The newest installment to the Star Wars franchise shines as a stand alone film within the greater universe of large scale spaceship battles, unique aliens and exciting lightsaber duels.

In “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) must join the Rebel Alliance in an attempt to steal the plans for the Galactic Empire’s new Death Star, in a prelude to the original film in the series, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” is directed by Gareth Edwards, who delivers an entertaining film that adheres to the classic themes of the original Star Wars saga while providing a new visual aesthetic for viewers. The movie features a nice amount of exciting action scenes mixed with dramatic dialogue sequences. Edwards uses a variety of angles to set up battle scenes and character interactions alike, providing the audience with unique visuals. Edwards’ film does a solid job of setting up the events of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” from the Rebellion point of view, as well as establishing background that leads into the original film that debuted nearly 40 years ago.

The film’s plot establishes the story as a prequel to the events of the original saga. The plot revolves around a ragtag team of rebel fighters, forced in a last ditch effort to cripple the Empire’s newest weapon of destruction. The film features thematic elements akin to the original films, but the most successful aspect of the story is its theme of sacrifice. The theme develops the plot beyond its action sequences and helps make the journey of its characters more dynamic.

The majority of the cast provides solid performances throughout the film. Jones provides a strong performance in the leading role as the daughter of an Imperial scientist, demonstrating a range of emotions in her delivery of dialogue and body language. Diego Luna plays Cassian Andor, a rebel intelligence officer conflicted between the orders of his superiors and his own inhibitions. Luna demonstrates an understated swagger in carrying himself in the role and develops clear chemistry with his co-stars. Alan Tudyk plays the lovable droid K-2SO, providing the bulk of the comedy in the film using a stoic yet sarcastic technique to deliver the film’s funniest lines.

The greatest callback to the original saga was the film’s ambitious use of special effects. The film pushes the envelope through its use of both practical and special effects throughout the course of the movie. From large scale space battles to animation of alien characters, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” continues the tradition of aspired special effects. Although the movie utilizes special effects to create visually stunning battles and landscapes, the best use of computer generated imagery was to recreate the likeness of the late Peter Cushing to reprise his original role of Grand Moff Tarkin. The decision to use CGI to model a previous character’s face was a risky one, but paid off in a grand way. Special effects will surely help separate the film into the upper echelon of visual masterpieces of recent memory, within the film industry.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” features a great score and soundtrack, reminiscent of the classic music from the original films, but differentiates itself using updated and modern tunes. The music adds to each moment to accentuate the dramatic tension in each scene and highlight the emotion between characters.

Despite the successes of the film, the movie features a slow start that lacks any shining or memorable moments. The first two acts are jejune and lackluster, spent setting up the exposition of the film’s plot. However, the film’s redemption lies within its exhilarating third act, where action and suspense take center stage. The film’s thrilling final moments mark the film’s best scenes.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” delivers a captivating and visually stunning installment in the Star Wars franchise that fans and casual movie-goers will enjoy. The film’s use of special effects and unique aesthetic distinguishes itself as a visually stunning blockbuster worth watching.

Rating: 4/5