The thing that has always made George Lucas Galaxy Far Far Away so unique is its richness.
Every character, every planet, every plot point and technical spec seems to have been considered.
Its a thoroughly imagined universe full more obsessive details and arcane backstories than we can probably imagine.
Credit: Lucasfilm
The new film is set just prior to the originalStar Wars(Episode IV: A New Hope).
Where did they come from?How were they obtained?
Were they stolen or turned over by a traitor?
Granted, these may not be the questions that keep a lot of us up at night.
But thankfully, they do keep up people like Gareth Edwards.
Because that one tiny missing puzzle piece is the entire narrative forRogue One.
Han Solos not here, Lukes not here, Obi Wans not here.
This is a whole new stable of characters operating on the fringes of the world we know by heart.
When you think about it, thats pretty exciting.
And it opens up a world of cinematic possibilities moving forward.
As inThe Force Awakens, our hero this time out is a strong young woman searching for answers.
Like all of the best heroes, shes a reluctant one, nudged onto her journeys path by fate.
There are a lot of new characters inRogue Oneto keep track of.
(Youll know him when you see him because it looks like he wandered in fromThe Polar Express.)
Theres also Diego Lunas Cassian Andor, a Rebel spy who helps her steal the Death Star plans.
Oh, and a certain Sith Lord makes an appearance.
The presence of Darth Vader inRogue Onewas never a secret.
Maybe because with so many new characters and in a stand-alone non-saga movie, they needed some star power.
But really this is Jyns story.
Maybe even more thanThe Force Awakenswas Reys.
She makes her human.
I wish Luna had a little more personality, a little more Han Solo swagger, to match her.
Rogue Oneis aStar Warsfilm, yes.
And it feels epic.
This motley band of thieves and scoundrels has to nick some blueprints.
Its when the movie really goes into hyperdrive.
Theres a lot to take in inRogue One.
Rogue Onewould have been a very good stand-alone sci-fi movie if it came out under a different name.
