How can you not love this?

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 2016)

OK, it's a Star Wars movie and as a fan since childhood I'm going to be biased right? Wrong. After all I was one of those who bitched about Force Awakens, quite a bit. However, after watching this movie I felt like I did when I first saw films like Casino Royale or Batman Begins. These were movies that you thought could only go wrong or could only disappoint those who loved these "franchises". But I loved the way they could take the movie to a new setting, create an escapism yet still respect the "fans" desire for that place they recognised - not so much a home but a story that has mirrored them for each life stage. My proof was my 13 year old left Rogue One feeling like I did when I first saw Star Wars. Good overcoming evil, how people make big sacrifices and even go to war for things they believe in. How to cope with loss? Yet this is juxtaposed with the amazing backdrops of sci-fi and space which create a sense of wonder. You know why Disney bought this and all the crap about their interference can be put to bed on this one. The action is closer to Saving Private Ryan than Jar Jar Binks juggling bombs (jeez), the set pieces are awesome, the pacing superb, the story is engaging despite fans knowing its destination and the characters are able to draw emotion almost akin to scenes when Obi Wan died - this ain't bad for a spin off!! I fail to see how true fans would be dissatisfied and even my wife who is not a fan liked it. It is not deep sci fi by Arthur C Clarke or Shakespeare and it never was. But Rogue One honours the tradition of Star Wars A New Hope and that is all one should ask for.