Some errors, yes, but a Star Wars unlike any other before it

Rating: 9/10 (21 July 2017)

I've seen this movie several times, in the theater and at home.
This review is mostly to set expectations, and counter the complaints. The idea of the movie is 'Ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things'. This movie is about heroism, at all costs.
The Star Wars bar is so high it's unrealistic, I think each episode appeals in their own way. Yes, they sometimes fall flat but I disagree with others who feel this one did, I thought it was profound.
People have a 'Han Solo'/Vader / Luke Skywalker expectations for character development. I want to to stress that strong character development wasn't necessary for Rogue One. I LOVED this aspect, a 'stand alone' story with finality. We're so used to flashbacks in movies now; revisiting dead characters so often the expectation is now a cliché. Rogue One had plenty of tie ins and FINALLY explained the reason Luke was able to blow up a massive Death Star with one shot (A joke that's festered for 40 years).
The end of the movie AND the lead characters (literally) left me amazed and applauding the choice the creators made. After seeing the movie again, the realization that completing the mission involves their own demise is presented early and without ambiguity. The acceptance of this is fully acknowledged in the last scene. Their demeanor wasn't of shock at all, and their embrace was the mark sealing their known fate.
These quickly forgotten characters set the direction for the entire Star Wars story line, it's an homage to the ''little guy, if it weren't for their sacrifices, this wouldn't have been possible''
The only thing that really bothered me was all the damn levers, it seems like nothing major happens unless a lever is pulled... watch it again and it will make you laugh. - thanks for your time.