From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.



Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters December 16, 2016.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you already know that Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters later this week. If you've seen the original Star Wars: A New Hope, which I'm assuming you probably HAVE, or seen the one of the trailers or TV spots that have been released, of which there have been several, you probably have a handle on what to expect from the film, right?Wrong! OK, you're not COMPLETELY wrong. Yes the film is a prequel to Episde IV/A New Hope and it involves the mission to retrieve the plans for the infamous Death Star. Yes there are cameos and appearances by various characters from the other films. Yes, you probably have a VERY good idea of how the film ends. I'm assuming you think you know all of that because I did when I walked into the theater. I'm a pretty big Star Wars fan and fell I have a pretty good grasp on most things Star Wars. I wasn't prepared for the film that I saw. Not only was it a GREAT Star Wars film, it was a great FILM!The acting is top-notch around the board, which was actually quite unexpected given the fact that I'm unfamiliar with much of the cast. I've absolutely loved Donnie Yen ever since seeing him in Ip Man (the original Chinese film with English subtitles and all). His Chirrut Îmwe, who happens to be blind, is handsdown my favorite character in the film. Fellicity Jones is great as Jyn Erso as well, but I don't think that comes as a shock to anyone. Any confusion regarding her character and Daisy Ridley's character Rey in The Force Awakens will be quickly set straight once people see the film. Alan Tudyk turns in a great performance as the Imperial droid turned Rebel K-2S0. As with many of the previous Star Wars films, the droids provide some comic relief and K-2S0 doesn't stray far from that part of the formuly. He does, however, turn in quite a touching performance in the third act of the film.Special Effects are all top-notch, but again, that's to be expected in a Star Wars film, right? What surprised me was the amount of effort put into practical effects. They really grounded the film in wasy that CGI typically can't replicate. The CGI was fantastic as well and there are even a few characters and scenes that it's hard to believe that you're looking at something generated on a computer. Some of the characters just look so darn real, even down to the pores in their skin. I don't want to give it away, but you'll know exactly who I'm referring to when you see them on-screen.The music by Michael Giacchino, while reminiscent of John Williams previous soundtracks, was different enough to throw me off at the beginning. It didn't last long as I quickly warmed up to the music and within the first 10 or 15 minutes felt right back at home in a galaxy far, far, away. There are some familiar tracks to be had, but that's to be expected in any Star Wars film.Not only is Rogue One: A Star Wars Story a worthy addition to the Star Wars franchise, it's a great all-around film. Great acting. Great Effects. Great Music and great storytelling. There's truly something in the film for everyone and a few very memorable and heart-touching moments as well. You might know how the story ends, but the journey is where the adventure is. I have to see it a couple of more times (IMAX 3D Thursday evening anyone?), but right now it's sitting right next to The Empire Strikes Back as my favorite Star Wars film to date.Have you seen Rogue One: A Star Wars? What did you think of it? Share your thoughts with us below!