Often times when I see a new movie, and tell a friend that I've seen it they understandably get defensive and say, "Don't tell me anything about it!" In which I always sarcastically respond with, "Everyone dies!" Well, I've had to refrain from doing so with Rogue One because all of our characters actually do not make it out alive this time. What I really admired about this ending was how our main crew all received a valiant, hero's death. They all boldly went out fighting for a cause they deeply were immersed in. This ending was also incredibly fitting for the continuity of Star Wars because these Rebels are no where to be found in Episode IV-VI. It would have felt unsettling just to have them escape from Scarif.
The continuity of this film is something that truly puts it over the edge. Since this lands right before Episode IV in the Star Wars timeline, it would have been a missed opportunity not to have previous characters such as Tarkin or Vader. Although the CGI in which we Tarkin is not perfected, I think its a bold step that needed to be taken considering how close this is to New Hope and how it would have felt weird to re-cast the role. It is a bit jarring at times but it's crazy to see how far this facial CGI technology has come in the past five years. I think there is still some work to be done especially near the eyes but I found it very fitting for the movie. Leia's moment is very short lived so I don't believe it's fair to really say if the CGI really delivered or not but it definitely fit within the timeline and story.
Although seeing Leia was cool, the third act is heavily constructed with fantastic moments. The space battle over the beach planet Scarif is amazingly well shot and a visual spectacle. What I love about this movie is how it gets better and better as it goes on. The climax of the movie is arguably the best of any Star Wars film. We get a full space battle and an incredible land battle. It's a dream come true for any fan of the franchise.
The highlight of the third act is Darth Vader though. Vader doesn't get a whole lot of screentime in this movie which is a smart move due to the focus on Director Orson Krennic and Grand Moff Tarkin. However, watching Vader ignite his lightsaber and cutting down Rebel soldiers is a thing of beauty. It's like watching Michael Jordan in his prime. It took all the willpower within me not to applaud every moment within this scene upon viewing it in the theater.
Although the title is Star Wars, there has not really been a real war film within the franchise. Sure we had a CGI clone vs droid army in Episode II, but we were in no way attached to those characters. Rogue One changes that. Director Gareth Edwards does a miraculous job of bringing the grittiness of war within this universe. From the beginning, when Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) and Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) are sent by the Rebellion to find Saw Gerrera (Forrest Whitaker), we learn that Saw was dismissed by the Rebellion because his actions being too extreme. This is very reminiscent of Apocalypse Now and creates for an intriguing dynamic between Jyn and him due to the fact she was raised by Saw.
Another reason I greatly enjoyed this film was due to the fact I read James Luceno's novel, Catalyst. This book is the lead up to Rogue One and helps to bridge some of the gaps especially between the relationship of Galen and Krennic. It's not necessary to read but I highly suggest doing so then giving the film another view.
I covered my complaints within the non-spoiler review (link at the top) and gave a rating there, as well. If you have not checked that out then I highly recommend doing so! I am sure there are more spoilers I could get into but these are just what came to the top of my head. Please feel free to let me know of anything I am missing that you would like to discuss!
