"Rebellions Are Built On Hope!"

Rating: 7/10 (14 December 2016)

Rating 8.0, A Great STAR WARS Spin-Off
* Rogue One a Star Wars Story is another fresh take on the franchise bridging the gaps between my two favorite Star Wars movies Revenge Of The Sith and A New Hope, however when I first found at that director Gareth Edwards, who created the second disappointing Godzilla movie, I lost all hope, but god damn the movie was good! Indeed it has flaws scattered across the galaxy but its strengths outweighed them at every turn. It felt like a great blend of the prequels and the original trilogy, able to please Mr. Lucas and myself.
* Characters: Jyn Erso: Felicity Jones shines with emotion as our protagonist on a an adventure of redemption and connection, being the spark of hope in the movie really lightens the dark pitch all the way through the movie.
K-2S0: But the really star here is Alan Tudyk, seriously someone give this guy a medal, he deserves it, as Star Wars goes on the droids just become better and better. Playing a reprogrammed imperial droid with a hilarious sense of humour really fills the crew and crowd with joy!
Orsan Krennic: Another great thing about Star Wars is its ability to produce amazing antagonists , and Krennic was another one of these, although selfish and intimidating at times whats really great about is blind devotion to peace through tyranny, something we haven't often seen in the Star Wars universe.
Chirrup Îmwe: We might now have any Jedi in the movie, but Donnie Yen's character who has a great connection with the force is indeed an interesting one, not to mention its great to see a diversity in the casting of this movie, finally received our first two Asian actors in a Star Wars story. That being said this is were most of the 'good characters' end.
Baze Malbus and Bodhi Rook: While not necessarily bad characters they were seriously under developed and felt forced into the battle. Not to mention being the forced the name Rogue One named by Rook himself was just battled out, it doesn't feel powerful or motivating at all.
Captain Andor: While Diego Luna is a talented actor his character; being a rebellion hero and captain and all, is literally just a dick, i understand that in conflict people change and times are tough but it feels so negative like Jyn says, "you may as well be a storm-trooper!" -great line BTW. I guess it does make it feel realistic thou.
Saw Gerrera: This however really agitated me, while Forest himself is a decent actor, he ruined a great character from the clone wars. He felt so forced in! He did jack all, even if he is old! The voice he used was so cringe! And he honestly was executed poorly. Im sorry but his character was rather pointless and the movie would have been great without him, its pretty much what lost this movie the 8/10!
Darth Vader & The Cameos: Whats also rather satisfying in Rogue One is the numerous character cameos through out, some unexpected and some rather moving. It was great to see Bail Organa and Tarkin riding the gaps between both sides of the conflict! But enough chat, its Vader you want to hear about. While the dark lord is barely in it, he steals and owns every scene he's in! Not to mention we are rewarded with the greatest scene of Darth Vader in action! I was about to jump out of my seat!
*Plot & Design: Okay so basically we have a story off redemption and rescue, Jyn the daughter of the man who created the Death Star and he designs the weakness and all in Episode 4. If your a Star Wars fan we already know this, yet director Edwards is still able to produce a compelling story of surprises despite knowing the outcome. But the best thing about this Star Wars movie that separates it from the others is illustrating the consequences and views of conflict not to mention feeling like a realistic war. The practical effects and CGI are the best that I have ever seen on set! The droid K-2S0 was so realistic, didn't even look like CGI! And if you thought the battle of Hoth was the greatest Sci-Fi battle ever, its got a contender, a contender I found superior.
* I was satisfied watching this movie however I do wish they used the characters from Star Wars Rebels as they have been developed through a series and not just chucked into a conflict. And while the introduction is slow and clunky the conclusion is up-lifting and paced beautifully! I am happy to say Gareth Edwards has redeemed himself after the tragedy of 2014's Godzilla. Rogue One a Star Wars Story is a unique and refreshing take on Star Wars and I highly recommend all fans of a galaxy far, far away to experience the capturing the plans of the Death Star!
Thank You for reading this review, and please check out my other Reviews and List here at IMDb: Iron-Bat-Prime! May the force be with you.