Spoiler free ‘Rogue One’ review: exciting addition to ‘Star Wars’ making fans want more

Another chapter is added to the Star Wars franchise with the first standalone film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, arrives on Friday. The beautiful, exciting and engaging film is not like the others, focused on the Skywalker family and Jedi Knights.

Rogue One is certainly different.

This new film is set between Revenge of the Sith (Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader, the birth of his children Luke and Leia) and the events of A New Hope (when Luke and Leia are grown). Focused on a ragtag bunch of rebels ultimately led by Felicity Jones’ Jyn Erso, Rogue One is more of a war film than a space adventure.

These rebels are set to battle the Empire to secure the design plans of the Death Star, the Empire’s new battle station, capable of destroying an entire planet.

Directed by Gareth Edwards, Jones is joined by Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, with Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker.

While the tone of the film is different, fans will be left wanting more. The development of these new characters was quick but surprisingly successful. Yen offered much more than just a martial art expert to battle Troopers and Tudyk’s K-2SO (a reprogrammed Empire droid) is certain to be a fan favorite.

Yes, there is Darth Vader.

Fortunately Vader is never forced onto the screen as the appearance makes sense, seems natural and offers up a great moment or two. There is no Ewoks or Jar Jar to distract from the great characters and fans will certainly enjoy the new faces and stunning action.

While there are plenty of practical effects, expect an Oscar nod for Visual Effects, Sound, Editing and all of the technical awards which came with Force Awakens.

Rogue One earns 4 out of 5 stars

Review by Kevin Reed

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