Last years release of “The Force Awakens” saw an impressive re-ignition of the epochal Star Wars franchise, with lifelong fans (myself included) geeked up for more adventures and fun.Defined as the first “stand-alone” film in the franchise is the 2016 piece “Rogue One.” With a stunning array of visuals and special effects, superb characters, and a taut script, “Rogue One” is an impressive movie on all fronts; easily enjoyed by both die hard Star Wars nerds who gleefully bask in the realms of the Expanded Universe, and those that just appreciate great movies in general.
“Rogue One” takes place in the days leading up to the events of Episode IV, and depicts the story of the Galactic Empire’s construction of the genocidal Death Star, and a group of rebel fighters on a mission to thwart its sinister uses.
What I love most about this movie from a writing standpoint is its ability to tell the tale of the unsung heroes in a war. In fact, “Rogue One” is the first real war-based movie in the Star Wars saga. The focus isn’t on Jedi knights or trickery of the Force, but rather the ugly and chaotic sides of battle. This facet brings about a much darker movie than one may expect, with the struggles of the fledgling Rebel Alliance and the horrors of Imperial labor camps depicted.
A prominent scientist named Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) is forced into service for the Galactic Empire, leading a team of engineers in creation of the Death Star. Erso’s orphaned daughter Jyn(Felicity Jones) and a ragtag band of rebels end up on a mission to rescue Galen and stop the Empire from the creation of the ultimate weapon.
The characters in “Rogue One” fit the mold of all the other movies in the series. Each colorful and dynamic in their own unique ways, and each with a back story that blends the obvious with ambiguity. Its a recipe for the creation of legends.
I left the movie with one of my new favorite characters. Jyn Erso is a fiery spirit that brings new elements to the protagonist table. She is a street smart young woman from a hardened life, used to being on her own and doing whatever it takes to survive.
Unlike other Star Wars heroes, Jyn isn’t a skilled Jedi or soldier. She doesn’t fight with a lightsaber or know how to pilot a spaceship. Felicity Jones is a perfect choice in both looks and attitude, and following Daisey Ridley’s performance in Episode VII, it’s great to see a new era of strong female leads.
The rest of the cast is solid in their respective roles. Diego Luna plays Cassian Andor, a rebel soldier who has spent his life in battle with the Empire. Mirroring other characters in the series, Cassian Andor just looks the part of a rebel solider.
Riz Ahmed plays Bodhi Rook, an Imperial pilot who defects to the Rebel Alliance after witnessing atrocities carried out by the Empire. In perfect form, Bodhi Rook is just an unheralded pilot who becomes an integral part in the lore of the series. I really liked Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen) a blind warrior who is described as a wannabe Jedi, and his gun loving buddy Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen) as complimentary players in the struggle.
I loved the thought that Jyn, Cassian, and Bodhi play such important roles in the legacy of the story, yet are characters that Luke Skywalker and Han Solo will never meet or interact with.
I’m not one to coo over special effects and cinematography unless its really warranted. The visuals in “Rogue One” are flat out breath taking. We see a host of new planets that have the depth and detail of a hi-def National Geographic special.
One great battle scene takes place on the planet Jedha, with a guerrilla insurgence of rebels led by Clone Wars veteran Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker). Another climactic scene depicts fighting on the beaches of Eadu, with waves crashing and firefights blazing amidst the vibrant green jungles. And the space battle at the end is one of the best in the entire series.
“Rogue One” is unique in its focus on the military sides of the conflict. The Death Star itself serves as the primary antagonist, and its great to see this weapon in action. A tangible villain comes in the form of the Imperial Weapons Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) who possesses the perfect degree of arrogance and ruthlessness to create a truly memorable character. Director Krennic treats the Death Star like a proud father, watching over his new toy with glee as it is tested out, giddy at the site of its destructive power. Mendelsohn is terrific in the role.
My complaints are trivial at best. Some of the more recognizable characters are a bit forced into the story and somewhat unneeded (i’ll leave it at that). They seem to be a way of dumbing down the movie for those that are new to Star Wars, but lets face it, if you’re watching “Rogue One” you already know what is gong to happen and how its going to end.
Cassian Andor’s droid K-2SO is a comical character, though he gets a bit annoying at times. The CG version of Grand Moff Tarkin is a little odd; I would have rather watched an actor that looked like the late great Peter Cushing in the performance of one of my all time favorite villains.
Simply put, I’m a Star Wars nerd, and proud of it. I love the idea of the independent stories and eagerly await the next one. Unlike the prequel trilogy, I think old school fans of the original series will enjoy and appreciate this new movie.
“Rogue One” is one of the best Star Wars releases to date. It has everything one could possibly want from the series. It tells a new story; one fans of the original movie know in passing only. It explores previously uncharted territories in the saga without crossing the bounds of what has already been done. Its a testament to the brilliance of its creators.
by – Matt Christopher
