I think I liked the CGI for the fact of where the tech is at and having it used. I think about where it will be in a few years. People lose sight of how quickly this stuff happens. We've had the iphone for 9 years, the public internet for 25 years. I'd imagine in a few years this tech will get to the point where it will be absolutely creepy.

The CGI will never be perfect. We know Peter Cushing has passed away. We know Carrie Fisher has aged. We will be overly critical no matter what. i was still impressed with the fact that these characters were back. Tarkin was awesome and Leia too if only briefly.

The CGI will never be perfect. We know Peter Cushing has passed away. We know Carrie Fisher has aged. We will be overly critical no matter what. i was still impressed with the fact that these characters were back. Tarkin was awesome and Leia too if only briefly.

I agree with this statement.

I really don't get the hatred for Leia's CGI look.

It was on the exact level of Takin's if not better...

I guess it's all a matter of perception. I found Leia to be far more "artificial" looking than Tarkin, as well.

I found them both artificial. They didn't seem human to me. Would've been better if they'd just showed their faces in reflections. They were out of place in a live action movie. Would've been fine in an animated flick like the last Final Fantasy.

Should've just recasted the roles. It's not like they're going to put a Harrison Ford cgi mask on the actor they cast to play Han Solo in the Han Solo movie. I like the attempt but cgi is not to the point where it's good enough for applications like this one yet.

I really don't get the hatred for Leia's CGI look.

It was on the exact level of Takin's if not better...

I guess it's all a matter of perception. I found Leia to be far more "artificial" looking than Tarkin, as well.

I found them both artificial. They didn't seem human to me. Would've been better if they'd just showed their faces in reflections. They were out of place in a live action movie. Would've been fine in an animated flick like the last Final Fantasy.

Should've just recasted the roles. It's not like they're going to put a Harrison Ford cgi mask on the actor they cast to play Han Solo in the Han Solo movie. I like the attempt but cgi is not to the point where it's good enough for applications like this one yet.

I agree. Recasting alot of those parts opens up more options, and like you said, they arent going to do Harrison Ford in the Solo movie. They could have a 'sequel' to Rogue One of Rogue Squadron but not if they want to try to do Mark Hamill and Denis Lawson as Cgi masks. Get some good actors who can play the part well and tell the people who complain to that they live in the really real world and people get old.

I really don't get the hatred for Leia's CGI look.

It was on the exact level of Takin's if not better...

I guess it's all a matter of perception. I found Leia to be far more "artificial" looking than Tarkin, as well.

I found them both artificial. They didn't seem human to me. Would've been better if they'd just showed their faces in reflections. They were out of place in a live action movie. Would've been fine in an animated flick like the last Final Fantasy.

Should've just recasted the roles. It's not like they're going to put a Harrison Ford cgi mask on the actor they cast to play Han Solo in the Han Solo movie. I like the attempt but cgi is not to the point where it's good enough for applications like this one yet.

I disagree. Star Wars on the back end has always about pushing SFX tech. I see no difference.

I've seen some theorising that Chirrut was a Jedi Initiate/Youngling who never got taken as a Padawan and was shipped off to guard kyber crystals for the order (which, let's be honest, is exactly the sort of ****** move the Jedi Council would pull).

Whilst I enjoyed it, I did feel they sacrificed character development for the drawn out final battle (I didn't know Bohdi Rook's name until the credits and I'm still unsure on Baze's other name). CG Tarkin did kinda put me off but I feel there was some very good stuff there. It did it's best when it wasn't trying to pull the nostalgia strings too overtly (like how did cantina guys escape in time and get to Tatooine?)

I did however enjoy the attempts to make Rebels and the Clone Wars cartoon references for those who know what to look for. Tonally it felt quite similar to a lot of the later series of Clone Wars.

It does explain some of the plot holes of how there's such a flaw in the Death Star and how they knew what to look for so quickly.

I would hold that Vader is a complete and utter drama queen and whilst the pun initially confused me I then remembered some of his other 'moments'. "I am surrounded by fear and dead men" anyone? But it was definitely nice to see just how terrifying Vader must have been to absolutely everyone.

