Review: Rogue One – A Star Wars Story

Reviews, Theatrical Reviews, Top Story

Finally.  I made my way to see “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and I did so in style.  There’s a newish theatre near me, called Envision Cinema Bar and Grille.  Not only do they have those fancy recliners, they also bring food – really good food – right to your seat throughout the film.  I thought this might be distracting, but it was only minimally so.  I’ll definitely go back.  I’ll definitely have more of that Oreo Cheesecake.   And I’ll definitely see more films here.

I just hope they aren’t this boring.

I’ll confess that I’m not a huge Star Wars fan.  I enjoy the movies well enough and I’ve spent more than a few years at Star Wars Weekends back when Disney’s Hollywood Studios used to host this event.  But this one didn’t have the magic of the others; it felt like any other action sci-fi film.  As a movie, I suppose its fine.  Probably better than average, given the special effects and adventure of it all.

But I am still not entirely sure what happened.  I wonder if I were a bigger Star Wars fan if I’d have understood more of the context.  But films, especially mega-blockbusters, shouldn’t have a pre-requisite.

Felicity Jones (“Jyn Erso”) does a fair-enough job as the female heroine.  But she, like the rest of the characters are forgettable.  There were three laugh out loud moments, all from android K-2SO (Alan Tudyk).  His sarcasm was a welcome addition, but it made me long for Harrison Ford more than anything else.

And what on earth was Forrest Whitaker doing?  Such strange choices.

I enjoyed Darth Vader taking out several Rebellion soldiers with his Dark Jedi skills.  I liked that we now have a better understanding of what setup Episode Four, despite it being somewhat confusing.  But overall I left feeling disappointed.

Boredom is the critic’s worst enemy.  Thank goodness for that Oreo Cheesecake.

 

Kirk Sheppard has been involved in professional wrestling since 2000. He has worked behind the scenes in multiple capacities as well as ring announcing, managing, refereeing, and having the occasional match. He can be seen every weekend appearing on live events for the Northern Wrestling Federation in the Greater Cincinnati area. Kirk is also a playwright, amateur magician, theme park enthusiast, musician, photographer, teacher, trainer, mentor, and counselor. His first full-length play was workshopped and produced last August in Newport, KY. Tweet him at @kirksheppard