A long time ago... there were some real Star Wars films. Rogue One is the Return to form!

Rating: 7/10 (19 December 2016)

I have to say, and fans will be eager to discover, this is the first real Star Wars story since the original three. While the prequels were a badly executed re-envisioning of the Star Wars world, and episode VII was a poorly acted rehashing (almost pastiche) of the other stories, Rogue One manages to plant a firm foot in the Star Wars universe without kicking anything over. This is an enjoyable episode that really tastes like Star Wars.
Having said that, there are a couple of flaws to be found. It lacks characterisation. Han, Leia, Vader, Luke, Obi Wan, Yoda, C3PO, even Jabba - all of those characters carved out clear archetypes for themselves that have stayed in the pop culture subconscious. Rogue One is not so rich. I've already forgotten the lead character's name. Then there was Captain Endor (I think? like the moon?). The take-away character from R1 is the CGI robot K-2SO, so that tells us something.
Also, a lot is crammed in, meaning plot development points are rushed perfunctorily. When they take the captured pilot to whatever Forrest Whittaker's character was called (ok, names not my strong point), it's a clear set-up for a Han-brought-before-Jabba style moment, and could have served for great character development and action. But it's just, "take him to the beast." We see the beast, it's got tentacles, cut to the next scene. Let down. Nothing is paused upon, nor considered.
Final tiny gripe that you're going to see everywhere - CGI Tarkin and Leia. Distracting, if interesting. But let's not dwell.
Having said all that, none of it distracts from the overall cohesive adventure and excitement that you expect from Star Wars. The characters are likable and follow-able, the worlds are rich, the battles entertaining and for a space opera it does an excellent job. Worth a watch.