A worthy entry in the series and fitting appetizer before the release of Episode VIII

Rating: 9/10 (15 December 2016)

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a standalone spin-off film in the Star Wars franchise. Proving once again that Star Wars in good hands at Disney and that Star Wars: The Force Awakens wasn't a fluke, the film serves as a worthy entry in the series and fitting appetizer before the release of Episode VIII.
Sometime after the events of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, the evil Galactic Empire are in the process of building their ultimate super-weapon, The Death Star, as a means to control the galaxy. In an effort to stop them, the Rebellion recruits Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) to work alongside them to steal the blueprints for the Death Star and find a way to use them to put a stop to the Empire's expanding domination of other star systems.
Succeeding not only as a Star Wars film, but as an exciting heist film, Rogue One is highly entertaining and stands on its own from the series it originated. I especially enjoyed the effort the filmmakers went to make the film look as much like the Original Star Wars Trilogy as possible, complete with convincing practical effects and even some amazing CGI effects. Hardcore Star Wars fans should keep their eyes peeled for some clever Easter eggs and inside references to other Star Wars films. My only real complaint is that the first act is a bit slow moving. However, the brilliant third act more than makes up for it.
I rate it 8.5/10