I can’t prove it yet but I’m fairly certain I’m the last person to have seen the movie Rogue One. Weeks after the movie was released, I sat alone in an empty movie theater. I wondered if the hype for the latest Star Wars story would remotely meet my expectations. Still, the cloud-like comfort of my reclining seat coupled with fresh popcorn helped ease the tension. After what felt like a zillion movie trailers, the movie began to play.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
How was the Story?
There are now 7 Star Wars movies. If taken in timeline order, Rogue One could be considered 3.5 in the sequence. Without wading too deeply into the realm of spoilers, the well-crafted story explores how the plans for the Death Star were obtained. New characters(Jyn Orso, Cassian Andor, K-2SO, Chirrut Îmwe) and some familiar characters play crucial roles in the gritty plot. Fans will revel in how the pieces fit into the overall arc of the series. For example, I was howling with glee at various space battle scenes in the film. Clearly there are benefits to being alone in a movie theater.
How are the special effects?
Blending classic Star Wars space battles and ground combat seamlessly, the movie heralded a new milestone in movie magic. K-2SO, an Imperial security droid, was phenomenal. There were a few distracting moments featuring CGI versions of well-known human characters but considering the alternative would have been to exclude them entirely from the film, it was an acceptable trade-off.
The movie is rated PG-13. Can my kids see it?
Rogue One is not a light-hearted affair. It’s a war movie with subtle moments of comic relief. The violence level can be intense but not bloody.
Bathroom Breaks?
It’s a tough call. There’s very little filler moments in the movie. But if you must heed the call of nature, wait until after Jyn is freed then captured in the first half of the film.
Overall Grade: A-
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Pros: Special Effects, Well-crafted story, Compelling Characters
Cons: Distracting CGI human characters
What did you think of Rogue One? Did it add to or detract from the Star Wars series?
Official Rogue One Trailer
