First we had STAR WARS, which lead to 2 sequels making it a trilogy. Then we had a prequel of trilogies. Then we had a sequel to the series. But this time, it's neither a sequel, nor really a prequel. It's a midquel?
The 8th live action film in the STAR WARS franchise, is a stand-alone sequel to Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005) and a prequel to the original Star Wars film Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) as it ends at the point which that film begins. Rogue One stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, Jiang Wen, and Forest Whitaker, and follows Jyn Erso as the daughter of the unwilling designer of the Galactic Empire's superweapon, the Death Star, and her journey to find her father and obtain the schematics which show the reactor core vulnerability he left in its design.
***SPOLIERS***
I'm not really going to reveal any spoilers about the film right now. Not until after it's official release. You can comment a questions and I'll answer. I'll update the review after the release, with more details though.
***SPOILERS END***
Even though it's a standalone film, to truly appreciate the film, you need to be familiar with at least original STAR WARS. Better if you've seen both the trilogies though. There are several character references, and some characters themselves, that you won't know, until you know about the other films. Although, you could still watch the movie standalone, as long as you make yourself slightly familiar with the STAR WARS world. Which probably you already are!
Felicity Jones' performance the unconvinced rebel-fighter Jyn Erso is pretty impressive. She has the charm, the depth, the anger and a lot more to offer. Almost reminds you of a young Luke Skywalker. Mads Mikkelsen is Galen Erso is Jyn's distant father who the Rebels intercepted a transmission about the testing of the Death Star. Mads is so good and always a joy to watch. From Marvel Universe to Star Wars universe, he's making a mark Diego Luna as Rebel Alliance Intelligence Officer Cassian Andor is a joy to watch. Although he tends to be lil too serious at times. At times he seems like he'll end up a villain, cuz he's so damn serious. But the moments of joy & laughter come from Alan Tudyk as K-2SO, a Rebel-owned Imperial enforcer droid whose memory is wiped by Andor. He's funny, cool and fun. everywhere.
nother fun character is Chirrut Îmwe, played by Donnie Yen. He's brutal, he's cool, he's awesome and he's blind. He kicks some serious ass in the film. Ben Mendelsohn as Orson Krennic, the Director of Advanced Weapons Research for the Imperial Military, is also really good villain. He seemed like Christoph Waltz, but he's not. Riz Ahmed is Bodhi Rook, a former Imperial pilot who defects to the Rebels. Finally an Indian gets a good place in Star Wars universe, congratulation to Riz on that. He has a good part, which is kind of meek, but also fun, courageous and important. Forest Whitaker as Saw Gerrera, a veteran of the Clone Wars is really cool too. He's brutal, dangerous and maniac-ish. Forest makes Saw even cooler. And there's Darth Vader too!
The film is also beautifully shot. It's more on the lines of the new Star Wars film. Not a crazy CGI spectacle like the prequel trilogy. The film reminds you of original Star Wars trilogy, but still keeps it modern. There are not as many interesting aliens as you may want, but there are plenty. And the action sequences are very very cool. Lots of references to original Star Wars that the fans will find fun.
All in all, it's a great movie to watch, and it's going to be BIG for Disney this year. If you're a STAR WARS fan, you must watch it. If you are not a STAR WARS fan, or you haven't seen STAR WARS films, please go watch them. You have a lot too catchup on the holiday season!