Rogue One : A Review

As a self-confessed Star Wars fan, It should come as no surprise to readers that I saw Rogue One three times over opening weekend. (One of them thanks to a press screening.) Each viewing time gave me a chance to think about the movie, and why it’s become one of my favorites in the Star Wars universe.

As a note to readers: I’m doing this review a little different than others. The bulk of this review will be spoiler free. You will though, have the option of clicking through and reading more content on the second page of this review, which will have Rogue One spoilers and Easter Eggs.

For those not as familiar with the Star Wars movies, Rogue One is intended as a stand- alone film, but it also nestles in between Episode III (Revenge of the Sith) and Episode IV (A New Hope). It occurs, in fact, just prior to, and in the minutes leading up to Episode IV.

Recall the opening crawl from Episode 1V:

“Episode IV, A NEW HOPE It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire. During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR, an armored space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet. Pursued by the Empire’s sinister agents, Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plans that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy…“

Rogue One tells the story of those Rebel spies, but the synopsis refers to them instead as heroes.

“In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.”

I loved Rogue One. The story captivated me as I watched it unfold. I loved all the characters, but especially K2-SO. I’ve always been a huge fan of Droids. I enjoy the importance they have on the story. K2-SO is a reprogrammed Imperial Security Droid who is now loyal to the alliance. He’s also the perfect insertion agent, blending in at Imperial outposts. He’s funny, charming and bit of a hero. It doesn't take much to get engrossed in the characters in Rogue One and I wish I could have gotten to know them all better.

On taking the kids: I’ve seen a lot of questions on social media about taking children to see Rogue One. I have a few thoughts on that. If you have a child who is familiar with the movies and has seen them, they’ll likely be okay, after all, no Star Wars film is without violence. But If you have a sensitive child, I would consider watching the movie without them first, and making that decision. Another option is to find a “Sensory Screening” in your city to view the film. These films have the sound lowered and lights partially up, so what is on the screen is less intense. It also means a child can choose to “hide behind” a tablet if they become overwhelmed.

Take the time to see Rogue One more than one time this holiday season. You won’t be disappointed. Consider watching Episode IV immediately after you’ve seen it. The success of the mission to steal the plans to the Death Star are what give hope to the Galaxy.

Rebellions are built on Hope.

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY is in theaters everywhere!

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