Disclaimer: This review reveals cameos of characters from the Star Wars canon. If you do not want to know who is in the film, please stop reading.
In 1977, we first heard about the capturing of the Death Star plans which ultimately leads to the rebel alliance destroying the weapon. Almost 40 years later, fans learn how the plans were captured in its own story. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the first stand alone film in the Star Wars franchise, and succeeds in not only exciting fans but providing a film that truly shows the WAR aspect of Star Wars.
Rogue One connects Episode III and IV in ways we never thought we wanted but should be glad we now have. It is a story about a group of unlikely men and women led by Jyn Erso, whose father was the mastermind behind the creation of the Death Star, who go on a mission in an attempt to steal the plans to the weapon. Despite it not being discussed in any of the other films, this mission is the key event in the Star Wars timeline that leads to the story of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia.
While the film steps away from the familiar episodic saga crawl, fans are still treated to “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away” and we are quickly taken to an opening scene reminiscent of the opening of the 2009 Academy Award nominated film, Inglourious Basterds. In that film, Hans Landa visits a farmer who is shielding a Jewish family similar to in this story Orson Krennic visiting Galen Erso, who is in hiding with his family so that he doesn’t have to build the Empire’s weapon. When Krennic arrives, he places both his wife and child, Jyn, in hiding. In both these films, this interaction between captor and prisoner is polite yet filled with tension that is not only executed brilliantly but also sets the tone of the rest of the film.
Photo: Lucasfilm/Disney
Director Gareth Edwards is able to bring this story to light despite knowing the conclusion before it’s opening brings unrelenting determination in getting to that point. The battle scenes in this film are some of the best in the franchise’s glorious history all culminating in a 30-minute finale that not only is one of the best of the year but can be put at the top of any finale of a Star Wars film. Edwards even provides an answer to the nagging question that many Star Wars fans, including myself, have been asking for decades. Why would the Empire build a planet-destroying superweapon, while allowing direct access to its most vulnerable point? Rogue One answers that question.
Photo: Lucasfilm/Disney
There wouldn’t be a Star Wars film without having a few aspects cater to the fans. Throughout the film, the audience is treated to a few familiar faces, most drawn from what would be considered the Star Wars jobber list of characters, including good ol’ Mon Mothma and Leia’s stepfather, Bail Organa. None however, compare to the appearances of Ponda Baba and Doctor Cornelius Evazan, who are best known for their Cantina scene in A New Hope where they antagonize Luke and Obi-Wan until Baba loses an arm for all his trouble. This was a true fanboy moment for B and C list Star War character fans like myself. The main reappearances of characters from ’77 are two little familiar droids- the only characters to be in all eight films thus far, Darth Vader and Moff Tarkin who seemed to have more screen time in his CGI form then Peter Cushing did in the original film. If you are expecting Vader to run this film, then your expectations need to be cut down as he is barely featured in the film, but provides some the most vicious Vader moments in the franchise, a reminder that when it comes to villains, there is barely anyone that can top Darth Vader.
Despite the great aspects of this film, I was disappointed at the lack of character development within the film. Besides Jyn, we are given little to no reason to care or root for any of the other characters except them capturing the Death Star plans. Last year’s highly successful Force Awakens was able to introduce endearing characters like Rey, Poe, Finn and BB-8 that we instantly fell in love with and even with a villain like Kylo-Ren, that by its finale had truly immersed himself into the Dark Side. I did not get that vibe from Rogue One and its antagonist and because of this, I felt less emotion at its conclusion.
Rogue One’s most glaring issue is its score. As not just a fan of the music of Star Wars but John Williams’ work, it has always been a joy to watch great films accompanied by an even better score. There is no better score in the history of film than John Williams’ Star Wars score. With Rogue One, to differentiate with the saga and stand alone films, we are given a new score by a new composer, Michael Giacchino. Unfortunately, the score is not only underwhelming but fails to provide a similar classic theme to what we have been given in every single Star Wars film. From Duel of the Fates to the Imperial March, to last year’s Jedi Steps and Rey’s Theme, there is always a standout piece of music and this film lacks that.
Rogue One ultimately connects Episodes III and IV in ways we could have never imagined. A film that can be seen in theaters and after, you can go home and watch its sequel instantly in the comfort of your own home. I would be hard pressed to find a prequel that will connect to its predecessor the way Rogue One connects to A New Hope. Despite its hiccups in character development and music, Rogue One is a film that will be remembered in time as a great Star Wars film.
Reel Talk gives Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 3.5 reels
