characters of the originals.
It seems hard to not mention Darth Vader, so I will. He has little screen-time, but for every second he is in, he steals the show. One scene in particular was very special, as we see him in action for the first time in years.
Overall, Rogue One is a Star Wars movie that really takes you on a different journey from what you would be used to. It connects itself so well to the beginning of A New Hope, you could combine both movies with no problem. The cast and crew deserve the credit for the effort they made in creating a standalone film in the biggest franchise in movie history. Though the most 'war-like' of the 8 films, it still has moments of levity spread throughout, which reminds you of the original Star Wars spirit. It stands alone in the saga, and I believe it stands as one of the best.