Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Steelbook)

Rogue One, what do I say really?This is a very different kind of movie than any other Star Wars movie has been to date. I grew up on the original trilogy, A New Hope came out right before I was born, so the movies literally resonated throughout my entire developmental cycle. Being a teen when the second trilogy started, or "the prequels" as they're more colloquially known, "the trilogy that shall not be named" by many more still, I was in my early twenties when the last of them released (Revenge of the Sith)... They were all terrible movies, frankly they were so bad I had kind of given up on the Star Wars IP ever really doing much for me again. And if you're one of those people that loves the prequel trilogy so much that my opinion offends you personally, move along, don't write a bunch of derisive, nasty stuff in the comments; you're the reason the internet is such a nasty place.More adult offerings came about in the "Knights of the Old Republic" games, those ended poorly too when BIOWARE took their franchise into MMO territory... Then "The Force Awakens" came out, and I was trepidacious to say the least. However, I was pleasantly surprised with TFA, it contained a far more appealing (in terms of "realism") look at the empire and some serious room to develop into an appropriate successor to the original films. My primary complaint was that I was put off with Kylo Ren being such an unappealing and weak personality; though, in the end I could accept that from a psychological perspective they'd channeled the behavioral DNA of school shooter into the character, he's an emotionally unstable young man born to loving parents who were of impressive stature and tumultuous roots. He has lots of room to become something very dangerous and possibly rival Darth Maul, never Vader I would think though...I digress.After TFA I was genuinely intrigued at the prospects that Disney was opening the doors to with the direction they were allowing the Star Wars IP to drift.Enter "Rogue One". I was not prepared. We went to see this opening night and I expected a silly, touching kind of sci-fi foray much like TFA; where in the end it was money well spent with some interesting "over dinner" conversation to have afterwards... I was wrong, I think everyone that went into this with that expectation had the same realization at some point. I was very genuinely moved several times during this movie, the way it's shot, it that plays out more like a WWII epic than a science fiction thriller, much less mindless action romp. I was amazed at the lack of Jedi, I actually clapped like a giddy kid at some of the cameos from A New Hope, and while it ebbs a little in the middle acts, as the conclusion nears, you're treated to one of the best space battles ever committed to film, and an ending that can't do anything but make you feel for everyone.This isn't a simple feel good sci-fi movie, it's not a standard Star Wars offering, it's a very deep film that keeps the light heart of the franchise intact here and there, but underneath it is the most cohesive story telling and gripping material the SW universe has seen to date.I can't recommend it enough for fans and newcomers alike. Amazing film, keep it up guys!On a side note, for the people that were bothered by the Leia cameo at the end, relax, facial mapping like they pulled off in this film is still largely new and labor intensive tech. I thought it was great that they included her.

best Star Wars film after the original 1st 3 films, #s "4, 5 & 6"

Star Wars is to this generation what Shakespeare was to the Renaissance. With it's beautiful and distinct visual style, elegant musical scores, and themes of faith, inner conflict, and all out war, there is something for everyone. As kids we all loved the action, a literal laser light show with swords and guns and spaceships. As adults, at least for my part, a deeper chord was struck (and I even felt it as a kid) that the inner struggles of these characters were something to savor.This movie felt much more like Star Wars cannon than did another, recent Star Wars movie whose title I will not mention. I say that because the story, the heart of the matter, was there. We weren't seeing famous people in token roles, or villains that felt contrived, or heroes instantly and inexplicably proficient with "the Force". We went in to the movie, at least I did, with the gut feeling that many if not all of the heroes in this movie weren't going to make it out alive. It was a story filled with true martyrs, ordinary people with character flaws, often tired and drained (few in number), yet determined to sacrifice all they had for the idea of freedom. That's kind of the story of Western Civilization.It wasn't the "cocky kid" swashbuckler style Ep. IV (though it honored that wonderful movie in every way). It wasn't the "Karate Kid" movie with teacher/student Obi-Wan/Anakin, Yoda/Luke story (though a rough nod was given to that with Chirrut & Baze). It wasn't a movie that emphasized exotic locations, or all-out light saber battles that we saw in all the previous movies--it's not the amount of light-sabre you have in a movie, it's how and where it's introduced that matters. It had the feel of a WWII movie set in a distant galaxy long ago and far away, where faith was waning, technology and war were rising, and hope seemed millions of light years out of reach. Hoping against hope. That's Star Wars. That's Rogue One.

I have been a Star Wars fan from when I was 3 years old. I was taken to the Mann Chinese in Hollywood in 77. When the movie was first announced I thought it would be an appetizer in between Episode 7 and Episode 8. Didn't think it would be as amazing as it was. I left the First Showing absolutely stunned and in awe. I'm not going to spoil anything but... I did my research before the movie came out by reading Catalyst. (Just to have the backstory). The movie is visually amazing. The storyline and acting was great to. This movie is full of emotions. I cried laughing a lot of the time. I cried out of sadness and I cried of PURE AWE (Darth Vader Scenes) The last 5 minutes is arguable the best 5 min in the Star Wars franchise. (That says a lot). Don't go into the movie expecting Light saber battles or force lighting. This is a war film. Stayed true to the Rebels first victory against the Empire but at the same time made you love characters on both sides. Krennic was Perfect. Tarkin was exactly like he was in mannerisms, phrases etc... Even if you are not a Star Wars fan. This is a amazing Movie for new fans. This is now the First Film I will show my future Girlfriends. The ORDER HAS CHANGED. Rogue One, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 1,2 and 3. Enjoy!!!! I have seen it 20 times in the theater and saw different easter eggs each time. THANK GOD Disney bought the franchise and we have Loads and Loads of future films in the future . They HAVE GIVEN LIFE BACK TO THE FRANCHISE where Lucas lost his passion for. Not taking away anything from George Lucas. He is the Grandfather and Creator of the biggest POP CULTURE FRANCHISE IN HISTORY!!!