Some of the poor reviews seem to have a problem with a diverse cast.

Rating: 9/10 (25 December 2016)

This movie was the best since The Empire Strikes Back. It was unpredictable, violent, and a great way to start off the original trilogy. I have read some of the reviews and would like to address some common problems that some critics experienced.
The CGI for Leia was done poorly. This is a true statement. I was surprised they allowed this CGI version to be released. While this movie was great, but not perfect, this problem can be easily overlooked and her appearance, while important, is very brief.
The characters start dying quickly before the audience has a chance to develop a relationship. While it's true many of the main characters die, this is necessary for the plot to continue and the trilogy to be kicked off. It's easily comparable to Saving Private Ryan in this regard. Rogue One is a true suicide mission and a respectable one at that.
The film gave us that classic Star Wars feel, with a dark rush of violence and excitement. That being said, this is not a movie that should be seen in 3D. It will take away from the film. If you're seeing this movie for the special effects, you won't be wowed. Instead, the development of the Star Wars world is expanded in past themes, while introducing us to new people, planets, and cultures within the Star Wars universe.
The costumes for extras and bystanders were done to perfection. They stayed true to the original trilogy, while introducing us to new features. The same can be said for the setting.
Some critics seem to have a problem with more diversity in the Star Wars universe. With the billions of planets that exist in this universe, I'm surprised some critics think this is some liberal mumbo jumbo. But I'm not here to talk politics. I'm here to say the Star Wars universe is vast and has heroes that will come in all different kinds of shapes, colors, and species.
Sorry if you were expecting Jedi's, but if you know the story, it was appropriate that they weren't coming out in drones to fight the Empire. Instead, the Empire had the upper hand. A feeling I have not truly experienced since first watching Empire Strikes Back, and briefly experienced in Episode Three.
This is fresh escape from episodes 1-3. Instead of feeling campy and adolescent, Rogue One came off as pushing the line toward action thriller. The film is very respectable. It's not what we've been used to, but in a universe as vast as Star Wars, some people will be happy and others won't. If you like the Star Wars films with Jar-Jar Binks, vehicle and star ship upgrades, and can't live without a Jedi to Sith light saber battle, then you may not enjoy this film.
Rogue One is fresh and at the same time reminiscent.
Hope you all enjoy the film as much as I did.