This is the prequel you're looking for...

Rating: 8/10 (16 December 2016)

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a different kind of movie from what the series, and the recent blockbuster genre in general, is used to. Although there are cameos and references to please hardcore fans, it is isolated enough to offer a fulfilling story to the average movie-goer. This is something refreshing in a blockbuster landscape of sequels and connected cinematic universes.
At its heart, Rogue One is a war film. The characters are approached the same way they would be in something like Band of Brothers. Although they are enjoyable and interesting, there are a lot of new characters to introduce in one movie. The audience doesn't get to resonate with the characters quite as much as Rey and company in last year's Episode VII.
The film looks gorgeous. The action is shot terrifically and even though moviegoers have an idea of what comes next (this is a prequel after all), the stakes still feel high.
The film ties perfectly into 1977's Star Wars. Viewers excited to see lots of Darth Vader will be disappointed. The classic villain is used sparingly, but perfectly in the scenes he appears in. Rogue One features cameos and callbacks to other classic Star Wars characters as well. Some are wonderful and some are jarring. But it still works enough to keep diehards satisfied.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story may not reach the thrills of last years Episode VII, but judged on its own its still a thrilling standalone adventure. Fans that are okay with something a little different from the franchise formula will find this a Star Wars story worth telling.