Star Wars: Rogue One

[epilogue]

I'll try to hit the big points in the spoiler tag:

Spoiler: show

- No crawl, as I figured, was not only totally fine, it was really cool.
- Gareth's direction and the cinematography are just outstanding from top to bottom.
- There wasn't a single boring part of this film for me. I was gripped from the first shot and the movie never let go
- K-2SO (while fun) is vastly overrated. Though, his "death" was one of the hardest to take.
- Bodhi Rook (maybe my favorite character in this film) is vastly underrated. His death ripped me apart.
- The first Vader/Krennic scene was my least favorite scene in the movie; Vader should have been a whisper until he appeared at the end.
- Tarkin was so well done. (Like others, my wife had no idea he was CGI and she asked me if Leia was old footage or CGI).
- This movie is visceral and violent.
- I was shocked by how much the violence affected me. I shook every time anyone (even a storm trooper) took a shot.
- Perhaps it's the current US climate but this movie felt so real and painful and relevant.
- I loved how this was a movie more about a rebellion than a person.
- I loved the in-fighting of the rebellion and the small rebellions within the rebellion.
- The theme of trust really hit me and rang true.
- More Saw Gerrara! He was fascinating and brilliantly portrayed. He could have his own Star Wars Story stand alone film.
- This is hands down the best acting we've ever seen in a Star Wars film.
- I did not see Chopper but I did catch the Syndulla reference.
- I love how this connected to the original film.
- Masterful move to have Galen build in the flaw in the Death Star. Great retconing that NEEDED to happen.
- I did not like how Krennic died.
- There were too many references to Star Wars; some of them really took me out of the movie and felt unnecessary.
- However, when those references worked (when they felt honest and not shoehorned) they were magical moments.
- This is the first Star Wars movie to make me cry.

100% agree on the Bodhi Rook comment, joey. Me too.

Such a great character. If I was going to write any Star Wars fan fiction, I'd probably write something about him.

[Monkey_Driven]

Also, I know it got a ton of buzz when the cast was announced, but it was so nice to have an action movie like this that wasn't completely filled with white dudes. The Star Wars universe is filled with diverse, unique characters. An alien or two would have made it even better.

[epilogue]

The movie isn't perfect. There are flaws, some kinda big, most of them fairly minor. But I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that (for me, personally) this is the Star Wars movie I've wanted since I was old enough to care about such things. Which is not to say that I think it's the best Star Wars movie to date. Time will have to tell on that. But it is what I've always wanted to see explored in the Star Wars universe. Grey characters, fuzzy morals, questionable ethics, complex ideas, real threats with real stakes and consequences. The Force as a thing but not THE thing. Gritty and just so beautifully shot. Every frame is beautiful. Every frame. And the tension is so full. I was knotted up the entire time, riveted to the screen.

My wife shared a similar critique that I've seen through this thread: that the characters weren't as well developed here as in previous films, especially The Force Awakens. Maybe that's true but it wasn't a weakness of the film for me. As others have said, this was much more about a cause, a rebellion, about hope and trust. I didn't need to know everything about these people or see them fleshed out completely. I liked the fuzzy edges and the gaps in our understanding.

[Monkey_Driven]

The movie isn't perfect. There are flaws, some kind big, most of them fairly minor. But I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that (for me, personally) this is the Star Wars movie I've wanted since I was old enough to care about such things. Which is not to say that I think it's the best Star Wars movie to date. Time will have to tell on that. But it is what I've always wanted to see explored in the Star Wars universe. Grey characters, fuzzy morals, questionable ethics, complex ideas, real threats with real stakes and consequences. The Force as a thing but not THE thing. Gritty and just so beautifully shot. Every frame is beautiful. Every frame. And the tension is so full. I was knotted up the entire time, riveted to the screen.

My wife shared a similar critique that I've seen through this thread: that the characters weren't as well developed here as in previous films, especially The Force Awakens. Maybe that's true but it wasn't a weakness of the film for me. As others have said, this was much more about a cause, a rebellion, about hope and trust. I didn't need to know everything about these people or see them fleshed out completely. I liked the fuzzy edges and the gaps in our understanding.

