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[Bobby Roberts]

I think what helps make their deaths hit harder than most in Star Wars is a combination of a couple things

1) the sense of finality is so pronounced, in a way Star Wars typically doesn't indulge.
2) They're all so fucking tired that the real triumph is that they can finally rest.

These are not feelings Star Wars is known for trafficking in, and this movie not only goes there, it lands most of those punches. Structurally, these people more or less become the thing they're supposed to do for their mission, and while they might not be much as characters, you really do see how important it is to them to do their job, if only to feel some sense of catharsis that they mattered and/or meant something when it counted.

So one by one, they get to do those jobs, and do them well, and then they get to rest. They get their peace.

That this is all happening while the best space battle is being expertly cut together with the best ground battle, and the rhythm of the film just keeps building, and building - it's hard not to get emotionally caught up in all that. The film is just pushing you into that headspace relentlessly, and if you're willing to give just a little, you end up going the rest of the way with the characters.

It's also reminiscent of Anakin's Dark Deeds, but even more violent.

Yeah, this is a good call. This makes that track seem totally restrained. It's fucking perfect music for helpless screaming.

 

[MartyStu]

So I've been thinking. Everything in the movie ties up very neatly at the end, and they kill off everyone for the mission while giving them all a moment to "shine" even when they haven't really developed them enough. But there's one thing that really seems to stick out narratively. What is the narrative purpose for Jyn's crystal heirloom? Her mother gives it to her and tells her to "trust in the force", she carries it all her life, and even explains at one point that they're lightsaber cores for the Jedi of old. Yet, after referencing it and giving it a ton of focus for 2/3 of the movie, there's never any payoff. It's the Chekhov's gun that stays holstered and doesn't get used. Kinda weird.

Yeah, I thought the same thing too. I think that was mostly for word-building.

Kind of sloppy really.

 

[Boke1879]

Can I just reiterate that despite my criticisms of the film that I LOVED it and plan on re-watching ASAP. The thing about this movie is how much it makes me FEEL, as I said the characterizations were hella weak for a SW film, and yet when they all started biting the dust that shit hit me hard and good. Whenever I think about Jyn my eyes start to get watery when you realize that she had a HARD life, she never really caught a fucking break, not once. She couldn't even get the chance to talk with her father one last time, he dies before she can really reach him. He can't even tell her he "loves her," before he dies, all he can muster is, "I have so much to tell you." Jeez.

Her and everyone's sacrifices kind of makes me want to punch Luke in the face for being a whiny little bitch in ANH. But, then I calm down and remember how Yoda tore Luke apart in Empire and also how he was being manipulated into killing his own father by a bunch of old wizards he trusted. Still, Rogue One gave me all the correct feels and emotions that memberberries TFA did not. In fact, the only scene that made me want to cry in TFA is that final shot of Luke. Why? Because given the current state of the galaxy it means that him and all the sacrifices he and his friends made ultimately meant nothing. He just looked tired and depressed, like he was carrying the weight and guilt of the world on his shoulders. That shit made me feel something, not anything with Rey or Finn.

I got back from my 2nd viewing of the film earlier tonight. It's cliche, but the scene that got me to shed a tear was towards the end. With Jyn and Cassian hugging on the beach before the blasts engulfs them.

First off it's a beautiful shot. It's bittersweet. It's a beautiful shot. But they die, and the fully accept their death in that moment simply because they fulfilled their mission.

Like you said. The characters weren't developed enough, but for me I'm invested in this universe and these are people. They all happen to meet up and become part of a situation bigger than themselves. They made the ultimate sacrifice and it's sad. This movie shows you a different side of it all.

I'll never be able to watch ANH the same again because I'll be thinking about this movie every time in some capacity.

 

[sphagnum]

Vader sounded more regal than ever. Had a weird reading on one of the lines, can't remember which one.

"...an Imperial facility attacked...!" Or whatever it was, it was part of one of his sentences while dressing down Krennic. His voice sounds really old mannish at that one part.

 

[Count Dookkake]

So I've been thinking. Everything in the movie ties up very neatly at the end, and they kill off everyone for the mission while giving them all a moment to "shine" even when they haven't really developed them enough. But there's one thing that really seems to stick out narratively. What is the narrative purpose for Jyn's crystal heirloom? Her mother gives it to her and tells her to "trust in the force", she carries it all her life, and even explains at one point that they're lightsaber cores for the Jedi of old. Yet, after referencing it and giving it a ton of focus for 2/3 of the movie, there's never any payoff. It's the Chekhov's gun that stays holstered and doesn't get used. Kinda weird.

