Rogue One: Finally Star War found its groove

After Return of the Jedi, what came forward was either forgettable or as some may consider it, abomination. Its a pity how subsequent sequels (or prequels) did not do the original trilogy justice, they even undo the great expectation that came with the name "Star Wars". The expectation was so low, that last year sequel receive good reviews despite (according to a lot of people) was just average. Seriously, I could barely remember what happens in The Force Awaken.

However, Rogue One did open with some expectations. First, it did not fall into the main story frame, means it could have lots of room to maneuver. It function as a spin-off, rather than prequel/ sequel. Second, it is based on the complex world of Star Wars, which still impresses many despite so many complex movie universe in the cinema now. The only universe which probably is rich enough to spin a spin off is Harry Potter (although it is a series of book). Thirdly, after the luke warm episode VII last year, comparison is rather easy. Lastly: Donnie Yen. This guy would guarantee at least some tickets sales in the East. All of us in this part of the world know that Donnie Yen being in the movie means there are at least some breath taking fight scenes in the show. (except the CNY craps). And we were not disappointed.



To keep a story short, Rogue One is sort of prequel of Episode 4: A New Hope. If all of us Gen X babies recall from the numerous rerun in TV2 or TV3, the whole movie is about Luke destroying Deatah Star. (Leia in her famous golden bikini only comes in Episode 5). Rogue One is about how the resistance obtain that blueprint plan of the Death Star. And it fit nicely to the opening of Episode 4.

Everything in the movie is near perfect. Likable protagonist. Funny (instead of cute) droid. Plenty of action (though not enough light saber fights). Villain (Darth Vader is in it, what more can I ask for). And the fighters battle in space is brings back memories of the franchise. And (spoilers ahead) for second half of the movie, it set the dark tone for the movie. It reminded me so much of Bodyguard and Assassins, as all of the main character in the movie sacrificed themselves for a common goal. The brave move that Rogue One did was dare to kill off its character, and lead to such a great impact to the film.

Because there were so much going on, the main drawback was the lack of character development. So many questions were unanswered and not explored properly. Why Jyn Erso converted to the Rebellion so fast despite it was the resistant bomb that kill her father? Fear not, as the characterization of each one will help us to overlook the underdevelopment. Each character is distinct on its own, so much so they all fit nicely into a team like pieces of jigsaw puzzle.


One phrase to summarize the whole movie: Go watch it~!

Ratings: 4 poink~!
comments: Darth Vader appeared less menacing when he first appear in Rogue One, but the last scene involving Vader would remain one of the best Darth Vader scene ever, placing him as one of the most memorable and feared villain of all time.