[spoiler]This movie for me was better than episode 7. Holy ■■■■ it was damn good, and finally that weakness in the death star went from borderline comedy to something with more deeper meaning behind it. It took that plot hole and question “why the hell would they put that there?” And buttoned it up perfect. It was all the imprisoned architect’s plot for revenge and his self sacrifice to help the rebels defeat the empire. A man for years playing the part of a broken individual buried in his work and grief wanting to be left alone paving the way for victory.
Luke certainly had a part in it, but gaelan urso is the man who built the death star but ultimately was the architect for the rebel victory. So awesome! I also loved how the final battle just escalated into a full blown engagement. Rebels find out, they’re like ■■■■ the council let’s go! Hell yeah I’m getting the blu ray for sure[/spoiler]
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I thought that plot point about the Death Stars weakness was really amazing - it was understated enough that it didn’t come across as hackneyed but rather felt very meaningful. I also thought the battle over and for Scarif being cast as the first full scale military engagement of a long underground mostly political rebellion provided some really compelling back story as well. There was a hint of the types of inter-rebellion political turmoil that would have to exist in this type of environment but not so much that it dragged down the movie into a social commentary. Just enough to give even the minor foil type characters like General Draven realistic motivation other than to serve as the “bad guy” ruining the rebellion. These folks don’t want to put lives at risk for no reason. Those are tough choices to make. But then when shots were fired the rebels showed up and put it on the line.
And I will say every chance I get that the Vader hallway scene might be the best 20 seconds in movie history.
All in all I really do think this movie isn’t just good, it’s really good for the Star Wars saga. It adds weight and depth to the original trilogy (where the heroes all live) and the many generic rebels getting killed are kind of brushed aside.
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I agree about Leia… she looked like Princess Fiona from the FIRST Shrek movie.
“And I saw her face… now I’m a believer!” 
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I can’t agree with you enough. This wasn’t just a good Star Wars movie (It is one of the best, totally blowing away Force Awakens) it is a good movie… PERIOD.
I purchased the score and the music is stunning. I’m hoping that Williams will hand the reigns to Giacchino, as he does a great job emulating Williams, and in some ways even surpassing some of Williams more recent works (to Williams credit though, he is in his 80’s and has created most of the greatest scores in history).
I felt bad for all the character’s deaths. I haven’t felt this way for a Star Wars character in AGES.
I thought Jyn Erso was pretty well developed and the other characters were developed only enough for you to know who they were, but all in all, I liked them all.
5 Sabrewulf Paws out of 5
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The hallway massacre finally gave us what episode 3 should have a decade ago. Vader being Vader, and he was absolutely devastating. Being in a pitch black hallway only to see him stalk into view lighting up his Saber and then going ham was amazing! FINALLY we see him killing troops living up to his name.
I’m probably going to re-watch episode 4 now because now it has a whole lot of new dimension added to it and this movie just further expanded its timeless life span more than it already is. Episode 8 has really big shoes to fill next year, and I hope it turns out absolutely amazing just like this one.
I am also praying for a Boba Fett movie with temuera Morrison since he was Jango fett. I think rogue one might cause a further demand for gritty and darker star wars movies and a Fett story post Sarlac pit would fit the bill
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Force Awakens had only one huge weakness, which is A New Hope already exists (**see bottom of post)
Rogue One had only one huge strength, which is A New Hope already exists
It was kewl to see how it tied into the Star Wars continuum. And scenes like the ending with Vadar just made memories of him as a character later in the series even better. Other than that it’s a pretty solid sci-fi action flick, but nothing particularly memorable- especially characters, whose names I’m pretty sure I will forget in 5 days time.
It was good as a action film set in the Star Wars Universe. But not good as a thematic Star Wars film- though this kind of appears to have been the point. In particular, the battle scene was well done. It managed to jump between “The Space fighting”, “The Ground fighting” and “Good guys being sneaky” without feeling disjointed. This happens alot in Star Wars and it never worked as well as it has here. Basically it’s what they attempted with The Battle of Yavin and The Battle of Naboo, but works better in every way.
Characters were not given any degree of depth really.
I give the movie 3 and 1/2 out of 5 creepy-CGI Moff Tarkins.
**This was actually all for the better. People complain about this, but it’s easy to forget an entire generation grew up without being introduced to the core thematic elements of Star Wars. Force Awakens basically got everyone up to speed with the happenings of the first three movies- not just in terms of plot but in terms of theme and universe. It allows the rest of the series to go on, unencumbered by any of this- and free to strike out on their own. Even better, it leaves those films with well-characterized protagonists and antagonists to do so with. Seriously, even as a highly rated movie, Force Awakens was underrated as hell.
I wish they would have left the original beach escape scene in the movie. Its all over the trailers but no where to be found in the movie. I read that they reshot the entire ending to what we see today because the original was very shaky hand cam war footage on the beach.
Owell…maybe it will be ont he DVD release? I personally didnt like the end where they just climbed the tower and the typical Crenik is about to shoot her and then Cassius is ALIVE and saves the day.
I want to see her run with the plans between the ATAT fire!