Was a better prequel ever made??

Rating: 10/10 (31 December 2016)

I left this movie with one intention: to go watch the original trilogy all over again!
This movie was soo brilliantly made, every detail so well thought out, it was, honestly, a marvel to watch. Its such a wonder to me how a movie made in 2016 could have tied in SO AMAZINGLY with the first part released in 1977! The transition from the ending of this movie progresses seamlessly to the movie that sets off the original trilogy that began nearly 40 years ago.
I attended the film with someone who was not a fan at all. But he didn't need an intro or an explanation prior. Certainly, he was full of questions later, (so Darth Vader is bad news, huh?), but as the movie opens right in the middle of the War between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance, you are filled right in with the nature of War and its effects on our heroes (It was odd however, not seeing the usual open credits roll up as the movie begins).
Diego Luna was a pleasure to watch. Knowing his incredible acting prowess from movies such Milk, he carried off Cassian Andor with aplomb and with this movie has certainly garnered female attention (me included). Ben Mendelsohn was so good in his bad role, he was great. I thought Alan Tudyk's K-2SO would be a hard sale against the legendary droids (3PO and R2, who btw, who also have a few seconds in this movie) and BB8, but his comedic timing won me over.
What caught me by surprise was the portrayal of Grand Moff Tarkin. I knew at the back of my head that Peter Cushing had passed away but his portrayal was done so well, I had to double check! His role was reprised to near perfection by (I found out later) Guy Henry and the help of CGI.
What was a first for me, I realised as the red lightsaber lit up the screen in the dark .. was that this was the first time in MY lifetime that I was able to watch Darth Vader on the big screen. And oh dear lord. Did he deliver. I had goosebumps! Never did I think that in my life would I sit in the theatre as a movie goer and ever get to feel frightened for our heroes as the Imperial March plays in the background. But I did. This wasn't on TV, or a DVD, but was happening in real time for me for the first time ever! (in the theatre, but, hell, you know what I mean)
I now understand how desperate the fans back in the 70s and 80s must have been, impatiently waiting for the next part to be released, waiting eagerly all year round for the next one.
Thankfully, May is only 5 months away. But until then, may the Force be with you.