Rogue One – spoilers

Just seen it in IMAX 3D. Have seen all the films but wouldn’t suggest I am a true fan. Ok not great. Wall to wall shooting and zero plot. Seems simply a vehicle to sell kids toys and computer games. Much preffered The Force Awakened. We got super discounted tickets (£2.50 each) but had we paid full price I think we’d have decided it wasn’t worth it. Enjoyed the Vadar scene at the end and Princess Leah raised a smile, probably the best moments in the film.

3/10 Must try harder!

Why did no-one tell me Donnie Yen was in it???

why? You and him not get on?

curto80 – Member

@ Makkag, Northwind

No what I mean is at the Rebel Mission Briefing in IV they make a big thing of saying the “Empire doesn’t consider small one-man fighters to be a threat”. It makes it sound like they discovered the vulnerability accidentally.

What they could have said is “one of our guys designed this thing and deliberately put a vulnerability into it that can be exploited by an X-wing”. The whole surviving Rebel Council knows this information because Jinn told them all.

I’m going to say that’s because they made the 4th one about 40 years before the one between the 3rd and 4th. Okay that’s a dick comment, but it must be hard enough making a Star Wars film when you must tie every tiny detail into the 7 existing films, plus however many other books, cartoons, comics and computer games the hardcore fans consider ‘cannon’.

I thought the idea that the in-built vulnerability idea was inspired, yeah it makes the exact turn of phrase they use in 4 a little bit off, but it’s only a film – I’d take that for a great idea in this one.

I guess I can forgive most things if I’m being entertained.

I liked CGI Tarkin, I spotted the voice actor straight away, I love Guy Henry – he’s the only thing that makes Holby City tolerable.

terrahawk – Member

why? You and him not get on?

He has an intolerance. And it’s not just if Donnie Yen’s in the film, even cross-contamination can set him off, if there’s actors that have been in the same film as Donnie Yen.

gonzy – Member
but i think all the charachters in this movie had to die otherwise we would expect to see them re-appear in A New Hope

Really? It’s a big galaxy and there are many battles for the Rebel Alliance to fight, I’m sure we could conceptually cope with one or two Rogue One characters surviving but having their further adventures restricted to novels or comics or whatever. Especially as most of us can separate the in-universe timeline from the order in which the films were shot.

Personally I feel the “Everyone dies, the end, let me make sure you understand – EVERYONE DIES, look here are all their deaths” handling of the ending was a bit weak. Making it a victory won at terrible cost was a good idea but it felt a little excessive.

I don’t like the plot that a vulnerability was built into the Death Star. It doesn’t work well with the vulnerability that existed in the 2nd Death Star in ROTJ. They wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. Yes they might have been able to get access to the reactor easier while the thing was still under construction, but the whole chain reaction leading to the complete destruction of the station wouldn’t be feasible. But ultimately if you make a series of films over a 30-odd year period then there is bound to be a bit of artistic licence taken, so I can forgive them for that.

wobbliscott – Member – Block User – Quote
I don’t like the plot that a vulnerability was built into the Death Star. It doesn’t work well with the vulnerability that existed in the 2nd Death Star in ROTJ. They wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. Yes they might have been able to get access to the reactor easier while the thing was still under construction, but the whole chain reaction leading to the complete destruction of the station wouldn’t be feasible. But ultimately if you make a series of films over a 30-odd year period then there is bound to be a bit of artistic licence taken, so I can forgive them for that.

This is a film series where the plot inconsistencies are so bad, a brother and sister snogged each other before the writers decided to make them brother and sister!

Saw it last night. I’m not a star wars superfan, didn’t see the original 3 until I was about 25 and was a bit meh, not seen Eps 1-3. Although I seem to enjoy it more now I have a 6yo who is in to it all so I can live the child like magical awe through him.
Thought this one was good, but not as good as all the review have been saying.
The middle bit dragged on far too long, but then last half hour was great action and explosions stuff.
I didn’t realise until after that Peter Cushing was even CGI – I can’t remember the characters and plot from the original 3 (I know, I’m a heathen. Please don’t shoot me!) so didn’t make the link. It’s can’t have been bad CGI as I didn’t even consider it.

However, it may have been that I was distracted by the whole 3D thing (first time I’ve seen 3D and probably the last) but I can’t recall seeing any of the scenes filmed in the tube station??
They’re in the trailers but I just can think where and when they were in the film and in what context?