Chekhov's gun was fired, smarty-pants.

The crystal is why blind dude starts talking to Jyn.

 

[Vincent Alexander]

Yeah, I thought the same thing too. I think that was mostly for word-building.

Kind of sloppy really.

Agreed. There are a few attempts out there to string something to it. The most viable seems that her praying with the crystal let their ship get through security on their ship....but yeah. It's hard to tell with a film that feels a little cobbled together.

 

[JeTmAn81]

the cg for both leia and tarkin was the best ive ever seen.

It's not a great movie but you probably should've seen Avatar by now

 

[Back-In-Black]

I think what helps make their deaths hit harder than most in Star Wars is a combination of a couple things

1) the sense of finality is so pronounced, in a way Star Wars typically doesn't indulge.
2) They're all so fucking tired that the real triumph is that they can finally rest.

These are not feelings Star Wars is known for trafficking in, and this movie not only goes there, it lands most of those punches. Structurally, these people more or less become the thing they're supposed to do for their mission, and while they might not be much as characters, you really do see how important it is to them to do their job, if only to feel some sense of catharsis that they mattered and/or meant something when it counted.

So one by one, they get to do those jobs, and do them well, and then they get to rest. They get their peace.

That this is all happening while the best space battle is being expertly cut together with the best ground battle, and the rhythm of the film just keeps building, and building - it's hard not to get emotionally caught up in all that. The film is just pushing you into that headspace relentlessly, and if you're willing to give just a little, you end up going the rest of the way with the characters.

Yeah, this is a good call. This makes that track seem totally restrained. It's fucking perfect music for helpless screaming.

Actually, I think what hit hardest for me is how nobody remembers these people. Star Wars (OT) is the story of Luke and his friends, while the whole series is wrapped around the Skywalkers. The sacrifices of Rogue One are only remembered by a few, and we the audience are that privileged few that are allowed to witness their sacrifice and carry on their memory. Seeing Jimmy Smits with the Rebellion also hit me since he too looked old and tired, but still hopeful, yet we all know his ass gets blown up with Alderaan. But, no one remembers him and all the sacrifices prior that led to the eventual defeat of the Empire.

That's what hits me and it's what Star Wars should be about instead of this new idea of just the Skywalkers. It's supposed to be a story about small individuals wrapped up in impossibly large conflicts and yet through their actions they make lasting positive changes upon the galaxy.

 

[Bobby Roberts]

Actually, I think what hit hardest for me is how nobody remembers these people.

The rest of your point is well made and I agree with it - but they're remembered.

They get a whole squadron named after them in Empire Strikes Back.

Agreed. There are a few attempts out there to string something to it.

"Trust in the Force."

Fast forward over 20 years later, because of that necklace and her words, a fervent believer in the Force saves them on Jedha and ends up flipping the switch that ultimately allows the plans to leave Scarif.

 

[HF2014]

Well, finally came back from seeing it. Quick thoughts before I get back home.

Better characters: TFA. Better story: Rogue One

CGI Tarkin didn't look that bad tbh. You guys made it out to be like something out of a video game, but he looked pretty lifelike onscreen. His head kept doing some kind of bounce when he talked which made me realize it was CG.

Third act is phenomenal.

Baze/Chirrut are the OTP of the century.

This is probably the most political SW movie yet. Saw's forces against the stormtroopers on Jedha might as well have been Syria/Iraq footage.

Vader sounded more regal than ever. Had a weird reading on one of the lines, can't remember which one.

The Mon Calamari kick ass.

I need to rewatch ANH as soon as I get home. But I can already tell this movie makes the stakes for Luke and rebels' trench run on the Death Star even higher.

I saw a leak of Vader's last scene online, but seeing it onscreen made me actually gasp.

Overall, this is everything I wanted out of a new SW flick. Easily the best one since Empire. And here's my ranking because everyone loves those.

1. ANH
2. ESB
3. Rogue One
4. ROTJ
5. TFA
6-8. Who gives a fuck

100% behind everything you say. Don't forget also, sure TFA were having better characters, but characters in RO didn't need that much development anyway, they just die! TFA they need to develop these characters for whats coming next.

It was a great ride!

