"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" Trailer Reaction

I never reviewed it, but I did actually see "The Force Awakens" last year, and it would have been a very high rating, a 9 at the lowest. While we still have year and a half away until the continuation of that story, Disney have got us covered with their new annual Star Wars model. What that means is that we now get treated to a Star Wars movie a year, with Gareth Edwards' anthology movie "Rogue One" taking the primetime Christmas spot this year. Check out the first trailer below.

In case this wasn't already clear, this is very different to any Star Wars movie we've seen before. The trailer has a noticeable absence of lightsabers and force powers, two of the main staples of this franchise. Gareth Edwards is obviously taking this series in a completely different direction, and I am on board. This is not just the usual sci-fi, fantasy flick that we're used to. This looks more like a war movie, somewhat unsurprising given that one of the inspirations for the movie was Saving Private Ryan. This is presenting a side of this universe that we have never seen below, when the Empire destroyed all opposition swiftly and the Rebellion was struggling in their efforts. A large part of that was down to Darth Vader, and if rumours prove true, we will see the brutality of the Sith lord against the helpless Rebel forces. 

That's not to say that the movie is completely separate from what has come before though, at least from what we're seeing here. The effects and aesthetic of the sets and worlds created fit right in with the Star Wars mythos. That's not even talking about the incredible new black Stormtrooper designs and the return of the imposing Imperial Walkers. Costume design also seems spot on. All of this will look familiar to fans of the original trilogy, with the rusted technology and dark sets only emphasising the state of this war-torn universe.

One final thing I'll say is that the casting looks excellent for this band of misfits as well as the Imperial general they are going up against. This general (possibly Ben Mendelsohn but it is difficult to tell) is already an intimidating and sinister character just from his few short appearances in the trailer while the lead (played by Felicity Jones) appears to be being set up to add some humour into the mix, while also having the obligatory emotional backstory.  

I had my concerns like most fans of the Star Wars licence when these so-called Anthology films were announced to be in production. Would they be fine additions to the series, or simple cash-grabs using the Star Wars name. From the looks of Rogue One so far, it's definitely the former. An interesting story, great visuals and a stellar cast, this looks like the perfect movie to tide fans over to Episode VIII next year.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is releasing on December 16th, 2016.

Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Mads Mikkelson, Donnie Yen and Forest Whitaker.