What is the one thing that all spin off makers dread while treading the deep waters of a mega-franchise? Rejection from the franchise fans. Well, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has no such fear as it goes down well with the huge fan base of original Star Wars trilogy. The fact that it doesn't touch the 'holy scripture' of the original Star Wars and promises to be just one story, let's it pass the tough scrutiny by the fans.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is like a fan fiction made for the fans before the events of the original Star Wars: A New Hope set in. It describes the story as to how Princess Lia gets the plan to destroy Vader ambitious project Death Star. Starring Felicity Jones as the lead character Jyn Erso, the film follows a group of rebel spies who unite to destroy Darth Vader's ambitious galaxy destroy machine, Death Star. It basically tells the tale before Princess Lia finds the 'hope' and Skywalker comes into the picture.
This prequel to the original and sequel to 2005 Revenge of Sith, is a story completely made for the galaxy. It has no familial ties with Darth Vader, no complexities of a Jedi nor a pack of extraordinary men under the guidance of Yoda. This one is purely based on the courage of rebels, ordinary men who have lost everything to the Imperial forces and has now decided to do something about it. It is this unity and greater mission that separates it from the original. The timeline is new, characters are new, but it's the appearance of familiar characters like Darth Vader, R2D2, C-3PO and of course Princess Lia that bring a smile to fans' faces.
The story has nothing new to offer, it strives on the same suspense and thrill we are used to in a Star Wars series. There is sacrifice, bravery and love that make the force to be with the character at crucial times. It is however, the heavy dose of nostalgia that makes this average story works. Last year, in December we saw the sequel of original series. It gave us a fresh start and a new outlook to carry on the series, whereas this Star War anthology film preserves the old charm of the 1977 classic series.
Felicity Jones is brilliant as a Star Wars' universe warrior. She's emotionally wounded, extremely good, intuitive and believes in a larger mission. She is not anything like Princess Lia but has her own depth and character. Giving her full support are Diago Luna as Cassian and villain of this story Ben Mendelsohn as Commander Krennic. This story also has a super-cool and sarcastic robot K2 who ends up being one of the real heroes of Rebel Alliance.
Rogue One: The Star Wars story has no Jedi or lightsaber action, neither does it carry heavy lecture on individuality or the working of the force, what it does have is repeated usage of 'May The Force Be With You' and 'I Have a Bad Feeling About This', which is enough to link it to the original franchise universe.
This story is made truly for the fans of the original Star Wars trilogy and doesn't disappoint like the 2000's much-criticised prequel - trilogy. Just take it like a story taken out from a fan-fiction and you will come out of the theatre with a nostalgic grin on your face and a 'new hope'. This one has the mercy of the force if not the entire force with it.
As Yoda must've said it, "For The Memories of the old. You Must."
Ratings: 3/5
Comments
0 comment