How successful was Disney at spinning off "Star Wars"? That's the question that swirled before the holidays and, certainly, the box office results suggested signs were good.
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" expanded the world, paid homage to the old one and told a strapping good story -- even if it seemed familiar.
As with the other starter episodes, this one took a long time to introduce its characters and hit the runway. Once the plot was up and flying, was fine. But the first hour was like the parade of states at a beauty pageant.
Key to everything: A feisty rebel named Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), who was like a magnet for rebel warriors hoping to take down Darth Vader’s empire. Her father (Mads Mikkelsen) was a key player on Darth’s dream team and a rebel in his own right.
When Jyn finally got to hear from him, it was on that old hologram phone that Princess Leia had to use. She was given plenty of intel and enough of the “force” to head out with a jaunty Han-like rebel named Cassian Andor (Diego Luna). They had a droid, too, who used to be programmed to help Stormtroopers. Now, with new purpose, K-2SO was prepped to help. Perhaps the most interesting (and different) rebel was Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen), a blind warrior who repeated “I’m one with the Force; the Force is with me” so often you began to hear it as part of the film’s musical score. He had mad fighting skills and a focus that others could have used.
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Directed by Gareth Edwards, “Rogue One” made sure viewers didn’t forget this is from the same universe as the other “Star Wars” films. There were plenty of cameos (Darth Vader is a major player) and two computer-generated appearances that were downright creepy.
Edwards knew how to travel many of George Lucas’ routes without looking like he was just another pilot. He had a couple of unique twists and that one-two punch in Jones and Luna that could prompt more “Rogue” sequels.
While “Rogue One” wasn’t as satisfying as “The Force Awakens,” it certainly didn’t alienate. There was adventure. There was humor. And there was a very smart performance by Ben Mendelsohn as Orson Krennick, a white-robed baddie who longs to be breathing through Darth Vader’s helmet. He skulked around every evil decision and walked through corridors with such purpose you almost expected his cape to wipe out everyone who dared get too close. When he got his big moment with Jones, all the space flight didn’t seem excessive, even though it was.
“Rogue One” runs slightly more than two hours, about 30 minutes more than it needs. It’s not a missing link, just an interesting side story that dares to suggest the universe didn’t always revolve around the characters we first met a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