 

[The Technomancer]

That was real good. That was way better than Episode VII

I'll write up more detailed thoughts but briefly:
-Good acting, damn good script, amazing visuals, weirdly inert space fights

-Almost all of this movie's problems are in the editing, which is....interesting. A lot of shots that feel slightly miscut, and scenes that are a bit jagged

-Also I was not a fan of the score, I noticed it a bit too often, and it felt overdone at points

-Seriously I love the visuals in this movie. Episode VII felt like Star Wars aesthetics filtered through 30 years of toys. This felt like someone took inspiration from IV and blew it up to awe inspiring levels.

-Anyone else have trouble not laughing when the rebellion all take up cover behind what is essentially a Gears of War map, with lots of staggered scattered chest high supply crates, several minutes before a shootout happens?

 

[MartyStu]

Jyn gets more back story than pretty much any Star Wars character ever since they aren't trying to save any mystery about her for more movies. I don't get what you guys are talking about nothing being able to feel for her.

Backstory, yes, but her interaction with that is limited.

More than anything, she feels like a vessel for the writers to spout/do what needs to be done to get the plot moving.

There is not a strong, cohesive sense of character to her. The funny thing? Despite having the most backstory, she feels the most broadly drawn of the main characters.

 

[Boke1879]

Actually, I think what hit hardest for me is how nobody remembers these people. Star Wars (OT) is the story of Luke and his friends, while the whole series is wrapped around the Skywalkers. The sacrifices of Rogue One are only remembered by a few, and we the audience are that privileged few that are allowed to witness their sacrifice and carry on their memory. Seeing Jimmy Smits with the Rebellion also hit me since he too looked old and tired, but still hopeful, yet we all know his ass gets blown up with Alderaan. But, no one remembers him and all the sacrifices prior that led to the eventual defeat of the Empire.

That's what hits me and it's what Star Wars should be about instead of this new idea of just the Skywalkers. It's supposed to be a story about small individuals wrapped up in impossibly large conflicts and yet through their actions they make lasting positive changes upon the galaxy.

But that's kinda war in general right? lots of people lost to the pages of war that potentially made a difference. Yes we know the main saga is centered around the Skywalkers for obvious reasons. Also like Bobby said. They get a squadron named after them in ESB that Luke is charge of.

But we now WE know that story. That story has been told and it gives more weight and expands on ANH. At least to me.

 

[Vincent Alexander]

Backstory, yes, but her interaction with that is limited.

More than anything, she feels like a vessel for the writers to spout/do what needs to be done to get the plot moving.

There is not a strong, cohesive sense of character to her. The funny thing? Despite having the most backstory, she feels the most broadly drawn of the main characters.

And by all means, Rogue One has a better plot than TFA as many have said. But one of the reasons Rogue One as a whole comes off as a worse movie is that plot means nothing to me if the character(s) I'm experiencing it through is garbage. Like Jyn.

 

[Violence Jack]

Just got back. Without a doubt, I found this to be much better than TFA. It also left me with a geeky tear in my eye seeing how it directly lead into the beginning of Episode 4. K2SO is my new favorite SW robot. He was the best part of the movie to me. Cushing did look a little odd with his CGI head, but beggars can't be choosers, and I think they did about as good a job with him as expected. And that Darth Vader rampage at the end got me hyped. It also made me appreciate ANH even more than I did.

 

[Boke1879]

For me I don't think Jyn or any of the characters are garbage. They aren't the greatest and IMO that's where TFA excels the most.

But I feel no matter what these characters were always a vessel for the overall mission. That mission is ultimately to deliver the plans. Now that doesn't mean I don't still feel for them. I do. They made the ultimate sacrifice.

 

[FloatOn]

Aside from the awkward beginning I completely loved this movie

 

[Back-In-Black]

But that's kinda war in general right? lots of people lost to the pages of war that potentially made a difference. Yes we know the main saga is centered around the Skywalkers for obvious reasons. Also like Bobby said. They get a squadron named after them in ESB that Luke is charge of.

But we now WE know that story. That story has been told and it gives more weight and expands on ANH. At least to me.

Yes, I agree it brings the war down to a personal level. Of course, they get a squadron after them, but as far as we know, no one remembers the individuals. No one remembers Jyn and all the shit she went through to get those plans, they just remember Rogue One. It's sad and brilliant and how SW should be. Small individuals making a large difference and its why I'm loathe to discover that Rey is somehow a secret Skywalker or Kenobi.