Completely agree. I didn't feel as much of a connection to these characters, but I did feel more a connection to the rebellion and the ragtag nature of it. They all have their own agendas and moral code. They probably could have explored that angle more, but they had to Disneyize it.

[epilogue]

Also, I know it got a ton of buzz when the cast was announced, but it was so nice to have an action movie like this that wasn't completely filled with white dudes. The Star Wars universe is filled with diverse, unique characters. An alien or two would have made it even better.

I COMPLETELY agree. Excellent point.

Though, I did notice that while there are plenty of women hanging around, the vast majority of them are passive characters. Maybe they have power or standing or whatever but few take real action, outside of Jyn, of course. It was nice to see female X-Wing pilots and one or two on the ground with a gun in hand. But it felt a bit "too little, too late" for me.

For example:

Spoiler: show

When Cassian gathers rebellion troops who want to take action and attack the base and retrieve the plans, even against Mon Mothma and the others' objections... how come all of them are men? Why is there literally no other woman will to "storm the beach" so to speak and support Jyn? That was weird.

All a tad nit picky, I'll concede. But it is something that I noticed and one of the first things my wife commented on after the film was over. But, yes, to your point, the diversity was awesome and helped expand the Star Wars universe without feeling like commentary or PC or whatever.

[BurtReynolds]

I would have loved to see Episode 7 directed by this guy. The storyline set up by 7 doesn't interest me in the slightest, so it would take a miracle for 8 to reverse that damage.

But then again I love that this is a standalone, self contained story with no hope of a sequel to get more toy sales, so I should be thankful that I got this one. I agree that it's the Star Wars movie I always wanted. Now I have it. That's good enough.

[epilogue]

The movie isn't perfect. There are flaws, some kind big, most of them fairly minor. But I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that (for me, personally) this is the Star Wars movie I've wanted since I was old enough to care about such things. Which is not to say that I think it's the best Star Wars movie to date. Time will have to tell on that. But it is what I've always wanted to see explored in the Star Wars universe. Grey characters, fuzzy morals, questionable ethics, complex ideas, real threats with real stakes and consequences. The Force as a thing but not THE thing. Gritty and just so beautifully shot. Every frame is beautiful. Every frame. And the tension is so full. I was knotted up the entire time, riveted to the screen.

My wife shared a similar critique that I've seen through this thread: that the characters weren't as well developed here as in previous films, especially The Force Awakens. Maybe that's true but it wasn't a weakness of the film for me. As others have said, this was much more about a cause, a rebellion, about hope and trust. I didn't need to know everything about these people or see them fleshed out completely. I liked the fuzzy edges and the gaps in our understanding.

Completely agree. I didn't feel as much of a connection to these characters, but I did feel more a connection to the rebellion and the ragtag nature of it. They all have their own agendas and moral code. They probably could have explored that angle more, but they had to Disneyize it.

I do wonder what the movie was before the reshoots. What was helped by them? What was hurt? What would the Gareth Edwards Complete Creative Freedom Independent version of this story/film have been? Is it basically what he wanted? Or are some of the things we're talking about here stuck the cutting room floor? What did Tony Gilroy add/delete/change/affect?

[Monkey_Driven]

The movie isn't perfect. There are flaws, some kind big, most of them fairly minor. But I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that (for me, personally) this is the Star Wars movie I've wanted since I was old enough to care about such things. Which is not to say that I think it's the best Star Wars movie to date. Time will have to tell on that. But it is what I've always wanted to see explored in the Star Wars universe. Grey characters, fuzzy morals, questionable ethics, complex ideas, real threats with real stakes and consequences. The Force as a thing but not THE thing. Gritty and just so beautifully shot. Every frame is beautiful. Every frame. And the tension is so full. I was knotted up the entire time, riveted to the screen.

My wife shared a similar critique that I've seen through this thread: that the characters weren't as well developed here as in previous films, especially The Force Awakens. Maybe that's true but it wasn't a weakness of the film for me. As others have said, this was much more about a cause, a rebellion, about hope and trust. I didn't need to know everything about these people or see them fleshed out completely. I liked the fuzzy edges and the gaps in our understanding.

Completely agree. I didn't feel as much of a connection to these characters, but I did feel more a connection to the rebellion and the ragtag nature of it. They all have their own agendas and moral code. They probably could have explored that angle more, but they had to Disneyize it.

