Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Review

In the latest installment to the Star Wars franchise, the Galactic Empire has completed the Death Star, a weapon capable of destroying entire planets. But after the Rebel Alliance receives word about this fearsome new weapon thanks to a defector, it’s up to a small band of brave rebels to complete a dangerous mission: stealing the plans to the Death Star so the Alliance can destroy it.

First I want to discuss the amazing cast. This film introduces many brand new characters into the Star Wars universe, such as Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn), Chirrut Îmwe (Donnie Yen), K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed), and Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen) as well as returning old characters to the big screen, such as Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits), Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), and, of course, Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones). Not only have characters both old and new to Star Wars shown up, but this movie marks the first time a character created in Star Wars: The Clone Wars has made an appearance in a movie. I’m referring to, of course, Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker). Regardless, I think the cast did a very good job of defining all these characters as individuals, all with their own backstories and motives for wanting to take down the Empire.

The special effects were also highly noteworthy. Looking back at 1977, when the first Star Wars film came out, and then looking at this movie, it’s clear that we’ve come a long way effect-wise. While the vehicles, locations, blaster fire, and, of course, explosions were all stunning, I think the greatest part of the special effects was what they did with the characters Grand Moff Tarkin and Princess Leia Organa. Because of the fact that Peter Cushing, the original actor for Tarkin, died in 1994 and Carrie Fisher, the (now deceased) actress who plays Leia, was too old to play a young Leia, their likeness from the original Star Wars movie was digitally applied to new actors for them. I must say, they did a very fine job with it, as the resemblance is incredibly spot on.

I would also like to take some time to take note on the music. John Williams, the legendary composer who has scored Star Wars Episodes I-VII, did not return to compose Rogue One. That role was filled by Michael Giacchino, who has composed the music for other movies such as Zootopia and the latest line of Star Trek films. While there is a distinct difference between the styles of music, elements of the original Star Wars music can be heard. It was, once again, very well done.

Finally, the plot was very dark and had a bit of a Hunger Games feel to it. This movie is dark from start to finish. I won’t say how dark in order to avoid spoilers, but if you were expecting the main crew to all escape unscathed to fight another day, you’re dead wrong. However, even though it seems that evil is too strong for even the rebels to fight, there is another feeling in the movie that is more subtle, but it is still there: hope. In the film itself, both Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor stated that “rebellions are built on hope.” It is with this hope for victory (and hope that the Empire can be defeated) that drives this crew to embark on their mission, despite having been ordered not to. The plot definitely moved the story along its inevitable conclusion, with a few humorous lines from K-2SO thrown in.

Overall, this movie exceeded all my expectations, giving me no choice but to give it a 10/10 or an A+. I am definitely looking forward to what Disney has planned next for the Star Wars universe in next year’s Star Wars: Episode VIII.