Parts of it do feel like a RPG which I'm really happy with as it gives me loads to play with for my campaign.

I disagree. Star Wars on the back end has always about pushing SFX tech. I see no difference.

Special effects was always a big tentpole of the franchise, to the point where sometimes Lucas (and company) relied on it far too much, at the expense of other things like plot and story.

Done well, they balanced the SFX with the other elements, and the result was greater than the sum of the parts.

IMO, they didn’t do as well in this movie.

Let's try to stop making this topic a prequel and/or TFA bashing topic.

Not all criticism is "bashing."

Insofar as its measured and clearly expressed, I don't have a problem with it.

I never said all criticism is bashing.

But I prefer not to let this topic go down a certain path.

Then just say that.

As it is, however, I'll say what I want irrespective.

I had a blast watching this movie, and am looking forward to going and seeing it again.

• The lack of an opening crawl is fine with me - this isn't an official "episode", so it should not have one. Clone Wars and Rebels have each done their own thing - this movie falls in to that camp.
• Tarkin and Leia were fine for me. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been doing this kind of stuff with young Hank Pym and young Tony Stark. After seeing Tarkin in Clone Wars and Rebels, it was really cool to see him again. By the time one gets to A New Hope (going in chronological order), he becomes so much more menacing.
• The whole story made sense to me, especially with the Rebels all sacrificing themselves. I predicted this would happen, as there's no real reason why these awesome Rebels would make it out and then never be used again.
• As for the Ghost, there's always the possibility the ship was literally just Hera and Chopper.
• I loved the casting choices and seeing the diversity in the galaxy.
• More new aliens and looks! While I originally found this odd in TFA, I've embraced it and am really intrigued to see the galaxy kep expanding.

The thing I found the most odd was the naming of planets, but I soon got over it. If the unique, non-episode stories continue to go with this as part of their "voice", I'm all for it. My wife loved it, since Rebels seems to introduce a ton of new locations (ones that I've never heard of), so it's also good to get a visual on the name of the system.

Just saw it a few hours ago myself. Then read all the comments in this thread before posting.

What gets me is the Movie industry keeps having to set things up with the boring origin story. So bad that Lucasfilms is promoting the book "Catalyst" as prequel to the prequel. Instead using the book to get rid of the boring first half of the movie. Star wars should always start with action... like James bond movies. instead, we get is boring drama that drags on and doesn't pick up until they reach Jedha

Looks like Stormtroopers can only hit themselves while battling a blind man. It also seems stormtrooper armor is completely ineffective against hand weapons like Imwe'sstaff, and Jyn's baton... just like Ewoks. And for some reason, you no longer need to be outside a planet's gravity-well to activate hyperdrive as long as it is cool, or a good Deus ex Machina moment or Disney's "Do it for the cool"

The whole "I am going to assassinate him, and then don't" thing was stupid writing. Made the Cassian seem rather weak. As well as the loved one long lost dying in your arms. The whole part of the movie on Eadu was week writing. And how the HELL does a blind man use a "lightbow" to take out a TIE fighter? Except as the typical Disney answer "Do it for the cool" we need more coolness... lets send in out our star Fighter squadron! and give the hero's a cargo ship they can use to set up the final battle. COOL COOL COOL

K2SO, and Saw Gerrera were both awesome. Vader OWNED every second he was in the film, and that scene in the hallway of Vader going all Sith-badass, was worth the price of admission. My biggest issue with the Taarkin and Leia CGI faces is i think they got the proportions wrong. They looked too wide or big for the bodies they were on. passable to let you know who they were, and recognize them for ANH. I think the Rebel pilots were done a lot better... but then they had the helmets to fit the proportions down.

I could see this whole movie reskinned as a really good one shot adventure in AoR.... as long as your start on Jedah looking for Saw., get clue so you go to Eadu and try to capture Galen, then sneak onto IMPERIAL PLANET to steal the MacGuffin

The other thing I like is it seemed there was a lot bigger scope, then just a band of hero's doing stuff, but a Galatic scale struggle going on in the background. The space battle was one of the best of the movies with just a small rebel fleet, Versus 2 ISDs and a shield gate. As well as a nice scale ground battle with Air support.