I do wonder what the movie was before the reshoots. What was helped by them? What was hurt? What would the Gareth Edwards Complete Creative Freedom Independent version of this story/film have been? Is it basically what he wanted? Or are some of the things we're talking about here stuck the cutting room floor? What did Tony Gilroy add/delete/change/affect?

I have a feeling the Jyn flashback scenes/daddy issues were altered or reshot. I bet there was more with Saw that was left on the cutting room floor too.

[dimejinky99]

So joey

Spoiler: show

lets talk about THAT scene

[epilogue]

Here's something -- I feel like I'm gushing too much. So, for some reason this bugged me:

Spoiler: show

Much like others earlier mentioned the attack in the rain and how the ship hits rocks and crashes and none of the Storm Troopers or guards or employees seem to notice... Why the fuck does Krennic land so far away from Galen's house in the beginning? There's nothing but field in front of him and yet he chooses to park like a twenty minute walk away, giving the Erso's plenty of time to chat, hug, drink blue milk, devise a plan, enact the plan, say hey to Uncle Saw, run away, come back, and run away again.

Maybe Krennic was a brilliant guy but his tactical mind sucked. No wonder he failed. How different the rebellion would have been if he'd just parked in front of the house instead of in satellite parking lot.

[dimejinky99]

Here's something -- I feel like I'm gushing too much. So, for some reason this bugged me:

Spoiler: show

Much like others earlier mentioned the attack in the rain and how the ship hits rocks and crashes and none of the Storm Troopers or guards or employees seem to notice... Why the fuck does Krennic land so far away from Galen's house in the beginning? There's nothing but field in front of him and yet he chooses to park like a twenty minute walk away, giving the Erso's plenty of time to chat, hug, drink blue milk, devise a plan, enact the plan, say hey to Uncle Saw, run away, come back, and run away again.

Maybe Krennic was a brilliant guy but his tactical mind sucked. No wonder he failed. How different the rebellion would have been if he'd just parked in front of the house instead of in satellite parking lot.

Booby traps.


Listening to the audiobook of the novelisation and I think it mentions cos booby traps

[Monkey_Driven]

Here's something -- I feel like I'm gushing too much. So, for some reason this bugged me:

Spoiler: show

Much like others earlier mentioned the attack in the rain and how the ship hits rocks and crashes and none of the Storm Troopers or guards or employees seem to notice... Why the fuck does Krennic land so far away from Galen's house in the beginning? There's nothing but field in front of him and yet he chooses to park like a twenty minute walk away, giving the Erso's plenty of time to chat, hug, drink blue milk, devise a plan, enact the plan, say hey to Uncle Saw, run away, come back, and run away again.

Maybe Krennic was a brilliant guy but his tactical mind sucked. No wonder he failed. How different the rebellion would have been if he'd just parked in front of the house instead of in satellite parking lot.

Spoiler: show

Two reasons, it's a fucking movie and the Empire relied on intimidation/force.

[epilogue]

So joey

Spoiler: show

lets talk about THAT scene

Spoiler: show

Which scene?

[epilogue]

Here's something -- I feel like I'm gushing too much. So, for some reason this bugged me:

Spoiler: show

Much like others earlier mentioned the attack in the rain and how the ship hits rocks and crashes and none of the Storm Troopers or guards or employees seem to notice... Why the fuck does Krennic land so far away from Galen's house in the beginning? There's nothing but field in front of him and yet he chooses to park like a twenty minute walk away, giving the Erso's plenty of time to chat, hug, drink blue milk, devise a plan, enact the plan, say hey to Uncle Saw, run away, come back, and run away again.

Maybe Krennic was a brilliant guy but his tactical mind sucked. No wonder he failed. How different the rebellion would have been if he'd just parked in front of the house instead of in satellite parking lot.

Booby traps.


Listening to the audiobook of the novelisation and I think it mentions cos booby traps

Oh. Yeah, that actually makes a shit ton of sense. Now I feel like an asshole.

This movie might be more perfect than I originally thought!

[dimejinky99]

So joey

Spoiler: show

lets talk about THAT scene

Spoiler: show

Which scene?

