ROGUE ONE

ROGUE ONE, the 2016 Star Wars movie, set sequentially just before the original Star Wars movie, Episode IV A New Hope, is now available on Netflix!   The film answers the big looming questions of why the Death Star was built with an exploitable weakness that could cause it to explode, what made the rebels hope that such a defect in the Death Star existed, and how the rebels acquired the architectural plans used to expose, pinpoint, and take advantage of that structural fallacy. 

 

Long time fans of the Star Wars franchise can marvel about the valor of all these unsung heroes whose brave sacrifices were necessary in order to make the future heroics of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Wedge Antilles possible.  When we think of all the real life historical heroes we have learned about throughout our lives, this movie provokes thought about all the unsung heroes, the ones who never made it into history books, never were canonized saints, don’t appear in any halls of fame, but whose lives and sacrifices have nevertheless enriched us, today, even though, during this lifetime, we will never hear their names or realize what they have done to improve the quality of our lives.

 

While some cameo appearances by classic Star Wars characters such as Darth Vader, R2D2, C-3PO, Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, Ponda Baba and Dr. Evazan enhance the story, the main characters are unique to this movie.  While it is remarkable that new faces to the Star Wars universe successfully carry the bulk of the story with the same degree of intrigue and intensity that legendary Star Wars characters have provided in the past, it is also sad, as a Star Wars fan, that we will likely only get to see these new characters such as Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, Chirrut Îmwe, Baze Malbus, Bodhi Rook, Admiral Raddus, and K-2SO in this one Star Wars movie.

 

Jyn Erso is the central protagonist, convincingly portrayed by talented actress Felicity Jones who will undoubtedly be sought after by casting agents for major motion pictures, after this breakthrough performance.  Jyn Erso is a very likeable character, the daughter of Galen Erso who designed the Death Star, but under duress, therefore installing its major flaw.  Jyn is willing to take a stand for what she believes in, while logically articulating her points.  She has the drive and charisma to gain a following among other rebels, and the willingness to risk her own life for a greater cause.  Unlike previous Star Wars heroines, she is neither objectified, nor does she have any superpowers.  She is instead appreciated as a relatable person who the viewers admire and want to see succeed, a positive role model.

 

Cassian Andor is the main male character, initially appearing two-faced, accompanying Jyn on a mission that included Cassian having orders to assassinate Jyn’s father, without Jyn’s knowledge.  Diego Luna, who portrays Cassian, invokes many emotions from the viewers, some positive, some negative, but all intentional, indicating great acting talent.

 

Chirrut Îmwe is an intriguing character brought to life by Donnie Yen.  He is not a Jedi, but he is strong with the force, and the force is strong with him.  He is blind, yet an excellent fighter, and someone who you want on your side in a battle. 

 

Admiral Raddus is of the Mon Calamari species, with a similar appearance and voice to Admiral Ackbar from Return of the Jedi.  Admiral Raddus’ role, personality, and likeability are essentially the same as Admiral Ackbar’s.  This familiarity makes him more likeable, as seeing him brings back memories of the rebel attack on the second Death Star, while unused flight footage of Red Leader and Gold Leader from A New Hope also brings back memories of the attack on the first Death Star.

 

Peter Cushing provides the all-time greatest acting performance ever given by someone who has been deceased for over 22 years prior to the movie hitting the theaters, at least in my opinion.  He reprises his role as Grand Moff Tarkin, the imperial leader who ran the original Death Star, even seeming to have a degree of authority over Darth Vader in A New Hope.  Cushing’s appearance in ROGUE ONE is not a result of unused footage, but of digital projections used upon the face of another actor who also voices Grand Moff Tarkin in ROGUE ONE.  Although highly controversial, this cutting edge cinematic feature has the potential to revolutionize the motion picture industry.

 

Both for classic Star Wars fans, and the new generation of fans of the new Star Wars movies, I highly recommend watching ROGUE ONE on Netflix, safe for the whole family, and highly entertaining.   It is definitely worth your time.