Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Released 12/16/16
I think the first thing that needs to be addressed is can Rogue One be different from what has come before and still definitively have a Star Wars feel? There has been backlash against every film outside of the "Holy Trilogy" encompassing IV-VI. The much maligned prequels, Episodes I-III, were such effects-laden exercises, that many thought story was sacrificed and the concept strayed too far from what SW originally was. The Force Awakens (Episode VII) was a welcome reversion back to the familiar for most. But, there was a loud contingent that thought it was too familiar and not daring enough. In many circles, it's been called a polished rehash of Episode IV.
From the lack of an opening crawl, Rogue One is different. It is one of the darker SW films on record. It depicts the dirty underbelly and unseemly side of war, albeit a fantasy space war. There's an undercurrent of the magical aspect as the Force is ever present. Hey, it's SW film right? The Force has to be part of the equation. But, with the exception of a few scenes, it's greatly underplayed.
So, that brings us to the question, "If not about the Skywalkers, what is Rogue One about?" Well for those hardcore SW fans, you already knew going in. But, believe it or not, not everyone is of our ilk, so this is for them. Bear with me for a few paragraphs.
In short, and I'll try not to give spoiler, Rogue One takes place between Episode III (Revenge of the Sith) and Episode IV (A New Hope). A prequel to A New Hope, it takes place roughly a few days before the events of that film. Now, if you've been around for more than 15 years, you've have likely seen Episode IV 10,000 times on cable and know that the opening features the desperate, but, futile escape attempt of Princess Leia's flagship from Imperial forces. Her ship is carrying the vital design plans of the Empire's superweapon, The Death Star. The opening crawl of A New Hope gives you the rundown of how the opening sequence came to be, "In a daring raid, Rebel spies have managed to steal the plans to the Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star", or something of that nature. Rogue One tells that story.
Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is a "guest" in an Imperial prison when the Rebel Alliance jailbreaks her for reasons unknown to her at the time. Once back at their headquarters on Yavin 4 (remember that from A New Hope?), the Alliance reveals their purpose. An Imperial cargo ship pilot has defected from the Empire and carries a holographic message from Jyn's father, Galen (Mads Mikkelsen), a coerced Imperial Research Scientist and chief designer of the Death Star. The defecting pilot is directed to Galen's old friend, Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker), a Clone Wars veteran who, like another well known SW character, seems to be more machine than man now. Saw runs a radical faction of Rebel fighters and isn't on the greatest terms with the main Alliance force which is why the Alliance needs Jyn as Saw was her foster father after the Empire claimed Galen.
Reluctantly teamed with Alliance Intelligence officer, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), and his reprogrammed Imperial droid, K-2SO, they're able to find Saw who plays for the message for Jyn. Galen has helped design the greatest weapon of mass murder ever. However, there is a subtle secret that he kept from his oppressive masters. Armed with this knowledge, Jyn, Cassian, K-2SO, the defecting pilot, and, two strange, but, resourceful allies they have picked up along the way narrowly escape annihilation from Imperial forces who realize there has been a breach in their security.
After a failed attempt to reacquire Galen, the motley group reveals his secret to Alliance leaders who can't come to a consensus on a course of action. The next step would be extremely dangerous involving raiding a heavily fortified Imperial stronghold to steal the design plans for the Death Star. Jyn's group, along with a squad of Rebel soldiers, defy orders deciding to complete the mission themselves. It's a mission akin to suicide, but, the Empire must be stopped at any cost.
Now, if you know the story of Episode IV, I'll leave the rest to your imagination as to how Rogue One concludes. I do commend director, Gareth Edwards, and all the creative powers on the film that they brought us to a plausible conclusion. This is war. It ain't pretty. Sometimes heroes take it on the chin before they succeed. I don't think I'm giving much away in saying they do transmit the plans to the Alliance. But, at what cost, you'll see.
While this is a dark, gritty, in-the-trenches kind of war movie, it still very much feels like Star Wars. It does have a little of the general hokiness all the films have. There aren't going to be any Oscar-winning performances here, but, everyone is more than adequate. You've got your signature insane space battle at the end. You've got amazing battle choreography with the Force, though not in the way you might think. Donnie Yen's, Chirrut Imwe, I think is implied to have some type of Force sensitivity with the way he fights being a blind man. If nothing else, he believes in the Force. But, outside of this, if you are looking for Jedi, you might be disappointed. Although there is a reference to Obi-Wan Kenobi even if he isn't called out by name.
Like I said earlier. War isn't pretty. And, sometimes the lines between good and bad can be blurred. Some of the "good guys" of the Alliance do certain things in the movie that aren't close to noble from executing informants to being ordered to carry out assassinations. It's pretty much a do what you have to do type of attitude. Different for Star Wars outside of Han Solo's killing of Greedo in cold blood (HAN SHOT FIRST). I appreciated Edwards not shying away from the greyness of those situations.
Although this is a cast of new players primarily, you get some old favorites thrown in to whet your appetite as well. There's a very brief "blink and you'll miss it" cameo from everyone's favorite droids, C-3PO and R2-D2. There's even some stock footage of Red and Gold fighter squadron leaders from A New Hope blended into the ending space battle if you're feeling nostalgic. Speaking of nostalgic, you'll get a glimpse of some "old friends" from the Mos Eisley cantina. Again, blink and you'll miss it. Oh, and, if you're interested, you'll learn why Luke Skywalker has the call sign "Red 5" in Episode IV.
One thing I would be remiss in mentioning as it seems to have received quite a lot of attention is the digitized additions of Peter Cushing's, Grand Moff Tarkin, and a younger Carrie Fisher's, Princess Leia. I've read some reports that some viewers found it a little off-putting dubbing their digital likenesses over stand-in actors. I found it a little odd at times, but, overall, I thought it was job well done. The effects specialists made it as seamless as possible. To those who didn't care for it, I say this to you. Can you really see anyone else in either role? Both almost had to be part of Rogue One to add that connection to Episode IV, and, given the circumstances of Cushing being deceased and Fisher being much older now than she would have been when this is supposed to take place, how else could it be done?
And, last note. You didn't honestly think I'd end this review without mentioning our favorite Sith Lord, did you? Darth Vader returns! Now, this is a double-edged sword. He's in Rogue One less than he's in A New Hope. But, oh, are his scenes memorable. We haven't seen this Vader onscreen since The Empire Strikes Back. He just oozes menace and evil. And, his final scene? You may make noises you didn't know you could make when you see it. He brought the house down and brought it all home. WELCOME BACK DARK LORD!
I wasn't sure what to make of these "side" Star Wars stories when I first heard that Disney was planning to release them in years when they didn't have a main saga release. But, if this is what Star Wars fans can expect going forward? We're in for a wild, crazy ride. The Force Awakens last year was comfort food for SW fans. Rogue One was a steak dinner. Keep it coming House of Mouse!
The Dark Lord of the Sith says:
***** stars
Ratings Legend
Zero *= Don't waste your time. Pure dreck! Dreck is too good for this! Blind me please!
1 *= Fuggedaboutit!
2 *= Average, Mediocre, Nothing Special
3 *= Worth a look. Better than a poke in the eye.
4 *= Great. I'm doing my happy dance!
5 *= Pure eye candy. I have seen the top of the mountain, and it is good
Zero *= Don't waste your time. Pure dreck! Dreck is too good for this! Blind me please!
1 *= Fuggedaboutit!
2 *= Average, Mediocre, Nothing Special
3 *= Worth a look. Better than a poke in the eye.
4 *= Great. I'm doing my happy dance!
5 *= Pure eye candy. I have seen the top of the mountain, and it is good
