REVIEW: Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryBy Quinn OxleyDecember 16, 2016Rogue One. Where to even begin? Or, more importantly, where to go that I don’t spoil anything for the readers?

Between Darth Vader giving us the melodramatic “no” meme and Luke Skywalker giving us the “points most dangerous weapon in galaxy directly at face” meme, the Empire begins construction of a mysterious, staggeringly powerful weapon known as the Death Star. The rebels (oddly enough) don’t like that one bit, so they have to steal the plans to this Death Star. This is the plot of Rogue One.

There’s something fascinating about knowing the grand context of a film. We know what’s just happened in this universe; not much setup is required. We know the consequences of their actions; there’s not much intrigue as to whether or not they’ll be successful. What this film sets out to do is illuminate the intersection of several new characters with the Star Wars that we know and love.

And yes, it does that. And yes, it’s amazing.

Okay, maybe “amazing” is an overstatement, but it’s far, far away from the disappointment most of us shouldered with the prequel trilogy. I tend to get lost in space battles that go on for extended periods of time, but other than that (completely preference-related) nitpick, I adored this movie. Without giving much away, all I can say is that it’s more of what people love about Star Wars. Interesting characters; enveloping atmosphere; compelling emotional dynamics; callbacks to earlier films; camera cutaways to monstrous creatures; spot-on comedy (Alan Tudyk is a gift to this film and mankind); and attention-stealing action.

I loved it. My friends loved it. My family loved it. The public loves it.

You’ll love it.

Rating: 8.5/10

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