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"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" Is Unlike Any Other Film In The Franchise

DETROIT (WWJ) - "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is the first standalone film in the Star Wars franchise. That makes it unique in itself, but there are also a number of new characters and new storylines. However, there is enough of what Star Wars fans have come to know and love to keep them all happy and insure that this franchise keeps chugging along for a very, very long time.

In this newest Star Wars film, a group on the side of the Rebel Alliance joins forces to steal the plans for the Death Star. They're led by Jyn Erso, a young woman who -- left to fend for herself at a very young age -- gets thrust into a mission to save the universe from destruction.

Also heading up the team along with Jyn is Cassian Andor, an Alliance intelligence officer.

At nearly two-and-a-half-hours long, there are numerous twists and turns to go along with what makes a Star Wars film a Star Wars film: the battle between the Alliance and the Empire and everything that goes along with that. However, also central to this particular film is the relationship between a father and his daughter.

"You don't need to be superhuman to affect the world for the better," Director Gareth Edwards says. "The idea that only Jedi can do anything good or significant in the world is, I think, the wrong lesson of Star Wars. I think what Star Wars is about is that it doesn't matter where your background is from or who you are, you can make a difference."

Star Wars fans will find a lot to like about this film. But, I couldn't help but wonder why Lucasfilm decided to continue the popular franchise with standalone films.
Lucasfilm President and Star Wars Producer Kathleen Kennedy explains.

"We have a very, very clear idea of what these stories are, and not to set them up as sequels," Kennedy said, "but to have them inform those other stories."

Lucasfilm also says, the standalone films "not only deepen and expand the universe, but also provide a creative filmmaking platform."

So, when you head to the theater to see "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," get ready for a Star Wars film unlike any other.

See you at the movies!

Be sure to tune in to WWJ Newsradio 950 every Friday for my weekly look at the movies with Midday Anchor Jackie Paige.

Follow Terri on Twitter @TerriJLee

Member:
Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA)
Detroit Film Critics Society (DFCS)
African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
Digital Arts, Film & Television (DAFT)
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)

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