Before we get started here, just keep in mind this review will not be professionally written by any stretch of the imagination. If you're looking for an opinion on this film from an official critic, I would advise you to look elsewhere. This is merely one casual fan's two cents on "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Also be aware that there will undoubtedly be spoilers featured in this review. With that said, let's dive right into talking about the latest installment in the Star Wars cinematic universe!
First and foremost, and I could be wrong on this, but I don't think the hype surrounding "Rogue One" was nearly as big as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." I guess that kind of goes without saying considering Episode VII was the first major Star Wars film since Episode III a decade earlier, and this was merely a spin-off. There was still excitement from fans heading into "Rogue One," of course, but because it went under the radar, that was what I think made it so much better as the level of expectation may not have been nearly as high. By Graham "GSM" Matthews I was searching through the sale section on WWE.com earlier this month and came across the "Daniel Bryan: Just Say Yes! Yes! Yes!" DVD for the small price of five bucks, so I decided to jump at the opportunity. It isn't often you get a deal quite like that on documentary DVDs. After watching it last night, however, I remember why I wasn't in a rush to get it when it was initially released last summer. Don't get me wrong, it was a pleasant documentary, but at only one hour in length, it isn't must-see by any means. Furthermore, I quickly realized that it was essentially the same special that aired on WWE Network shortly after WrestleMania 30. They did something similar with the Ultimate Warrior special that was made after he passed away by releasing it on DVD the following spring, but at least that seemed to have some extra elements to it and wasn't a total repeat. I was hoping for more from this documentary, something I hadn't already seen, but no such luck. By Graham "GSM" Matthews Before we get started here, let's address the obvious: there are spoilers ahead! If you haven't seen the movie yet and don't want it spoiled for you, stop reading immediately and check back after you've seen it. I don't think I've ever avoided spoilers like the plague for a movie quite like I did for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." That's how incredible the hype was for this movie. I can still remember where I was when I heard the franchise was being bought out by Disney and they were going to make another three movies. My immediate reaction, as I'm sure was the same for many, was, "Really? Why?" That feeling subsided a short time later, and then the excitement started to set in. "So, how many days until 'Star Wars 7' is released?" I had a countdown in my dorm room for the last four months. True story. I don't know everything there is to know about the Star Wars universe. Not by a long shot. I don't claim to be the biggest Star Wars fan there ever was. I haven't read any of the "Extended Universe" material other than what I've been told by friends and have read online. Hell, I didn't watch the full Star Wars saga until I was in sixth grade! I had only watched the first three movies (Episodes 1-3) and saw the third one in theaters and was chastised by a peer during a school trip that summer. I never understood why he made such a big deal about it. After watching the prequels back all these years later and realizing how deplorable they were, I understand his anger. By Graham "GSM" Matthews All right, I'll admit it: I had zero intention of seeing Krampus when my roommate suggested we go see it. He told me about the legend of Krampus late last year (and how bizarre it was), but it wasn't until just recently that he brought it up to me that it was being made into a movie and how we needed to see it. By and large, I'm not a fan of horror movies, which is exactly what I thought this was. Thus, I hesitant to go see it at first. However, there were a few reasons why I ultimately decided to check it out. Firstly, it was a chance to go to the movies, and while I'm not one to waste money, the tickets were relatively cheap and I'm a sucker for an enjoyable experience at the movie theater (hence why I work at one!). Secondly, it was Christmas-themed, so it was timely with one of my favorite holidays right around the corner. All things considered, I figured it was worth giving it a shot, and I'm happy I did as it ended up exceeding my expectations. By Graham "GSM" Matthews As a die-hard fan of both professional wrestling and Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson, I always find myself keeping up to date with what he's up to and what he's working on, especially his movie projects. When I first heard he'd be starring in a movie called "San Andreas," my initial reaction was that it was a movie having to go with the Grand Theft Auto game of the same name. I couldn't have been the only one who thought that, right? And I think I've played that game all of once or twice in my life! Nevertheless, I got a better grasp of what the plot was about when I saw more trailers for the film and it became clear that it was about an earthquake hitting the county of San Andreas. Per usual, what persuaded me to go see this movie was Rock's involvement, so had he not been the main star or in it at all, I'm not sure it woul've been one first movies I would've wanted to go see this past weekend. Rock or no Rock, however, the special effects of this disaster film are well worth it if you enjoy that kind of stuff. With people all about the cool special effects this day and age, this movie fulfills that well, so whether you like the plot or not, at least you can take pleasure in the amazingly convincing computer graphics and other illusions. |
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