ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

 

 

RATED PG-13 (extended sequences of sci-fi violence and action)

RUNNING TIME: 134 minutes

DIRECTOR: Gareth Edwards

STARS:
Felicity Jones - Jyn Erso
Diego Luna - Cassian Andor
Ben Mendelsohn - Orson Krennic
Mads Mikkelsen - Galen Erso
Donnie Yen - Chirrut Îmwe
Alan Tudyk - K-2SO (voice)
Forest Whitaker - Saw Gerrera
Riz Ahmed - Bodhi Rook

SYNOPSIS:
Taking place before the events in "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope", the Empire is constructing the Death Star - a weapon capable of destroying entire planets. Thrust into the rebels' plot to steal the plans for this weapon is Jyn Erso, an escaped Imperial prisoner with ties to the Death Star. Her father, scientist Galen Erso, had been forced by Imperial Science Director Orson Krennic to help build the powerful destructive machine. Now Jyn reluctantly joins the rebels to accomplish their mission to save the galaxy.

ROG'S VIEWPOINT: 4 CAMS
Explosive action, interesting characters and a compelling story make this stand-alone movie in the Star Wars universe a winner all the way. Gareth Edwards ("Godzilla") reverentially directs with an eye for detail that should delight hardcore fans of this iconic franchise. Clever references to the series are plentiful and there's a cameo or two, but non-fans will enjoy this fabulous adventure and find it fairly easy to follow. New characters populate this galaxy with Felicity Jones leading the way as the fearless Jyn Erso, this film's most memorable human portrayal. But the real scene-stealer is the reprogrammed Imperial droid K-2SO, brought to life by the voice of Alan Tudyk. This droid won't make you forget R2-D2, but he's a force to be reckoned with. Also along for this ride are Diego Luna as intelligence officer Capt. Cassian Andor, Donnie Yen as blind monk Chirrut Îmwe and Riz Ahmed as ex-Imperial fighter pilot Bodhi Rook. Ben Mendelsohn represents the evil side as Director Orson Krennic. While 1977's "Star Wars" was a western set in outer space, this prequel is an epic war movie with a spectacular ground battle. And yes, there's also warfare in the skies above. The special effects are dazzling and Michael Giacchino provides a fitting music score. For a truly immersive experience, spend a few extra bucks for IMAX 3D - it sucks the audience right into the action. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is stellar entertainment.