Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Unlike the other branching-off story film, Rouge One stays very close to the main conflict in the universe: the Death Star nearing completion. I like how this movie ties into the other movies while also not bothering those movies or retconning anything. I also really like the unique and diverse cast of characters, although at times their stereotypes are a bit forced. The main character Jyn Erso has a really convincing and heartwarming relationship with her father and other characters too, but she is a victim of forced character stereotypes. The supporting cast also does a good job of having realistic and sometimes funny interactions with each other. Humor here isn’t as laugh-out-loud funny but has a just as respectable dry humor. The tone of the movie is also more gritty and down to earth... or wherever. A band of unlikely heroes, Rebels, fight for their one chance to steal the plans, revealing a weakness in the most powerful superweapon imaginable. A problem this movie faces is that we’re not seeing much new stuff. A good portion of the movie is the same ship sneaking around that we’ve seen countless times. The villain of the movie, Director Krennic, was also a brilliant inclusion. He gives a look into the power struggle within the Empire itself. He has strengths, flaws, and is also scary at times. He has the power to blow up a planet for goodness sake! The amazing culmination at the end of the film is cinema. The characters we’ve grown to love through watching the movie face sure death. They fight with all they have for the last time. Krennic watches as his own weapon is used by the Empire to destroy the Rebels, along with himself, just to cover up a mess they made. The following scene with Darth Vader is so horrifying and intense, truly displaying the power and evil of the Empire, as he tears through Rebel forces. As the movie closes we’re reminded of what lies ahead in this vast universe: hope.