Review of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

After seeing Rogue One for a second time now, I can't help but think that, perhaps, Gareth Edwards should have directed the Star Wars sequel trilogy. And I mean all 3 films. Who knows if that would have made a difference or not, but I have to think that it couldn't have been any worse. Edwards nails it with RO. The atmosphere, the characters, the feeling that it instantly belongs as part of the saga...all of this added up to a much better movie than episodes VII, VIII, and IX. I had no problem at all with imagining RO being a natural fit between Episodes III and IV, effectively making it both a sequel of III, and a prequel of IV. Indeed, when IV starts, it naturally feels like a genuine extension of the conclusion of RO, as IV picks right up where RO left off. And the plot of RO is actually quite simple, and yet works perfectly in explaining why a plot point found in Episode IV, that has been bothersome for many, actually makes complete and utter sense. How in the world did the rebellion find such an uncomplicated (relatively speaking) way of taking down the first Death Star? This is a question that has been asked by many people over the years regarding the climax of IV, and RO gives what turns out to be a very clear and quite believable answer. And the performances by the actors are all very capable and well done, as they embody the characters that fit this universe like a comfortable glove. Rogue One is a great example of how a Star Wars movie can be both, respectful to the saga, while also offering something fresh and new. Kudos to those involved for, at the very least, getting this Star Wars story straight as an arrow, and right as rain.