 

[EatChildren]

Typing from my phone: I really enjoyed it but I feel it's on the fringe of being that next step better with a recut that extrapolates on some of the characters and cuts out the tonally inconsistent humour and one liners. It felt like a messy film to me in that respect, not always hitting its mark. Fully committing to its tone would have been better.

Score was shit though. Really, really forgettable and weak.

 

[MartyStu]

And by all means, Rogue One has a better plot than TFA as many have said. But one of the reasons Rogue One as a whole comes off as a worse movie is that plot means nothing to me if the character(s) I'm experiencing it through is garbage. Like Jyn.

Hmm, the problem with TFA is that the characters are not so good that the plot could have been neglected as it was.

I like both movies, but I believe Rogue One to be a much better movie mainly for its restraint.

 

[molnizzle]

Just got back from my 3rd viewing. I'm liking it more and more each time. Now that I'm over the initial shock of how briskly the first half moves I actually kind of dig it. Forest Whitaker's character is in the movie less than I expected which was jarring at first, but now that I'm prepared for it he's just another guy. There was so much exposition to fit into just one movie that I understand why they cut some stuff down. Big ensemble cast for just one action movie. I look forward to the Saw's Rebels comic (or whatever they end up doing).

I really, really like the first half now. It's refreshing how it jumps from planet to planet with seemingly every scene. The score is also growing on me too, I was humming the Rogue One theme all the way home.

When people compare it to the OT I think they forget that they've seen those movies like a thousand times. After digesting Rogue One multiple times I think people will start to appreciate it even more. I know I am!

 

[Blizzard]

I saw it tonight. I was unimpressed, maybe 6/10 for me, and I like Star Wars. I even wore a Vader shirt.

For one thing, it's incredibly long at over 2 hours, and even though we got in late our theater STILL made us sit through a ton of ads. It was that long even though they kept doing breakneck cuts to totally different planets with corner text telling you where you've warped to.

For another thing, I found it hard to care about almost any of the characters. I really enjoyed Force Awakens, I liked the new characters in Force Awakens, I thought Rey was awesome, and yet the actress + acting + delivery of the Rogue One lead actress bugged me. The main actor was kind of a jerk, which I think was intentional. The rest were just kind of...there, being dramatic and occasionally overacting. There was one neat plot tie-in (I really appreciated the intentional weak spot justification for the deathstar, and the engineer choosing to do it instead of die and have them build it without him), but otherwise it's sort of a bunch of random people dying.

However, there was cool Star Wars looking stuff. The music wasn't awful. The funny robot and the blind kung fu master were by far my favorite characters, and the end of the movie was much more compelling than the rest to me.

I realize I'm a minority opinion, but I guess if it's like Force Awakens and has 90% audience positive opinion, I'm the 1 out of 10 for once who didn't like it as much.

 

[Boke1879]

Yes, I agree it brings the war down to a personal level. Of course, they get a squadron after them, but as far as we know, no one remembers the individuals. No one remembers Jyn and all the shit she went through to get those plans, they just remember Rogue One. It's sad and brilliant and how SW should be. Small individuals making a large difference and its why I'm loathe to discover that Rey is somehow a secret Skywalker or Kenobi.

Well imo the main saga at least right now needs to center around the skywalkers. It's just how it should be. It's how it started. I'm glad we got this story because it showed a more grounded/everyday event in this universe.

But this movie is why I have hope for the anthology films. The Han Solo film imo is going to be the most riskiest in the sense that you can't really replace Ford, but I think it'll be good.

In the future I can't wait to get stories that move away from Rebellion/Empire and get more personal. Would love to see a movie focused on a Bounty Hunter.

 

[Speevy]

I don't mind the characters in Rogue One at all.

If you take a look at the movies, the prequels have straight up bad characters at many points due to the script.

For example, Anakin and Padme as well as most of the Jedi council and various other silly side characters (Jar Jar).

The original trilogy has obviously the best characters. Otherwise we wouldn't be talking about Star Wars so many decades later.

The Force Awakens and Rogue One exist somewhere in the middle, where the characters just kind of "remind" you of things you liked about original trilogy characters, like the wide-eyed young person without a family or the dashing pilot. You're very aware while watching The Force Awakens that your buttons are being pushed in this way.

Rogue One does this less. It knows it's not 1980 and you're never going to care about Jyn Erso more than Luke Skywalker. So it focuses solely on furthering the plot and complementing the existing universe while not reveling in it.

