Rogue One feels familiar within the Star Wars franchise but still bold and new! A great on-ramp for people new to Star Wars and a favorite for Star Wars enthusiasts.
Rogue One brought back the gritty struggle of the fledgling resistance returning the franchise to the feel and excellence of the original franchise. While the Force and the Jedi's influence could be felt throughout, Rogue One didn't get caught up in lightsaber duels and prophecies, focusing instead on the underground espionage of the Rebellion. Without returning fan favorites safe with plot armor, the stakes were much higher with new characters in jeopardy and danger, and some not surviving. The cast's risk and morally flexible nature made this Star Wars movie focus on the themes of war, unlike the other films. The writing, cinematography, performances, effects, and story were all among the best of the entire franchise. Rogue One is one of the best Star Wars movies and an exceptional spy film!