Released in December of last year, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is Disney and LucasFilm’s first entry in what will be a long line of spin-off movies set within the “Star Wars” universe, with each one planning to be released in between the numbered entries following “The Force Awakens.” The movie is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, and Forest Whitaker, among many others. With a score of 85 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a domestic box office total of over $498 million, the force is strong with this film.
Set in between “Revenge of the Sith” and “A New Hope,” the movie follows Jyn Erso, the daughter of a man who was taken away by the Galactic Empire when she was young so that he could assist them with the construction of their super-weapon, the Death Star. With the help of a group of individuals including Cassian Andor, the droid K-250 and more, she sets out to not only find her father, but also the station’s plans that can turn the tide of war for the Rebel Alliance.
What sets “Rogue One” apart from past “Star Wars” films is the movie’s grounded nature, as the entire picture draws inspiration from war movies such as “The Dirty Dozen” and “Bridge on the River Kwai” in order to create an experience that’s a far cry from lightsabers and the force. Though the movie has a shaky start, once it starts rolling, the experience is one that will keep audiences hooked with its memorable characters and great action scenes, and for “Star Wars” fans, they will appreciate the numerous nods to the franchise, as well as how the film seamlessly connects to “A New Hope,” the movie that started it all.
by William Lowery
