Since Disney purchased Lucas Films, they have promised science fiction fans something big. That is more Star Wars films. After The Force Awakens, comes Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the first in independent storylines apart from the main series.

Directed by Gareth Edwards, this movie takes place in between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. It stars an ensemble cast and features cameos from some fan favorite characters.

Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is brought to the Rebel Alliance base on Yavin 4 to discover her long forgotten father Galen (Mads Mikkelsen) helped build a super weapon for the Galactic Empire. That weapon is none other than the Death Star. Together with a rag tag group of rebels including Rebel spy Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), reprogrammed Imperial droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), defected Imperial pilot Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed), blind warrior Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen), and ruthless mercenary Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen) they band together to try to stop the construction before its too late.

However, Governor Grand Moff Tarkin (Guy Henry) seizes command of the Death Star and is doing his best to take command from Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn). The Empire also has a secret weapon lurking in the shadows: Darth Vader (James Earl Jones).

This new Star Wars film definitely had the feel of the original trilogy. While I felt the first few minutes were rushed, it steadied in pace as the plot thickened. The display of the harsher side of the war between the Rebellion and the Empire was explored to its fullest extent. That kept me pulled in and tight with the plot.

Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, and Alan Tudyk as Jynn, Cassian, and K2SO respectively were my favorite characters. They were definitely some interesting characters that showed the heart of the Star Wars universe. The other characters were good as well and brought the story to its natural conclusion.

My main complaint about the movie is that there were scenes hinted at in the trailers, but were left out completely out of the film. Also, Darth Vader’s role was way too small. Instead of a CGI recreation of Governor Tarkin, providing Vader with a bigger role would have been a far superior choice.

Unlike other entries into the Disney Era of Star Wars, this film definitely captures the magic of the original six films, even referencing the Clone Wars animated series. It was grand, excellent, and I had such a great time watching it.

I wish Gareth Edwards had been chosen to direct the upcoming Episode VIII: The Last Jedi instead of the hack Rian Johnson. From how great this entry came out, I believe that he would have mastered that upcoming film.

A few mainstream movie critics are trying to push social messaging onto the film. However, I thought the film did a great job of avoiding placating the SJWs, you know, social junkie wimps (as I call them). Do not listen to these opinions on the film, while it had strong characters, including an excellent female lead, to me, it was just a great story.

Bottom line, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is on par with the original six films. So far, it is the best movie to come from Disney after acquiring LucasFilm. I hope this is a sign of things to come, but it is highly unlikely.

FAVORITE QUOTE: Make ten men feel like a hundred.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Strong science fiction violence and thematic elements

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my movie review for Solo: A Star Wars Story. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

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This article has been updated from a previous version.