[yasr_overall_rating]
The Rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow.
Mother of Kwath! I was sworn under the oath of the Rebel Alliance not to reveal any plot points about Gareth Edward’s latest installment in the “Star Wars” saga. Chances are high that at least one limb of mine will be charred off by a lightsaber belonging to someone at Disney, if a spoiler were to pop up. No pressure.
Shrouded in secrecy, the screening – which took place in the Main Theater on the Disney lot – was crammed with diehard aficionados, ready to be whisked off to a galaxy far, far away. The level of hushed excitement for a new adventure in the Lucasverse was palpable. In this political climate, I don’t blame them for being so desperate for escapism – I’d also rather stand off against with the evil Orson Krennic (a smarmy Ben Mendelsohn) than have a few rounds of “Celebrity Apprentice” with our current fearless leader, General Don Trumpo.
To start, I have to admit that I was never a huge “Star Wars” fan. It has (mostly) nothing to do with the quality of the films – I grew up in tiny Switzerland, shielded from the “Star Wars” furor and oddly exposed to the somewhat more disturbing/reality-based fantasy fare of the 1980s: “Ghostbusters,” “The Neverending Story,” Tim Burton’s oeuvre… Whether my folks had some particular issues with George Lucas’ films, or they just somehow slid by me unnoticed – point remains, I was a late bloomer, encountering the Wookies well into my teens. Therefore, my opinion is in no way as informed as that of, say, the excited gentleman sitting next to me; let’s call him Lorrig.
As soon as the familiar booming soundtrack (Michael Giacchino taking over the reigns from John Williams) announced the most-beloved title credit of all time, Lorrig got up and wooed, barely able to contain his excitement. The film’s protagonist Jyn (a one-note (read: determined) Felicity Jones) embarks – or, rather, is forced to embark – on her MYSTERIOUS and convoluted quest, with the help of a conflicted Cassian Andor (a confused Diego Luna), a smartass robot sidekick (Alan Tudyk) and Chirrup (Donnie Yen), a blind (literally) believer in the Force who may or may not be a Jedi. Lorrig delved deep into their travails, absolutely transfixed by all the familiar references, tributes and sly nods. I found the meticulous adherence to fans’ expectations in “Rogue One” both commendable and abhorring – it tries so hard to to please and be original but ultimately adds up to one big ode to all things “Star Wars.”
Back to Lorrig. He cheered and wowed during an admittedly impressive battle between Chirrup and a small army. He didn’t seem to at all mind the fact that large chunks of the film’s running time were mired in boring politics and seemingly endless aerial battles, mouthing piu-piu along with the lasers on-screen. He giggled and gushed at every loving/forced reference, his damp palms making echoing noises as he clapped. Most of all, he seemed to enjoy Forest Whitaker, reprising his haunting role as Ker in the classic scientology propaganda “Battlefield Earth” (here he goes by the name of Saw). Loaded with relevant political themes, its tone strangely dark and angry (both thematically and visually), “Rogue One” has the most basic of “sci-fi opera” storylines. Lorrig lapped it all up.
There were a few moments where both Lorrig and I couldn’t help but quietly sit back and marvel at Greig Fraser’s swooping cinematography, his palette smoothly transitioning from drenched in rain and desolate to sunny and victorious. We gave each other a knowing nod now and then, such as when the film took a gamble that paid off by finally finding a funny sidekick in K-2SO, almost completely erasing Jar-Jar from our memories, or its numerous digital vistas, transporting us to wondrous worlds. The first half of the film especially kept both of us in a state of suspense (Jyn’s quest and determination are initially engrossing). The film’s epic sweep is undeniable.
Yet Lorrig seemed way more invested during the lengthy battle scenes, planet eradications and relocations – oh yes, and lasers. So many lasers. Every wisecrack, no matter how lame, made Lorrig burst out in uncontrollable laughter. His fist pumped in the air so many times, it created airwaves not dissimilar to those of the sabers on-screen.
But what do I know? Chances are, if you’re like Lorrig, you will enjoy the kriffing out of Edwards’ loud, dark and long chapter (subchapter? spin-off? prequel?) in the “Saga That Will Never Go Away.” However, if you’re reviewing the film based solely on its cinematic merits, such as memorable performances and jaw-dropping moments, originality and depth, you may come out of the theater muttering, “What the Sith…”
In theaters Friday, December 16th