Cmon. Don't play hard to get

Spoiler: show

the only scene well really remember from this film in top ten lists. VADER in the corridor

[dimejinky99]

Here's something -- I feel like I'm gushing too much. So, for some reason this bugged me:

Spoiler: show

Much like others earlier mentioned the attack in the rain and how the ship hits rocks and crashes and none of the Storm Troopers or guards or employees seem to notice... Why the fuck does Krennic land so far away from Galen's house in the beginning? There's nothing but field in front of him and yet he chooses to park like a twenty minute walk away, giving the Erso's plenty of time to chat, hug, drink blue milk, devise a plan, enact the plan, say hey to Uncle Saw, run away, come back, and run away again.

Maybe Krennic was a brilliant guy but his tactical mind sucked. No wonder he failed. How different the rebellion would have been if he'd just parked in front of the house instead of in satellite parking lot.

Booby traps.


Listening to the audiobook of the novelisation and I think it mentions cos booby traps

Oh. Yeah, that actually makes a shit ton of sense. Now I feel like an asshole.

This movie might be more perfect than I originally thought!

There's actually a lot of tactical sense. They do a whole circuit around the house. Probably checking for ships / people escaping.

[epilogue]

So joey

Spoiler: show

lets talk about THAT scene

Spoiler: show

Which scene?

Cmon. Don't play hard to get

Spoiler: show

the only scene well really remember from this film in top ten lists. VADER in the corridor

Spoiler: show

Yeah, it was pretty fucking cool. Not sure it's one of my top ten scenes in the movie, though. I'll have to think about that.

The handing off of the plans was fantastic: so tense and dramatic and even though I knew they'd succeed, I was actually worried they wouldn't. Like, to the point of physical nausea. I think that Vader specifically would have had more impact if we hadn't seen him previously (that first scene in Vader's castle (LOL!) on Mount Doom was so weird and had the only cringeworthy line in the movie for me). I would have loved the "Lord Vader will take care of them" line and all the other small seemingly throw away lines ABOUT Vader and then the first you see of him is that red light saber igniting. That would have been so fucking badass.

But, yeah, it was cool to see him move and cut folks down. Still, I was more interested in how the plans ended up with Leia than I was with Vader's violence. Still, a great scene, and a great cap to a phenomenal third act of the film.

[dimejinky99]

Just on DcTs point about the warfare aspect and without meaning to start a big thing but I was wondering

Spoiler: show

the attack by Saws people on the stormtrooper convoy. It looks like you'd imagine an attack on a convoy in the Middle East. How will that of is that playing in the US given the affinities / different sides we take in Star Wars v reality. That scene was really scary for being so realistic. Particularly the guy that runs out real low blindsiding them and throwing the bomb under the tank. That showed the really studied up for these scenes.

[E.H. Ruddock]

The battle outside the shield in orbit at the end of the movie might have been my favorite scene(s).

[dimejinky99]

So joey

Spoiler: show

lets talk about THAT scene

Spoiler: show

Which scene?

Cmon. Don't play hard to get

Spoiler: show

the only scene well really remember from this film in top ten lists. VADER in the corridor

Spoiler: show

Yeah, it was pretty fucking cool. Not sure it's one of my top ten scenes in the movie, though. I'll have to think about that.

The handing off of the plans was fantastic: so tense and dramatic and even though I knew they'd succeed, I was actually worried they wouldn't. Like, to the point of physical nausea. I think that Vader specifically would have had more impact if we hadn't seen him previously (that first scene in Vader's castle (LOL!) on Mount Doom was so weird and had the only cringeworthy line in the movie for me). I would have loved the "Lord Vader will take care of them" line and all the other small seemingly throw away lines ABOUT Vader and then the first you see of him is that red light saber igniting. That would have been so fucking badass.

But, yeah, it was cool to see him move and cut folks down. Still, I was more interested in how the plans ended up with Leia than I was with Vader's violence. Still, a great scene, and a great cap to a phenomenal third act of the film.

Spoiler: show

two interesting things to that point. Lots of ppl I know are furious with that scene. 'No way should Vader have been that close to the plans and not get them!! Robs him of his power!!' (I don't buy that at all) and Gareth Edwards was one of the bodies he slaughters In that corridor.