No one in Rogue One claims or is purported to be a savior of anything. You're getting unsung heroes of the rebellion and they act as such.

Again, all these characters lend credibility to the struggle that happens in episodes 4-6. It also had the balls to kill off its main characters when a lesser movie might have had a convenient ship waiting for everyone to fly off and escape the blasts.

I thought the actors did a pretty good job in portraying what they needed to show and to give the rebels more of a personality than they've ever had in the main movies.

It's like...if you like this movie, then more Star Wars movies should be like it.

If you hate this movie, then you must agree that there are elements in it that more Star Wars movies should adopt, and it doesn't devalue any scene or character in any other Star Wars movie.

I mean...it's not like Rogue One killed Han Solo or anything.

 

[GhaleonEB]

I think what helps make their deaths hit harder than most in Star Wars is a combination of a couple things

1) the sense of finality is so pronounced, in a way Star Wars typically doesn't indulge.
2) They're all so fucking tired that the real triumph is that they can finally rest.

These are not feelings Star Wars is known for trafficking in, and this movie not only goes there, it lands most of those punches. Structurally, these people more or less become the thing they're supposed to do for their mission, and while they might not be much as characters, you really do see how important it is to them to do their job, if only to feel some sense of catharsis that they mattered and/or meant something when it counted.

So one by one, they get to do those jobs, and do them well, and then they get to rest. They get their peace.

That this is all happening while the best space battle is being expertly cut together with the best ground battle, and the rhythm of the film just keeps building, and building - it's hard not to get emotionally caught up in all that. The film is just pushing you into that headspace relentlessly, and if you're willing to give just a little, you end up going the rest of the way with the characters.

Your point #1 was something I was thinking about earlier today. One element that added an extra oopmh to the deaths was, everyone knew well in advance that they were doomed, and kept fighting anyways. It's one thing to have someone go down in a fight suddenly - I'm thinking of a couple sudden rooftop deaths in the recent Magnificent Seven remake that had the emotional impact of a breakfast cereal commercial - but something else to see the fear, resolution and acceptance land in their eyes.

Like, I knew this would be a suicide mission going in. But it was pretty clear that they did too, well before it was over. At some point it turned from trying to survive to trying to move the mission along, at all costs. So it's got the whole they're doomed and going down fighting angle that brought an emotional element Star Wars hasn't had before. Not just that their back is to a wall and they're wondering how to get out. That's the life of a Rebel. They knew they couldn't get out, this was it, and they gave it their all so their cause could have one gasp of hope. That added a layer of tragedy over the entire ending sequence.

 

[Ether_Snake]

So I've been thinking. Everything in the movie ties up very neatly at the end, and they kill off everyone for the mission while giving them all a moment to "shine" even when they haven't really developed them enough. But there's one thing that really seems to stick out narratively. What is the narrative purpose for Jyn's crystal heirloom? Her mother gives it to her and tells her to "trust in the force", she carries it all her life, and even explains at one point that they're lightsaber cores for the Jedi of old. Yet, after referencing it and giving it a ton of focus for 2/3 of the movie, there's never any payoff. It's the Chekhov's gun that stays holstered and doesn't get used. Kinda weird.

Like I said before, even Churrin (Asian man, not sure his actual name) has one in his staff according to the guide image posted above. I am nearly 100% certain that they have been kept as heirlooms of the past, relics of those who believe in the force.

So I am nearly sure that Rey will have one in her staff, she just doesn't know yet. I know the staff was probably just found somewhere, but on the planet she is on is likely a place that was a refuge for followers of the force as seen at the beginning of VII.

There is no way that this movie made these obvious references to these crystals without them playing a role in some way in the next movies. Luke will probably just pull it out of her staff, and make her or she'll make a double-bladed saber or something.

edit: And yeah Churrin senses the crystal, and that's how he connects with her.

 

[Boke1879]

Just got back from my 3rd viewing. I'm liking it more and more each time. Now that I'm over the initial shock of how briskly the first half moves I actually kind of dig it. Forest Whitaker's character is in the movie less than I expected which was jarring at first, but now that I'm prepared for it he's just another guy. There was so much exposition to fit into just one movie that I understand why they cut some stuff down. Big ensemble cast for just one action movie. I look forward to the Saw's Rebels comic (or whatever they end up doing).

I really, really like the first half now. It's refreshing how it jumps from planet to planet with seemingly every scene. The score is also growing on me too, I was humming the Rogue One theme all the way home.

