★★★★★ out of 5
rated PG-13
released 12-15-2016, 133 minutes, Disney Studios
directed: Gareth Edwards
written: Chris Weiz, Tony Gilroy
starring: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelson, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelson, Alan Tudyk, Riz Amhed, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker
The Disney buyout of Lucas films Star Wars franchise was the best thing that could have happened to the franchise. The first film in the franchise from Disney was a fun romp that reintroduced us to many original characters and some great new ones, and extended the Star Wars story further along the original timeline. In Rouge One, we are taken back to a time between the two sets of three movies. To a time just before the first movie (episode 4 which was released in 1977). This film tells the story of the "Many" who lost their lives to get the secret weakness of the death star to the rebel fighters. This film is both darker and more intense than last years and sets a somber tone despite moments of humor. There are plenty of moments where fans will pick up on characters or lines that are classic Star Wars and in that respect this film delivers in spades. My only complaint is tha the first 10 minutes or so, there is no clear understanding about what is going on. A character or two is introducted and then we jump to a different scene. This went on for several jumps and I was getting irritated when finally the director started stitching a plot together. The movie took off from there and I was hooked. It moves at a brisk pace and is a blast. I give this Film 5 stars and recommend it as a must see. This film is violent and several major characters die. So, it is not for younger children.