Brilliant. Has restored my faith in new Star Wars Movies.

Rating: 9/10 (18 December 2016)

OK, so I'll get it out the way first. I really didn't like The Force Awakens. By the third viewing (I really wanted to like it), I actually quite enjoyed it but, despite it's loving nods to the previous films, it seemed to lack something for me. Something that even the widely despised prequels captured.
But Rogue one has it. The scope, the scale, the feeling of aliveness in the scenes. The shots are big, the ambition is big. It feels, in many ways, dated and simple but in others, massively up to date and complex.
Yes, there's loving nods to the originals but they're not overplayed. It has ideas of it's own. Something which, again, TFA lacked in buckets.
It's not perfect - the CGI Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher look good - brilliant in fact - but not perfect. Our 2016 eyes may excuse the flaws and they are, by far, the most realistic CGI actors I've seen in a film but, you can tell they're not real people and that did suspend my engagement in the scenes.
The first hour does take a bit of investment - yes, if you're a Star Wars fan, there's more than enough to sustain your interest but, as I was watching, I tried to see it through the eyes of the many who may not necessarily be that heavily into Star Wars or - and these people do exist - those who've NEVER seen a Star Wars movie in their lives.
Once the first hours done, the stall has been set, we know what they're fighting for, it's action all the flipping way. And it's stunning. The entire visual spectacle is truly breathtaking. And do bear in mind - I like Star Wars. I've always liked Star Wars but I'm not one to like something or get all puffed up about it JUST because it's Star Wars.
But Rogue One completely does the Star Wars legend justice. And then some. It's perfectly tied up the whole Saga, added an additional layer to the whole (space) cake, offered delightful tributes without being overly sentimental and, for me at least, abso- frickin-lutely ROCKED!