‘Rogue One’ blasts off with positive review

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a film the Star Wars universe didn’t need but one movie-goers are now glad to have. Tying into the story- and timeline of the original trilogy, Rogue One follows a mismatched team of rebels as they face the tyrannical Galactic Empire to retrieve plans to the Death Star, a weapon of mass-destruction engineered by the Empire. Their actions lead directly into Episode IV: A New Hope. Noticing connections in Rogue One to the original trilogy adds even greater enjoyment for fans.

The film released December 16 and still has audiences excited—for good reason. The pacing was on the slower side during the first and second acts, but the action of the third—including beach-storming, aerial dogfights, and intense final face-offs—justifies any and all slower-moving sections that came before. Director Gareth Edwards knew what he was doing. Rogue One’s tense, suspenseful moments cause the audience to forget the outcome they already expect because of A New Hope and wonder, “Is it going to work? Are they going to make it?”

The ending scene alone is enough to warrant a first or second (or third or fourth) trip to the movies to see Rogue One.

In memory of Carrie Fisher. May the Force be with you, always.

Rating: PG-13 for extended sequences of sci-fi violence and action.