The Diva Del Mar Feels Rebellious after watching Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
I have a confession to make, I’m not a big Star Wars fan. Sure, I grew up watching the films like any nerdy child and I like Yoda, the Ewoks, and the magical abilities of the Jedis, but I always had a hard time connecting with the story or the characters. I couldn’t relate, and when Episodes I-III came out, my indifference felt completely justified. And truly, I tip my hat to The Force Awakens as a solid sci-fi, cinematic experience with an outstanding score. Unfortunately, the reintroduction of the same characters and storylines didn’t thrill me as much as it did my fellow geeks. The reason I share this with you, is not to put down the Star Wars universe, but to say that Rogue One is the Star Wars movie that makes non-fans, fans yet again!
I almost took a pass when I was invited to a small press screening. It really was the trailers that piqued my interest. This didn’t look like any Star Wars film I’d seen before and maybe my disconnect with the franchise would allow me an objective critique. Also, Donnie Yen is a big deal to me, so I thought, why not? Now, a day after seeing the movie, I can tell you that even if Star Wars isn’t your thing, this movie is sensational and I’m going to try to tell you why without any spoilers.
First thing I noticed about Rogue One is that it has a very adult tone. This is a serious story, and one not mottled by sappy dialogue or characters that mainly serve as merchandising fodder. Every person in this story has a distinct purpose in the plot and doesn’t need to be taken with a grain of salt. It takes the time-honored Star Wars love of daddy issues and puts it to practical use, by cutting down the melodrama of its predecessors. It’s tighter, with a faster, fiercer pace. There is a heck of a lot at stake in this story and I’m glad it didn’t too cheeky to grab a silly laugh. In fact, the quips that are offered are sharp and a bit dry, without pandering to a kid’s sensibilities. And while the movie wasn’t made for children, they kept it kid-friendly, without dumbing it down.
The characters are a bit rougher around the edges too, and each one is given their moment in the spotlight, without feeling forced. Our main character is Jyn Erso, played wonderfully by Felicity Jones. She’s a tough cookie, having lived a difficult life after the Empire leaves her an orphan as a child. Jyn is reluctantly recruited into the Rebellion after stuff happens. (I promised no spoilers, so stuff just happens.) She’s a badger of a gal, small but feisty, with fighting skills to match. Cassian Andor, played by the ever-charismatic Diego Luna, is a captain of The Rebellion who joins Jyn early in the film. He has his own history of pain and loss, and it helps him relate to the fiery gal. They share a tangible chemistry between them and together they make a perfect pair of flawed heroes. Their relationship feels exceptionally real as it evolves in the film and I found myself moved by it.
Offering up a stand out performance is Riz Ahmed, who plays Bodhi Rook, a defected Imperial Pilot. He goes through a tough time in this story, and I loved watching his character grow. The character development throughout this new Star Wars story is a cut above all the other movies. It feels more sophisticated and nuanced. Sure, it’s hard to beat Vader’s crazy personal saga, but they have movies and movies to hash it out. In this case, you get a solid and complete arc in one film, cleverly revealed and beautifully acted.
Now about Donnie Yen, his cameos in the trailers have many folks curious and titillated. Here lies a bit of personal disappointment for me, as I would have like more screen time and more fight scenes with this martials arts extraordinaire. It was wise move to hold back, as it would have been a bit gratuitous, if forgivable. Edwards leans away from showboating with extensive close combat fighting sequences, only giving you choice bits of it here and there. Instead he goes for something grander as the pay-off, and this keeps it firmly in tune with Star Wars action themes.
The plot itself is satisfying and solves a question that you might not have ever thought to ask about the original film. I loved the story and found it compelling and a thoroughly engaging journey. Rogue One veers away from the space drama aspect of the franchise and instead gives the audience more of a straight adventure sci-fi flick with a lot of heart. The director, Gareth Edwards, knows how to build tension and he unleashes an epic thrill ride on the audience in the third act. It is truly heart-pounding, high-stakes amazingness!!
And for those of you who are die-hard Star Wars fanatics, you won’t be disappointed by Edwards’ approach. He leaves plenty of fun references and Easter eggs for you to enjoy immensely. Even with his subtle shift in tone, he honors the franchise with lots of nerdy love. And, again, I must refrain from saying more, because it would be a crime to spoil these moments of geeky joy.
Visually, this movie is stunning! It’s the Star Wars universe that geeks deserve, brilliant and bold. And blessedly, we get to see more than just desert planets. The movie was filmed across the globe with locations in Iceland, the Maldives, Jordan, and various parts of the United Kingdom. The Maldives is my favorite location and you’ll find out why. The special effects are flawless, but did we ever have any doubt that this would be the case? See it in 3D, it’s worth the extra two bucks to experience the visual advantage to a movie with esthetics this dynamic.
Gorgeous and wondrous, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the kind of film I can happily say I loved! It’s a darn good, thrilling, science fiction movie, no matter how you feel about the original films. For those who are big fans, it’s a nice supplemental to the story you have loved and I think you too, will rank this among your favorites! Go see it, and enjoy the wild ride.
Thanks for reading,
The Diva Del Mar
