Film Review #10: Rogue One - A Star Wars story

Rogue One by John Knoll and Gary Whitta

Rogue One is set only a few days before the events of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope by George Lucas. It is a very good film in my opinion

Highs

Everyone Dies - I like it when there is death - it gives more impact onto the audience. Everyone who doesn't appear in the original trilogy dies in this film.
Good Characters - Some people thought that you didn't have enough time to get to know the characters. I beg to differ
A New Hope - So many ties with A New Hope and although there are some things that don't make sense (see below) it generally good to see so many ties
Rebels Crossover - The rebels crossover was done in a very good way. It was forced down the throats of Star Wars fans who have not seen Rebels (which is most people) but it is good for those who have seen it.
Vader's Castle - Vader's castle was in the original screeplays for Episode V, VI and VII and we finally see it in this film. It is rumoured to be in Episode VIII as well.
Ties with the Prequels - There weren't many ties with the prequels but ones that were good enough for me. Mustafar being the home to Vader's castle, the scout trooper on Jedha and the Clone Turbo Tank on the planet where Jyn is a prisoner.
Humour - The film had excellent humour, portrayed very well in K2S0.
Clone Wars crossover - Saw Gerrera originating from that series.
Tarkin and Leia - Others may disagree but I thought that the CGI of Tarkin and Leia was done very well, especially Tarkin who was in the film a lot more than necessary. Tarkin is also my 5th favourite Star Wars character so I chuffed to see him in the film.
The Inclusion of Red and Gold Leaders - This was very good and took me by surprise. It makes perfect sense for them to have been there.

Lows

Diplomatic Mission - At the beginning of a New Hope, Leia claims that she is on a diplomatic mission back to her home planet of Alderaan. However at the end of Rogue One, Vader sees Tantive IV leave Admiral Raddus' ship. Was Leia being extra cheesy or is this a mistake?
Vader cutting down Rebel Soldiers - Most people would say this to be the highlight of the film, I disagree. Before I say why I have a problem with it I have to say that I did like the look of it. I don't like it because Vader doesn't use his lightsaber when battling non lightsaber users. He hasn't used it in the original trilogy or Rebels. Vader boarding Raddus' ship is similar to when he boards Tantive IV. Why doesn't he get his lightsaber out and cut down everyone there as well?
Raddus or Ackbar - If Raddus was orange then there is no doubt that most people would have assumed he was Ackbar. The characteristics are exactly the same. Raddus and Ackbar also have the same job. Raddus doesn't die at the end of the film so his inclusion wasn't so the frigate admiral would die.
Throw away cameos - I was pleased with most cameos but the Dr Evazan and Ponda Baba one I was less thrilled. I don't think it was a necessary one.
C 3P0 and R2 D2 cameo - I was pleased they were in the film and I would have been very unhappy if they weren't but I wish their inclusion was at Tantive IV and not on Yavin.

Primary Cast

Gyn Erso - 8/10 - Gyn was a good character but you didn't connect with her as much as the other characters.
Cassian Andor - 7/10 - Cassian was the least connectible character in the film in my opinion. I would have preferred it if Krennic killed him.
K2 S0 - 10/10 - Very humorous and died in a great way.
Chrriut Inwe - 10/10 - Had funny moments and was a great character
Baze Malbus - 9/10 - Same as above but less humorous.
Bodi Rook - 9/10 - I thought Bodi was well
Total: 53/60

Secondary Cast

Mon Mothma - 9/10 - portrayed in a great way and the reason why I have given her such a high mark is because in my opinion her reaction to Raddus going anyway was suburb.
General Draven - 6/10 - Perfectly fine character but I feel that General Dodanna should have filled this role.
Admiral Raddus - 9/10 - I loved this character but I have to say that I would have rather have seen Ackbar.
Galen Erso - 7/10 - Fine but not a stand out character
Saw Gerrera - 8/10 - A bit weird but I liked his similarities to Darth Vader. I often know randomly say "Bodi....Rook" and "Porcalay"
Total: 39/50

Enemy Rating

Krennic - 6/10 - Krennic was overshadowed by two other great enemies and I don't feel that Krennic himself was that villainous.
Tarkin - 10/10 - Well done and my favourite line is from him which is "You may fire when ready"
Darth Vader - 9/10 - Vader chopping down at the end I enjoyed but I wish they didn't do it.
Stormtroopers - 9/10 - They were hitting their targets well I thought.
Total: 34/40

Story Rating

Story: 9/10 - Well done but not entirely original due to it having to follow a few points from Star Wars: A New Hope.
Seriousness: 10/10 - Everyone dies
Scariness: 8/10 - I didn't find it that scary but others might have done.
Humour: 8/10 - It wasn't a comedy but it had funny moments definitely.
Continuity: 8/10 - Mostly well connected with A New Hope but like all prequels there are some minor blibs.
Total: 43/50

Total: 169/200

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi - 90.00%
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens - 86.47%
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back - 92.50%

World War Z - 70.00%

Hot Fuzz - 78.57%

Shaun of the Dead - 79.23%

World's End - 75.83%

The Lady in the Van - 76.66%

Dad's Army - 72.94%

Rogue One - 84.50%

Despite it being the lowest Star Wars film that I have rated it is personally better than the other Star Wars films that I have reviwed.