Hello, and welcome back to Movie Night - I'm your host Jonathan Paula.
I've always subscribed to the mantra that YouTubers should 'make content, not excuses'
- so rather than waste time explaining why I haven't posted on this channel in 52 days,
let's just jump into tonight's one and only review, for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story".
I've got a different feeling about this.
The first spin-off installment of the "Star Wars" film franchise was released worldwide
on December 16, 2016 - and is expected to earn at least four-times its large $200 million
dollar budget.
Right from the opening shot, which forgoes the use of the series' famous text crawl,
it's obvious this PG-13 rated space opera is going to be a different brand of "Star
Wars".
And while that approach gives way to a darker, and more unique experience, it isn't always
for the best.
Directed by Gareth Edwards - the 134-minute feature shares the heretofore unseen story
of how the Rebel Alliance stole the plans for the Death Star - which, obviously, directly
sets up the iconic original film from 1977.
Plus, one critical plot point involving that giant super-weapon's weakness is finally,
and cleverly addressed here with a believable retcon.
Leading our band of scrappy heroes into battle is Felicity Jones as a reluctant outsider
forced to help for personal reasons.
The beautiful 32-year-old brings a certain spitfire attitude and brave confidence to
the role, which is crucial, as she's basically the only female in the entire cast.
Inspiring her troops before a seemingly impossible mission, she reminds everyone, "We have hope.
Rebellions are built on hope!"
Alongside her as somewhat untrustworthy allies are Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Donnie Yen, Jiang
Wen, and Alan Tudyk.
And while Luna and Ahmend looked way to similar for my liking, Tudyk's portrayal of the sarcastic
droid K-2SO injected some excellent laughs into the incredibly dark script.
The supporting cast also includes fantastic work from Ben Mendelsohn as an uncompromising
Imperial officer, Forest Whitaker as a mysterious Clone War veteran, and Mads Mikkelsen as Jones'
long lost father.
These characters are all well-portrayed and interesting, but they're not developed enough
to become invested in.
With at least a dozen cameos and callbacks to "A New Hope", longtime fans will undoubtedly
be pleased with "Rogue One"'s integration into the classic mythos - which effectively
strengthens what came before.
In some respects however, Edwards went too far.
The heavy use of the Grand Moff Tarkin character was a foolish mistake.
Computer trickery and body-double Guy Henry are used to resurrect the likeness of the
late Peter Cushing, but the results never escape the "uncanny valley".
Much like Paul Walker's inclusion in "Furious 7" - this 'digital zombie' needed more work
to truly convince audiences they watching an actor who died in 1994.
Moreover, his inclusion was almost entirely unnecessary, as his duties could (and should)
have been divided amongst Mendelsohn's new villain, and Darth Vader's few appearances
- who is voiced once again by the iconic James Earl Jones.
And damn, he was legit scary in this picture.
The menacing fury he unleashes during a climatic moment is worth the price of admission alone,
and something only hinted at in previous installments.
On this same note, the feature predictably ends with another familiar character - but
their rubbery-looking CGI facelift completely distracts from what is otherwise a beautifully
poignant setup for "Episode IV".
And it's an easy fix too - don't have the character turn around!
Complaining about the visual authenticity of a cameo may sound like a minor gripes,
but it's akin to seeing an ugly plumber's crack at the next table over while you're
eating at a nice restaurant - sure, the quality of the meal itself is unchanged, but it is
an unpleasant distraction that really dampens your experience.
Those glaring mistakes aside, the visual effects by Industrial Light And Magic are absolutely
astonishing.
The camera work balances handheld excitement during intense fire-fights while steadier
wide-shots showcase the entire battlefield.
Plus, there are some fixed-perspective shots mounted to the side of an X-Wing during a
dog-fight that are especially cool.
Whether it's the tropical beaches of Scariff, the foggy rain of Eadu, or the gritty bustle
of the rebel base on Yavin IV - "Rogue One" does a wonderful job of creating, and re-creating
the familiar "Star Wars" universe we all know and love.
I'll be honest though - this picture took a while to really grab my attention.
Perhaps it's because the amazing "The Force Awakens" is still so fresh in my mind... but
"Rogue One" didn't really capture the same magic or hype I've felt with previous entries.
It's a feeling I can't truly describe...
other than to say, this movie impressed me, but never gave me Goosebumps.
With reports suggesting as much as 40% needed to be re-shot - some alterations are to be
expected, but nearly *everything* I enjoyed in the trailers - and I do mean everything
- was omitted from the final product.
It's the unfortunate reality of studio-controlled blockbusters, but a disappointment worth mentioning
just the same.
But what wasn't disappointing is the entire final act - a phenomenal realization of exciting
fantasy-action.
From aerial battles to an AT-AT beach siege, to a tense break-in of an imperial data facility
- these intertwined narratives deftly rise to a powerful conclusion.
With this being the first movie in the franchise not scored by John Williams, there's no one
I'd rather have replace him than Michael Giacchino - who does excellent work blending familiar
leitmotifs into a new and vibrant sound.
With more on-screen character deaths than the rest of the saga combined, it's clear
this is not the same "Star Wars" we saw as kids - but there's a lot of fantastic action
and fan-service that makes this necessary viewing for a slightly older crowd.
Despite stumbles in the beginning, and lack of character development, this is a supremely
fun time that functions as a perfect prequel.
I felt "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" was a GREAT, if flawed film that pairs well with
its predecessors.
That does it for this episode - but I'll be back after Christmas with my annual retrospective
of the best and worst movies of 2016.
Until then though, make sure to check out my Letterboxd profile for a collection of
20+ reviews I've published since Thanksgiving.
Or, you can click this information-icon to watch my other "Star Wars" reviews.
My name is Jonathan, thanks for watching and have a good Movie Night!