Star Wars Rogue One: IS IT GOOD?

Let's hope this movie does well.  I know I will go see it.

Andy seemed a monotone at the beginning of the read (seemed like he might have been having problems syncing up with the teleprompter) but picked it up at the end. I think some of his previous reads have been better and shown more personality. 

Personally, I welcome anything that brings the beginning of the Clone Wars to halfway through the prequel arc. I don't care if you like the prequel trilogy or not, starting the Clone Wars at the end of the second of three movies, when it was the ENTIRE POINT of the trilogy, was a huge mistake. I dare say Rogue One is the prequel we're looking for, and that's coming from a firm defender of Revenge of the Sith and both Clone Wars shows.

Trying to avoid spoilers here, but there's a few points I want to cover (be warned):

The New York Times said themes that would connect this film to the other Star Wars films aren't allowed to develop. And firstly, I don't really agree, I felt it fit very well in the universe. And secondly, it's not part of the main series, it has the unique ability to stand outside that, and show different perspectives and themes. And I think it does that incredibly well.

Secondly, on fan service. It's hard to be unbiased about this because I am a huge fan, but I only found two, maybe three moments where I felt like the director was really pushing the fan service. Yes there are lots of references to Episode IV, but only as much as is required for the story to make sense and be cohesive with the other films.

And also in regards to characters and characterisation. Roger Ebert (or at least his website) said that the film could actually have benefitted from a longer run time, if that run time was to develop relationships. But he also noted (and I agree) that the story within the film is important enough to the characters that personal issues can't be at the forefront of the story. Basically, the level of characterisation is pretty well done for what the film is aiming toward.

Just came back from the theatre, because it's out in other countries than the US, and I liked it.

It certainly is different from the Star Wars trilogies. It's less about the characters and more about the mission, and it's very war movie in that regard. I'd say the first act is a bit slow to launch the movie, going to a bunch of places and people, but once it's launched it gives place to truly epic battles. And it is effing pretty.

And that'll be my review for now.

Just a personal opinion, but I enjoyed it more than episode 7. The plot was more original and nuanced, visually it was more impressive especially regarding the environments and action cinematography. One scene in particular had some amateurish dialogue, but overall the writing was solid and the jokes were a lot less forced than the BB8 and Han Solo stuff in 7. Definite blu ray purchase for me.