REVIEW: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” out of this world

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Courtesy Flickr

Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) battles her way through as the heroin of the newest Star Wars movie.

Caroline Beek, Staff Writer

Craving an action packed film that will leave you on the edge of your seat, but not sure what to watch? Look no further than “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”. The new Star Wars movie, rated PG-13, hit theaters on December 16, 2016 and has received amazing reviews. Filled with action, comedy, and even a little romance, “Rogue One” pleases all audiences.

Most Star Wars fans know that after “Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith”, there were many unanswered questions concerning how the plot transitions to “Episode 4: A New Hope.” To all of those Star Wars fans out there, our questions have been finally answered. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” does not disappoint as both a stand-alone film and as a prequel to the fourth movie. It connects the third and fourth movies, finally giving Star Wars fans the closure they needed.

Living as a farmer on an isolated planet, the movie begins with former scientist Galen Erso and his wife and young daughter panicking as evil Orson Krennic captures them. Krennic takes Galen away to finish a massive planet destroying weapon, the Death Star. Knowing that she must escape from Krennic, Jyn Erso, Galen’s daughter, escapes and ultimately builds herself up to be a mighty fighter. Along the way, she receives hidden messages and teams up with Rebel Captain, Cassian Andor, and the rest of the Rebel Alliance in an attempt to end the Death Star and evil vengeance, for good.

Two new faces appear in this Star Wars film, including Felicity Jones playing the strong female lead, Jyn Erso and Diego Luna as Captain Cassian Andor, a Rebel Alliance Captain who tries to act serious, but really has a huge heart. As always, Star Wars wouldn’t be Star Wars without a witty, humorous droid and that would be K-2SO, played by Alan Tudyk. Other recognizable faces from previous Star Wars films include Ben Mendelsohn as Orson Krennic and Mads Mikkelsen as Galen Erso.

Today’s technology has allowed the cinematography and the props to be as realistic as possible. The Star Wars creators were even able to include Peter Cushing, who had passed away 20 years ago, as the diabolical Grand Moff Tarkin. In a way, it was a little unsettling seeing a deceased man acting, but it was essential to include him to fully connect the movies.

Being the Star Wars fan that I am, the movie exceeded my expectations. Different from most Star Wars films, “Rogue One” had a war-like feel while still maintaining the normal sci-fi aspect. Some viewers didn’t like how it differed from the other movies in the trilogies, but this one is a side story and I think the Star Wars creators had the right idea by switching it up a bit.

The only real negative I can pinpoint about the movie is the confusing beginning. The movie travels to multiple galaxies and moves through time quickly which can lead to some confusion, so it’s important to be patient during the first half hour. However, I promise your confusion will end soon and all the pieces will fit together.

Although I would mainly recommend this movie to those who have seen the others, anyone of all ages can enjoy “Rogue One” as long as they have someone by their side willing to answer questions. So grab the popcorn and hit the theaters because “Rogue One” is going to take you to galaxies you’ve never been before.