Proof that stories do no need to make sense to generate profit

Rating: 3/10 (7 January 2017)

In the context of a Star Wars universe, the story sequencing of Rogue One is blotchy, vague and un-compelling. The film made a poor attempt at creating a clear, linear storyline. Outside the context of a Star Wars universe, the story made no sense, and so the viewers are left to their own devices to try and keep up with the unexpected scene jumps. Characters give you no reason to empathize with their objective to oppose the empire. Rather than going on a journey with the protagonist, we become unbiased observers witnessing a war of which we have no emotional investment in.
The originals were brilliant because the characters all had human elements and everyone from Han to the monster in the trash compactor was memorable. Darth Vader did not need to display excessive use of the Force to fear him, rather, he conveyed it by his actions. R2-D2 only needed to chirp and beep, yet he was a better-written character than ANY in Rogue One. In the originals, you could feel their joys, their losses, their victories and defeats; and discover the Force with Luke as he transformed from a boy to a man, fighting the empire along the way. Rogue One seems to miss the point.
Rogue One places you in scenes that serve no purpose and only generate more questions than answers. How did Saw Gerrera know to find Jyn after she hid in the bunker? How does Chirrut use the force if he is not a Jedi? If he can use it, does that not actually make him one? What is the backstory on his gun-wielding friend? Is Grand Moff Tarkin in charge of the Death Star or the man in white? Why is Vader on a lava planet? I could go on.
The Emperor is naked. Nobody wants to call out a pop culture relic. It's easy to go with the crowd, wear rose-colored glasses and not make a fuss. A movie is not intrinsically good because of the banner it holds; the proof is in the pudding. Rogue One is a forgettable film riddled with bland characters and a poor story that pampers to an audience that enjoys fast cameras, uncanny CGI and fan-serviced explosions.