3/10 Must try harder!

🙂

Can’t be bothered to spend even another single minute thinking about the film.

However, it may have been that I was distracted by the whole 3D thing (first time I’ve seen 3D and probably the last) but I can’t recall seeing any of the scenes filmed in the tube station??
They’re in the trailers but I just can think where and when they were in the film and in what context?

They were there. Not much but definitely there in the Scarif scenes as they infiltrate the base

You’re right though, apparently a lot of stuff from the trailers has been cut and there has been extensive reshoots

I wonder if the turncoat Imperial shuttle pilot suffered from reshoots and editing, as he intermittently seemed like an important character before disappearing into the background for ages on several occasions. It felt at times like he was supposed to be having his own character arc which got pared down to only a handful of scenes where he was of any significance.

I didn’t realise until after that Peter Cushing was even CGI

He’s been dead for 22 years..

CGI genuinely amazes me. Mainly for the fact that some find it immediately and jarringly obvious, yet others appear completely oblivious.
Alas im in the former camp, and CGI generally breaks my suspense of disbelief.

Maybe as a person whom is always interested in how things work, and the fine details, is just more likely to be distracted than someone whom just accepts things on face value?

Maybe that goes for plot/story/nostalgia too..

IMO – when literally billions are involved, and the weight of 40 years of mega franchise – I think you owe it to generations of fans to put a core of researchers/story writers/editors in place that are able to guide a movie in a direction that pleases the analy retentive fans and trigger happy fans alike

I wonder if the turncoat Imperial shuttle pilot suffered from reshoots and editing

I think you’re right. In fact, it appears the entire film has suffered from an editing butchery.

Best one since Empire Strikes Back IMO, few bits I didn’t like were the call backs the ‘he doesn’t like you’ pair in the streets, the CGI/shoe horn of Cushing and Fisher. Also at the beginning why did they land so far from his house?

Loved that the main guy was an arsehole for most of it and that everybody died. Best robot/sidekick character in the whole franchise too.

Best robot/sidekick character in the whole franchise too.

Speaking of sidekicks, what was the name of Saw Garrera’s robot? I really recognised it, evil looking thing that it was! 🙂

This guy

Best one since Empire Strikes Back IMO

Despite my agreivances, I’m almost inclined to agree.
Although, ROTJ has some awesome moments (AT-ST’s, the Speeder scene, Luke v Vader, Leia in that outfit)

Some elements of M.A.R.K 13 from Hardware in there!

Looks a bit like Master Plokoon

Just seen it in IMAX 3D. Have seen all the films but wouldn’t suggest I am a true fan. Ok not great. Wall to wall shooting and zero plot. Seems simply a vehicle to sell kids toys and computer games.

Of course there’s wall-to-wall shooting, its a war film!
Zero plot? Perhaps that explains why I found no difficulty following it, then.

I’m not very good at this metaphor thing – but the Rebels… they’re basically ISIS yeah?

Eh? 😯
Well, perhaps, if you equate the likes of the French Resistance, and the Kurdish Peshmerga as ‘basically ISIS’.
I’m not going to make the glaringly obvious connection between the Empire and certain 20th Century totalitarian governments.

Saw it today 3D imax – thought it was great ‘link’ movie – loads of Easter eggs.

3D irritated me when I wanted to look at ‘background’ and chief/front players were in forced focus- Q:Does this happen in 2D version?

Yeah there were parts on the 2D version when the focus was very tight and everything else blurry – it was also grainy and fuzzy in parts for no obvious reason I assumed it was something to do with the 3D version.

I’m not going to make the glaringly obvious connection between the Empire and certain 20th Century totalitarian governments. I’m not going to make the glaringly obvious connection between the Empire and certain 20th Century totalitarian governments.

Fatchahhhhhh!!!!!! 😉

Yeah there were parts on the 2D version when the focus was very tight and everything else blurry

Like in a movie you mean. I’m finding effects based movies more and more of a chore to watch – they don’t separate the foreground from the background. Its not a feature length computer game cut scene – the camera is supposed to be directing our attention to the action. I think a few scenes suffered from too much depth of field – the first time we see a star destroyer it looks like a little airfix model because so much of it is in focus.

the first time we see a star destroyer it looks like a little airfix model because so much of it is in focus.