ESB>RotJ>ANH>RotS>R1>TFA>AotC>TPM

Finally got to see it. Haven't read through this thread yet since I was avoiding it. Will get back to it later after posting first thoughts.

First impressions just a few hours after seeing it? Loved the movie. Leaving and discussing with friends/family there wasn't any "I loved it except for....", that I experienced with TFA. I can't really think of anything I cringed at, didn't like, or felt was left out.

Thinking back and trying to remember my reactions:

1. Erso's mom off'd early on. Dark. Good sign.

2. Deathtrooper comms are cool. In-world purpose?

3. Why aren't wooden Stormtrooper dolls being sold?

4. The rebel agent just shot his CI in the back to cover his tracks!? Awesome (glancing at 6 yoa daughter... )

5. Obviously he's supposed to be using his hearing to overcome his blindness. But, that's a little unbelievable to be that good, unless he's Force sensitive and even he doesn't realize it.....

6. Holy hyperspace jumping. 4 worlds in the first few minutes? Ah, I see, introducing the gang.

7. Missing some stuff I saw in the trailers. Didn't bug me.

8. Castle Vader!

9. After seeing a more recent trailer I figured K2 was going to be the comic relief and a big hit. Yep.

10. Inspirational speeches good, but not great (no tear suppression).

11. Hoping the shuttle gets cleared against the odds while grasping a kyber crystal necklace. Success. Did someone just use a couple destiny points?

12. X-wings! And Y-wings!

13. Did I miss the alien door gunner laughing and having a good time mowing down Stormtroopers? Or was it cut?

14. Saddest droid death since Blade Runner. Glanced at daughter. She's ok. Glanced at wife. She's tearing up.

15. Mission Impossible and Dirty Dozen meets Star Wars.

16. Wow, are they all going to die? Daughter also whispering my thoughts.

17. Starfighter breaking up on shield wall was cool.

18. Red Leader! Hammerhead! Ghost!

19. Best Vader seen ever.

20. Fitting end. Daughter almost yelling "Princess Leia!" repeatedly.

21. Couldn't think of something I disliked or hoped was included and it wasn't.

22. I'm going to have to see this again to catch all the easter eggs? Another ticket or wait for Blu-ray?

Ok made it through 7 pages:

I really hated the camino of CP30 and R2 though. That particular scene makes no sense as they would have had to leave with the fleet to actually take part in the battle.

I may not be recalling correctly, but was the fleet already launched at that point? Perhaps the fighter's were launched from the hidden hangars on Yavin IV but the heavy ships are never gathered at one spot (not seen in Ep. 4 at Yavin) but called to assemble at a target when requested? So the Organa corvette launches from Yavin and catches up as the fleet arrives at Scariff.

Loved the continuing politics, Krennic pissed at Tarkin, wanting an audience with emperor so badly, Vader handing out orders, good stuff.

Fleshing out the Alliance a bit more was good also.

Overall I'm happy to see more content and the universe expanded and filled out.

Agree, agree, agree.

I was picking out some the "gaming" moments too. I liked it when Baze (the heavy) mowed down all the minions in a few seconds...it's like he has a Signature Ability or something...

I couldn't help myself either. Shuttle awaiting confirmation of entry code against all odds? Grabbing that kyber cystal necklace and praying followed by a success? Someone dipped into the destiny pool (but, yep, that flipped up some black ones, which the evil GM used for a TPK?).

But did we just see the crew of the Ghost die? X_x I didn't see any rebels jump except for the Tantive V.

Yes Vader's fleet (was it more then one ship?) arrived and starting kicking ass. BUT, I'm sure several could have escaped with that little thing called a hyperdrive.

Even more so with the backstory on Krennic not being a "in the field" commander, but really more of a bureaucrat that did his thing well away from the front lines, making him exactly the kind of officer that Vader as little liking of and even less patience for.

I'm glad I finished Catalyst before watching R1. Not required, but it added some feeling to these scenes. I hated his pompous arse much more.

