Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
Lucasfilm's 'Rogue One' is not without flaws, but provides some of the best action, and the most emotional end to a Star Wars film yet. Unfortunately, a problematic first hour holds the film back from greatness.
'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' is directed by Gareth Edwards. It's the first spinoff movie in the franchise, separating itself from the traditional episodic movies. Taking place just days before the opening of 'A New Hope', a young woman named Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) discovers that her father is at the head of the development of the evil Empire's planet-destroying weapon, the Death Star. Jyn and an ensemble of other unlikely heroes join forces with the Rebel Alliance to acquire the plans to the weapon. Known as Rogue One, the crew must fight the Empire and steal the plans before the Death Star's true power is unleashed.
The film begins with a quick pace; after a short prologue introducing viewers to Jyn's family and her situation, the film cuts to several different planet and gives each character a short introduction. So much so that it can get a little confusing. Luckily, there are title cards naming each planet and its relevance to the characters. This mostly works, especially the introduction of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna). Cassian is a recruiter for the Rebellion, and shows a different side of the original heroes of Star Wars. He's conflicted because he's ordered to kill innocent people for the greater good. It's a great test of his character but also a deepening of good and evil in the galaxy. Cassian works with a reprogrammed imperial droid known as K-2SO (voiced by Alan Tudyk). K2 is essentially C-3PO's asshole cousin, and provides much of the film's dark humor. He's violent, heartwarming, and hilarious all in one. Jyn is quick on her feet and rallies the rebels together. Baze (Wen Jiang) and Chirrut (Donnie Yen) are two friends that provide opposite qualities. Baze is more of a "blaster at your side" kind of guy, while Chirrut, who is blind, believes in the power of the Force and his trusty staff.What feels out of place are the scenes that introduce Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed). He's a defected imperial pilot who delivers the Death Star plans to Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker). Whitaker's performance is too over the top for my liking, and there are clearly scenes from the trailers involving Saw that didn't make it into the final cut. What should have been an impactful character who gives sentiment to Jyn's upbringing is wasted, and I was glad when his story arc ended.
What follows from that point on is pure Star Wars magic. The villain of 'Rogue One', Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) is played well, with layers to his character and motivation to prove himself to other imperial officers. He even has a nice moment with fan favorite Darth Vader, and joins the list of imperials force-choked by the sith lord. Wonderfully executed fight sequences take the center stage, both in space and on the ground. And each member of the Rogue One crew brings something different to the table, from Chirrut's incredible martial arts skills to K2's swift brutality. And what's even better is the immensefuly emotional end to the film, and the set up that leads straight into Episode IV. We grow to learn about and love these characters over a course of two hours, only to have them taken away from us just as they transmit the Death Star plans to the alliance. What really brings out the tissues is that each character has a moment of true heroism that brings an honorable death.
What holds 'Rogue One' back from greatness is a week first hour, after which the film becomes incredible. I also wasn't sold on a couple CGI recreations of classic characters, but the easter eggs and over all feel the movie gave me. Edwards and his team clearly have a love for classic Star Wars, and it bleeds onto the screen. This is a solid entry in the franchise, but it doesn't reach the greatness of other Star Wars films.