I honestly thought that was probably a homage to the original opening scene in ANH. In all it’s (charming) air-fix glory

3D irritated me when I wanted to look at ‘background’ and chief/front players were in forced focus- Q:Does this happen in 2D

That’s cause its not proper 3D its not like a hologram its more like a pop up book so you see focussed what the camera was focussed on not what you personally might like to focus on.

I honestly thought that was probably a homage to the original opening scene in ANH. In all it’s (charming) air-fix glory

Me too.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t like 3D, I’d rather see all the perspective and experience in the 3rd person, rather than the 3d trying to put you in the middle where you can’t choose what to focus on

I enjoyed it, I’d like to watch it again for all the bits I missed

Just seen it. Mixed views. Agree on the whole 3D depth of field thing. Did feel a bit jumbled to begin with. Loved the android for comic relief.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t like 3D, I’d rather see all the perspective and experience in the 3rd person, rather than the 3d trying to put you in the middle where you can’t choose what to focus on

The 3D ship sailed a long time ago for me, it’s nothing like 650 😉

3D irritated me when I wanted to look at ‘background’ and chief/front players were in forced focus- Q:Does this happen in 2D version?

As said elsewhere the direcor uses focus to highlight something (or not) I think it was the Hateful 8 thats a great example of it.
As for everyone dies, thats how some things go they had the balls to do that.

As for editing you get the feeling there is a 4hr direcotrs cut just waiting to be set free!

I liked it. A lot.

I do wonder tho, if Gareth Edwards original cut was more in keeping with his style from monsters (a film I love) and Godzilla which wouldn’t’ve really suited a star wars film.

I liked the callbacks. I loved the 2 gangsters causing trouble I guess they left shortly after.. there are plot holes.. like why destroy the mine you get your power from etc…

And I thought it was a brave decision to kill them all and Darth getting his evil on at the end worth the admission price alone.

PrinceJohn – Member

there are plot holes.. like why destroy the mine you get your power from etc…

It’s not a mine- it’s a temple they were stripping the crystals from. Pretty reasonable to assume that job was done/mostly done.

I agree with the other comments the intro was a bit lack luster and didn’t set the usual SW vibe but I don’t know how else they could have done it as it is a side story so would be wrong maybe to have the full dramatics?

The story was good but it felt like it would have worked better if it was less disney and darker, chaotic times with rebels finding their feet I’d have liked to see a bit more grit.

Ending on the beach was pretty lame.. how did they have the pace to get to the beach frontage when the deathstar had already fired it’s beam?

The CGI was so close to being great and then he spoke.. The princess and fighters didn’t look bad though!

My fan theory was ruined… I thought the rebels would have turned into the Knights of Ren but theres no way they are going to the darkside or being picked up in doggy bags from around the planet… bugger.

I loved every second of it. I’m not a huge SW geek, but this film kept me glued to the screen without a second going past that felt dragged out.
People have said its a bit too War-ish, but there’s a reason for that. Loved the team that hit the Imperial library base, proper WW2/dirty dozen vibes.
I only bother going to the cinema for films like these and I do IMAX 3D. Felt I got my monies worth completely.
The screenplay for this was spot on (which is supported by the fact that it was approved first time without any alterations which pretty much never happens!). Droid was funny and well placed/kept to a minimum. Jyn is a great character, preferred to Ren. Grittier and more Rebellious in persona. Darth Vader scene **** killed it, but couldn’t help feel he let those plans slip away a bit too easily….
Waiting for Han Solo and Darth Vader films now.
10/10. Better than Force Awakens and with a fraction of the hype before it’s release.

the Knights of Ren

I think they are all playing in a band in this one

You have to admire the speed with which the Empire improved the power of the Death Star to go from destroying a planet through a gradual chain reaction in Rogue One to the instantaneous destruction of Alderaan in A New Hope.

They weren’t destroying planets in R1, just bits of them

That was only one third of the power of the death stars weapon we saw in rogue one.

Other idle thoughts, the Imperial dudes that stand right by where the laser fires must be on huge danger money and I’m still no clearer as to what the fella in the crow’s nest at the rebel base does. Is he a lookout or some sort of speed cop?

haha the crows nest guy cracked me up too.. I just thought of mario!

The screenplay for this was spot on (which is supported by the fact that it was approved first time without any alterations which pretty much never happens!).

Not sure about this… there were so many bits mission from the trailers and reshoots?

Yep, apparently the whole end bit was reshot