Excellent and enlightening, but takes some effort...

Rating: 9/10 (18 December 2016)

Just in case you missed it, there are a couple of SPOILERS below.
Many of us that write reviews like this remember waiting in line for Episode 4. We marveled at the blockade runner desperately trying to avoid the massive destroyer chasing it. We left the theater breathless, wondering about the massive universe that had just been dangled in front of us, ate up everything that followed, and geeked out on anything Star Wars for years. Until the prequels -- but that's another story.
Now those of us who are in this realm (and I'm included in this number) easily ate up this first ever "side story" with nostalgia and absolute joy. However, I was able to view it from my young teenager's perspective as he was my movie companion. He wasn't steeped in the lore. He wasn't familiar with some of the references. He didn't giggle at the blue milk, the cantina-guest-appearances, the references to the "Whills," or even smile with a little heartache at a very-serviceable Grand Moff Tarkin recreation.
It's not like it was a confounded mess of tax federation discussion and trade tariffs (*ahem*) but it took some engagement to see how things were playing out -- and I for one was really enjoying myself. It wasn't a kid movie. It was an interesting "time of conflict" film that explored the nature of war.
Characters were all very solid and interesting, and while K-2SO is absolutely amazing in so many respects, it was VERY fun to get invested in the heroes -- only to be truly upset at their fates in the climax. The stakes were SO high, and it was an absolute joy to hope they might make it -- and somehow escape to another quadrant and therefore avoid all the future battles of Episodes 4-7.
Truly, though. This would normally get a movie a 7 or an 8. What bumped it to 9 for this moviegoer was the perfectly crafted finale -- where tensions rose, sacrifices were gut-wrenching and powerful (I actually thumped my thigh in frustration when K-2SO made his final stand) and the sacrifice for the future of the rebellion came to full fruition.
And Holy Nerfherder. That Darth Vader slaughter scene at the end was worth EVERY dollar of admission. As the plans were being passed to each sacrificed Rebel soldier, I became more and more afraid of the Dark Lord of the Sith. It was refreshing to be intimidated by Vader again, and not smirk or roll my eyes thinking of him yelling a mechanized "Nooooo!"
As long as Disney/Lucasfilm continues to bring fresh takes to story and character, and not get into a cookie-cutter "superhero" mold, we should be good to go.