****
Unwittingly drawn into the Rebellion, Jyn Erso learns that her father has been building a weapon with the ability to destroy planets whole. Uniting with a rag-tag team, she sets out to find the plans for the Death Star.
There's usually a point during films when I, as a viewer, make up my mind whether I am going to enjoy the movie or not. With Rogue One, I was sold from that very first scene of the ships cruising in deep space. Reassured by how similar the aesthetics look to the original trilogy, I settled into a thoroughly enjoyable planet-hopping addition to the ubiquitous saga. Taking the reins from Daisy Ridley, Felicity Jones is our leading lady, playing wandering Jyn Erso. Initially unwilling to be a part of the Rebellion, Jyn's motivations take a turn when she receives a message from her long-lost father. A difficult role, both vulnerable and stubborn, Jones' Jyn soon develops into a decisive leader, partnered with battle-hardened Captain Andor (Diego Luna). Up in his spaceship, Ben Mendelsohn is this film's Big Bad, a power-hungry man desperate to control the Death Star. Cutting a striking screen presence, Mendelsohn suits the 'boo hiss' character well.
An A-list cast, however, is nothing without a good script, and luckily Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy deliver a witty screenplay that's packed with emotion, quick quips and references to the franchise as a whole. Yes, there is maybe too much planet-hopping at the beginning as we establish our central group, but the latter part of the film more than makes up for this opening. Even the long battle at the end of the film feels fresh and different, and yet also wonderfully in keeping with the legacy of the first films where a nail biting space fight was one of the highlights. Visually immersive, the film doesn't sacrifice the very human plot for spectacle alone, even in the war-esque third act. Supported by John Williams' sweeping score (featuring a clever adaptation on his original theme), Rogue One links the modern with the classic films effortlessly.
An rip-roaring action/adventure that fits seamlessly between Episodes 3 and 4, Rogue One is a worthy addition to the Star Wars franchise. Yes, there aren't any lightsabers and the opening sequence misses the iconic scrolling text, but Gareth Edwards has created a heartfelt tribute to the original films that's sure to leave a smile on your face.
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