An enjoyable film with a zombie in one of the leading roles.

Rating: 8/10 (15 January 2017)

Back in 1977, Peter Cushing starred as Grand Moff Tarkin in the original "Star Wars" movie. "Rogue One" is set in the Star Wars world just before "Star Wars" and the studio decided to have Tarkin as one of the major characters, even though Cushing died in 1994. So instead of re-casting him, they did something that only modern technology could allow them to do--create a CG Tarkin that actually looks and sounds like Cushing!! It really is amazing and lifelike and for this reason alone, it's worth seeing the film. Now I pray that this sort of thing does not become the norm. Think about it...they COULD start making new films starring Clark Gable with Jennifer Lawrence or The Three Stooges and John Gielgud using CG-- it's getting THAT good!
As for the movie, it's NOT as wonderful and perfect as many of my friends have said nor is it a bad film in any way. Instead of recapitulating the plot, I'll just say what makes this movie different from most Star Wars films. This is NOT a cutesy film. Aside from a tiny appearance by R2D2 and C3PO, the characters, including the droid, are not designed with cuteness and marketability towards children in mind. I really appreciate this-- and thank God there is no Jar-Jar!! Additionally, unlike the previous films this one is a downer with an ending where pert near everyone dies! I mention this because I would NOT advise folks with very young kids to bring them to see it.
Overall, it's a well made film with a lot to recommend it. My only gripe is that you KNOW what will happen because it is a gap-filler and the audiences already know what must happen in the next film. I might be inclined to say more, but there are already a bazillion reviews for this blockbuster...so I'll end it here.