A 2017 Movie Review - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Rogue One, the original title to this particular Star Wars prequel, was released in December, 2016, by director Gareth Edwards. Written by a team of writers (Gary Whitta. Chris Weitz, Tony Gilroy and John Knoll) who base their characters on those created by George Lucas for the original films. This film stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, and Alan Tudyk.

As a quest, Rogue One provides plenty of action to keep the die-hard Star Wars fan happy, and a fairly straightforward story line to appease those who view the film merely to write a review or as a companion to a viewer who is also a family member. As someone who failed to understand the fascination with the original film in 1977, I, unfortunately, fall into both categories. The film apparently begins with a memory, one which I would think was unpleasant. After discovering the now current character is the same as the one in the opening scenes of the film, the scene quickly escalates into one of uncertainty. More and more characters are presented, without proper introductions, until suddenly not only are they accepting of each other but they are also protecting and defending each other against the Empire. As for me and my experiences watching this film, I had far too many questions about what was going on to understand why it was happening at all.

When I think of Star Wars, I invariably think of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Hans Solo, R2-D2 & C-3PO, the Jedi and wookiees. I also think of lightsabers, battles, and mystery. The mysterious part, I’m sure, has to do with the fact that Star Wars was brand new in 1977, not a forty-year-old story told in a discombobulated reverse order. The characters stood out from each other and from other films or television shows. They were exotic. They were, in a sense, our future. I had accepted the Return of the Jedi, and the Empire Strikes Back as a continuation of the story, and I had also accepted the following prequel trilogy along with the fact that Anakin Skywalker had grown up to be Darth Vader. Aside from the fact that Luke and the Princess are siblings, this sums up my knowledge of the Star Wars epic. The most recognizable aspects, for certain, outside the theme music. Without checking facts, I’m not even sure how many films there have been in this franchise.

Despite my lack of foreknowledge, I settled into my dream lounger and prepared to be amazed. What I heard and saw seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary for the film, except that, disappointingly, it wasn’t unusual. I mean, I went in expecting to be amazed and came out feeling let down. I’ve never really been a science fiction fan other than preferring Star Trek to Star Wars, watching 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea as a small child, and watching every single rerun of Quantum Leap until I saw it in my sleep. So, what had I been expecting? More noteworthy characters, unfamiliar fashions, unexpected battle scenes rather than obviously choreographed ones, and special effects on-level with Harry Potter. Almost certainly not a beach full of palm trees. I have to admit, though, that the special effects used were much more brilliantly done than in the superhero action flicks. But, I was still disappointed that there weren’t more.

For fans of Star Wars, Rogue One is most likely an excellent film. Maybe even one of the best. But for this non-Star Wars fan, the film was average at best. Because I could not follow the story presented, I gave the film only five out of ten stars. For the cinematography, editing, special effects, and lighting. Personally, I would not recommend this film to anyone. However, understanding my own preferences and appreciations in film, I would recommend this film to the hardcore Star Wars fanatic. Because they will understand it and enjoy it. I’m 100% sure of it.