When people compare it to the OT I think they forget that they've seen those movies like a thousand times. After digesting Rogue One multiple times I think people will start to appreciate it even more. I know I am!

I'm probably gonna see it for a 3rd time on Christmas day.

With your next point about comparing all movies to the OT. I agree the OT is the high bar, but people also need to realize with ANH they hadn't really seen a lot of that on the big screen before. Not to mention it was a cultural phenomena. No SW movie released after that will do that ever again. ANH and the OT changed the world and our lives.

Now we're living in an age where SW is ingrained in our culture and lives.

 

[Vincent Alexander]

It's like...if you like this movie, then more Star Wars movies should be like it.

If you hate this movie, then you must agree that there are elements in it that more Star Wars movies should adopt, and it doesn't devalue any scene or character in any other Star Wars movie..

I want to respond and ramble a bit, but I genuinely am confused. Can you explain a bit what you mean by this part?

 

[Netherscourge]

Just left the theater.

Still shaking.

My first reaction:

The casting and makeup work alone deserves an Academy Award. I can not believe what they pulled off in this movie. I don't even know if it wasn't all just insane CGI facelifting or what. But, wow.

They can take all three Prequels, crumple them up and throw them away.

THIS is the only Prequel I needed.

That last 8 minutes or so blends perfectly into New Hope. It's literally the intro to New Hope, down to the fucking MINUTE.

 

[Blizzard]

Star Wars: Suicide Squad Edition (this isn't a knock on Rogue One, just a joke because they were basically a literal suicide squad ).

I complained about it being so long -- I almost wanted to check the time near the end -- but I just looked up Force Awakens. It turns out Force Awakens was 3 minutes LONGER, which is outright shocking to me considering how much I enjoyed that movie, even seeing it twice in theaters.

 

[Fatalah]

I found it on par with his work on Star Trek and previous films, mainly it being forgettable crap used to fill in the background.

His Star Trek work is on another level. I don't know what you're talking about!

 

[The Technomancer]

Typing from my phone: I really enjoyed it but I feel it's on the fringe of being that next step better with a recut that extrapolates on some of the characters and cuts out the tonally inconsistent humour and one liners. It felt like a messy film to me in that respect, not always hitting its mark. Fully committing to its tone would have been better.

Score was shit though. Really, really forgettable and weak.

The score just felt badly cut at points. Like, the music wasn't doing what it was supposed to

 

[JaMarco]

Disney is really the best thing to happen to Star Wars.

 

[Vincent Alexander]

Star Wars: Suicide Squad Edition

I complained about it being so long -- I almost wanted to check the time near the end -- but I just looked up Force Awakens. It turns out Force Awakens was 3 minutes LONGER, which is outright shocking to me considering how much I enjoyed that movie, even seeing it twice in theaters.

I know what you mean. I saw The Force Awakens 5 times in theaters and it was only a drag about when Han showed up and they had to run away from scary space monsters. Rogue Squadron oddly enough felt too long before Act 3 even hit. Probably because it felt like it dragged ass too much with getting to the actual act of stealing the plans. However, once Act 3 hit I enjoyed it enough that I stopped feeling like the movie was too long, except for Jyn getting the hard drive. That whole sequence and the act of climbing to the top was a bit long for me. Anytime a naval battle is about to break out though I'm all:
(I found a better gif)

 

[Rentahamster]

So I've been thinking. Everything in the movie ties up very neatly at the end, and they kill off everyone for the mission while giving them all a moment to "shine" even when they haven't really developed them enough. But there's one thing that really seems to stick out narratively. What is the narrative purpose for Jyn's crystal heirloom? Her mother gives it to her and tells her to "trust in the force", she carries it all her life, and even explains at one point that they're lightsaber cores for the Jedi of old. Yet, after referencing it and giving it a ton of focus for 2/3 of the movie, there's never any payoff. It's the Chekhov's gun that stays holstered and doesn't get used. Kinda weird.

Aside from symbolism and triggering flashbacks and whatnot, I'm pretty sure there was something else that it was used for, that moved the plot forward.


edit: Yeah this -

Chekhov's gun was fired, smarty-pants.

The crystal is why blind dude starts talking to Jyn.

 

[Speevy]

I want to respond and ramble a bit, but I genuinely am confused. Can you explain a bit what you mean by this part?

Rogue One presents a really dirty, gritty, and fully fleshed out world with many interesting locations. Also, battles are intense and epic in a way that they weren't in TFA. It also does away with the sterile video gamey look of the prequels.

