Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Review

The new Bandits. 

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Review – This is the episode IVXZYIIXZ of the Star Wars series. Well…sorry to burst your bubble but actually…this is not a sequel or prequel but rather a stand-alone Star Wars story so the makers can generate more money milking from the fans. Meh

...that nasty Imperial's weapon of mass destruction called Death Star

Just not to get the audience confused, Rogue One is set just before Princess Leia decides to go against the Empire (or Imperial) with her ‘bandits’ of rebels. It tells the story of how ‘ordinary’ citizens decide to take action against a cruel regime. Scientist Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) ‘plants’ a defect while developing the ‘Death Star’ and hides the information in a holographic message for his daughter, Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) to figure it out. A deflected Imperial cargo pilot, Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed) carries the message and decided to help rebels to obtain the schematics for Death Star at a beach planet, Scarif highly protected by the Imperial force. Jyn gathers a small squad to try and steal the important data against the Rebel leader’s advice. An epic battle (what else did you expect?) ensues between the Imperial army and Rebels. Can Jyn and her comrades bring a New Hope?

Family portrait? 

What can be said about any Star Wars movies? One knows they only offer the best from the mixed cast that includes veteran like Forest Whitaker, James Earl Jones (despite lending his iconic voice as Darth Vader), we also get a mixture of Latin and Asian characters giving their finest performance in a role of a lifetime. The special effects are once again simply out of this world or galaxy for that matter. The renowned music score by John Williams is elevated further with its own Rogue twist. The storyline however is not as strong as the original Star Wars but still up to par. It’s enough to satisfy the fans and perhaps attracting new force into the franchise.

Look out for K-2SO 

After the release of Star Wars - The Force Awakens last year and more planned sequels, prequels and everything in between, Rogue One managed to stand on its own and maybe leave in impact. Star Wars after all is a story about intergalactic adventure that might last longer than our own existence.

Just as I was writing this review...news of Carrie Fisher (who played Princess Leia) came on and my heart broke a little. 

Thank you for being a beacon of Hope in your films and real life Carrie, may you Rest in Peace.