Based on a poster seen at Toys R Us, looks like Saw will be making the transition back to anmimated form on Rebels.

He's so young looking in this! How many years prior to Rogue One and ANH does Rebels take place!? X_x

I think we are going to see a flash back. He looks young, plus look around the edges of the poster. I see Clone Wars era Battledroids and those appear to be early Clone Troopers, not Stormtroopers.

Let's try to stop making this topic a prequel and/or TFA bashing topic.

Not all criticism is "bashing."

Insofar as its measured and clearly expressed, I don't have a problem with it.

I never said all criticism is bashing.

But I prefer not to let this topic go down a certain path.

Then just say that.

As it is, however, I'll say what I want irrespective.

Shocking.

I would hold that Vader is a complete and utter drama queen and whilst the pun initially confused me I then remembered some of his other 'moments'. "I am surrounded by fear and dead men" anyone? But it was definitely nice to see just how terrifying Vader must have been to absolutely everyone.

"Ray shields."

"Wait a minute, how did this happen? We're smarter than this!"

And how the HELL does a blind man use a "lightbow" to take out a TIE fighter?

Eh, the Blind Master is a long standing Kung Fu Movie trope, so I guess I had no problem accepting that he was so badassed and enlightened that he transcended the need for mere mortal sight.

And how the HELL does a blind man use a "lightbow" to take out a TIE fighter?

Eh, the Blind Master is a long standing Kung Fu Movie trope, so I guess I had no problem accepting that he was so badassed and enlightened that he transcended the need for mere mortal sight.

Donnie Yen don't need eyeballs to be badass

Based on a poster seen at Toys R Us, looks like Saw will be making the transition back to anmimated form on Rebels.

Saw will show up in the two-part "Ghosts of Geonosis" story, voiced by Forest Whitaker.

http://www.cbr.com/forest-whitaker-to-play-saw-gerrera-in-star-wars-rebels/?utm_source=CBR-FB-P&utm_medium=Social-Distribution&utm_campaign=CBR-FB-P&view=list

Donnie Yen's character was force sensitive. That was sort've his entire point as a character and its shown many times throughout the entire movie. So he fired based on where he sensed the Tie Pilot was not where the Tie Fighter was.

And how the HELL does a blind man use a "lightbow" to take out a TIE fighter?

Eh, the Blind Master is a long standing Kung Fu Movie trope, so I guess I had no problem accepting that he was so badassed and enlightened that he transcended the need for mere mortal sight.

Same way he knows a chick is wearing a khyber crystal necklace 30 feet away in a crowd.

And it was hidden under both her shirt and scarf. And he offered to trade it for "a glimpse into your future!"

Clearly Force-sensitive, but untrained.

Finally saw it last night. I loved it, my 8-year-old hated it. I do agree that the "Rousing Call To Action" speeches were pretty hokey. CGI Tarkin and Leia... I was more put off by Leia than Tarkin, but that may be because I think Peter Cushing is a little in the Uncanny Valley anyway. I really feel like it's the best Star Wars film in over 30 years. I mostly liked TFA, but I thought Starkiller Base and everything about it was stupid. Rogue One's worst parts just made me say, "meh, that's a little dopey."

I will admit that part of me really wanted Vader to second guess his pun and start trying to fix it. "Try not to choke on your aspirations, Director. Wait... try not to aspire what you're choking on... er... Shut up, Krennik!"

I don't get worked up over the Vader pun personally. He was being sarcastic in the OT so it isn't like Vader having a smart mouth is really new.

While a little cheesy, I thought the Vader pun actually kinda worked in a really sly way. That's the kind of lame pun Clone Wars Anakin would have used. Seemed like we were getting a tiny peek at the fact that Anakin is still in there somewhere. It was like the Director was acknowledging the prequels existed (and that his film was in fact a prequel, and not a stand alone, because it's not a stand alone) without actually reminding us enough to recall the prequels were also kinda bad....

Saw it today. Loved it. And... I think I have to leave it at that. There's no real way I can convey why I loved it so much.

...aside from the fact that the main characters were such a party of PCs.

And I liked the Vader pun. It was a good one-liner.