Rogue One becomes the first prequel to ‘Star Wars’ that is not incredibly disappointing
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the first in a new series of the Star Wars anthology films that set out to expand the universe laid out in the first seven movies. The movie centers around the early rebel alliance from the original Star Wars and their mission to retrieve the death star. This movie does not directly relate to the newest trilogy, started by The Force Awakens in 2015, so Rogue One is able to forge its own path in the Star Wars canon and stand out among the bland, muddled sci-fi movies that came out last month.
Unlike Passengers or Assassin's Creed, Rogue One is able to take a darker, more mature tone. Characters can die at any moment, so the audience is kept on the edge of their seat throughout the entirety of the film. Even if the viewer knows the ending going into the film, Gareth Edwards’ (inter)stellar direction makes them believe that the characters will not succeed in their mission. Magnificent performances by Felicity Jones, Forest Whitaker, and Diego Luna also help to fully immerse the viewer in this dark, suspenseful tale of the early rebel alliance. Great direction, gripping performances, and a killer story allow Rogue One: a Star Wars Story to become another great installment in the juggernaut franchise.