The TNP review: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG)
This is meant to be a standalone spin-off from the Star Wars movie universe, but it feels like Episode 3.5.
Well, technically it is.
Unlike last year's Star Wars: The Force Awakens, there are no huge story arc shattering big revelations or jaw-dropping shockers.
The story is straightforward. It basically serves as the set-up to 1977's Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, where we see how plans to the Death Star land in the hands of the Rebel forces.
But fans of the series will leave feeling satisfied as the dots are finally connected.
There are several "revivals" of the series' icons, such as the much-loved and revered Darth Vader (James Earl Jones!) and Peter Cushing, who's digitally resurrected as Death Star boss Grand Moff Tarkin.
Not spoilers because they were the lead villains of the story directly after this.
There's nostalgic aplenty too, thanks to Michael Giacchino's score which kept much of John Williams' classic composition.
That said, this flick is a very different animal altogether in terms of tone.
There's none of the attempts at political intrigue that plagued the original prequels. But neither is it the for-the-kids romp that was the original trilogy. This feels more grown up and the touch of Bourne screenwriter Tony Gilroy - brought on board for the ever-controversial reshoots - is very clear.
There is the tension of an espionage film and while there is humour, it's a dark humour.
We also have Asian actors - Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen - taking on major roles.
Like The Force Awakens, we have a brave young lass as the lead (and let's see some corners of the internet explode at that fact).
Like Daisy Ridley's Rey, Felicity Jones' Jyn Erso is a fearless fighter who went to the school of hard knocks.
But while Jones makes a good heroine, she lacks the spunk and spark to make her a convincing rebellion leader.
Sadly, Diego Luna as rebel captain Cassian Andor is merely serviceable. The chemistry between them is much lacking too.
Thankfully there are several scene-stealers.
Yen is a revelation as blind Jedi-wannabe Chirrut Imwe. Who knew the expressionless Mr Ip Man could be so expressive and hilarious? He has the best lines, not to mention the best moves.
The other standout is re-programmed Imperial droid K-2S0 (voiced by Alan Tudyk), who gives more sarcasm and wit than his human co-stars.
Director Gareth Edwards' experience as a visual artist came into play as the visuals are spectacular, particularly in the climactic battle.
However, it's a put-off that the Star Destroyers, Tie Fighters and X-Wing fighters do look like Lego models.
Such an irony that ground battles come across with an epic realism, yet the space ones come off looking cheap.
3.5/5
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