Therefore it has at least a quality or two that has been missing since the original trilogy, and that's something worth celebrating.

 

[Rentahamster]

This is probably the most political SW movie yet.

More than ROTS' references to the Bush administration?

 

[Guileless]

I did find the CGI Tarkin a bit distracting though.

Peter Cushing had a screen presence honed by decades of acting. Can't fake that.

 

[sphagnum]

The casting and makeup work alone deserves an Academy Award. I can not believe what they pulled off in this movie. I don't even know if it wasn't all just insane CGI facelifting or what. But, wow.

Tarkin and Leia were CGI done over stand in actors.

 

[Bobby Roberts]

The score just felt badly cut at points. Like, the music wasn't doing what it was supposed to

Nah, I thought it worked pretty well.

More than ROTS' references to the Bush administration?

Yeah. It's really fitting that Star Wars was made in the wake of Nixon's bullshit, and it's direct prequel was made at the dawn of Trump's era.

 

[LevelNth]

The last 5 minutes of Rogue One somehow found a way to add to the lore of the most famous villain in cinematic history.

It's amazing what that scene does for the character in 300 seconds that the 6 hours of prequels couldn't do.

 

[Lord of Castamere]

I wonder if there's a correlation between "fat" and "bad pilot", or if it's just a coincidence.

 

[Anth0ny]

While the score wasn't memorable, I didn't think it was horrible.

I do wish they straight up re-used the iconic themes from Star Wars more since, you know, this story takes place the same damn day as Star Wars. They went to so many lengths to make sure everything was accurate to A New Hope, I think if there was ever an excuse to re-use some older, iconic themes more, it was with this film.

 

[Vincent Alexander]

The last 5 minutes of Rogue One somehow found a way to add to the lore of the most famous villain in cinematic history.

It's amazing what that scene does for the character in 300 seconds that the 6 hours of prequels couldn't do.

Don't be silly. The prequels added tons. For instance, did you know that Anakin was an amazing podracer before The Phantom Menace?

 

[The Technomancer]

Nah, I thought it worked pretty well.

I think my main problem with it is that the inspirational stuff ends up feeling waaaaay too cloying. Its incredibly impressive he did it in four weeks, but I think a slightly more subtle touch, even for Star Wars, would have done wonders

 

[Netherscourge]

The last 5 minutes of Rogue One somehow found a way to add to the lore of the most famous villain in cinematic history.

It's amazing what that scene does for the character in 300 seconds that the 6 hours of prequels couldn't do.

I always felt Vader needed more than just a force-choke to imbue the fear everyone had of him in those Lucas movies.

They FINALLY let him go full Sith in this movie.

It was spectacularly horrifying watching that slaughter.

 

[Grizzlyjin]

Honestly, we all knew this was about a suicide mission. But man, that last act still had me on the edge of my seat. So many third acts this year just felt like the writer or director didn't know how to end the movie, so they just throw some CG at the screen hoping the audience will be amazed. Independence Day, Suicide Squad, Batman V Superman, X-Men Apocalypse, etc. All those movies had big explosions and effects, but I just didn't fucking care. Rogue One, as underdeveloped as some of the characters might have been, made me care about a mission that I knew would succeed, and characters I knew would die.

I remember seeing a clip of Jyn's speech to the Rebels a few days ago and rolling my eyes at it. But seeing it all in context, it lands perfectly. And as heartfelt as it was, it still didn't convince everyone so they had to go it alone.

 

[Netherscourge]

So, did Chirrut have the Force or was it all typical Stormtrooper aiming deficiency that saved him? Along with his friend's overpowered gattling blaster.

 

[Speevy]

So, did Chirrut have the Force or was it all typical Stormtrooper aiming deficiency that saved him? Along with his friend's overpowered gattling blaster.

He had +10 stealth or whatever the KOTOR skill I don't remember.

 

[Boke1879]

The last 5 minutes of Rogue One somehow found a way to add to the lore of the most famous villain in cinematic history.

It's amazing what that scene does for the character in 300 seconds that the 6 hours of prequels couldn't do.

The hallway scene with him was amazing.

But the moment really hit me when he's standing there watching the Tantive IV leave and the camera pans on Vaders face and you here a slight riff of the Imperial March. That moment right there just sets up ANH perfectly. And just knowing the beginning of ANH and the OT as a whole. To me that moment just sets everything up well.