Lacey Bridges
Over the weekend a bunch of journalists were flown up to Skywalker ranch (much better name than the original title of the compound, Jabba’s Hut) to preview 28-minutes or so of this month’s “Rogue One : A Star Wars Story”. Naturally, they all loved it. Best film ever made, according to their Tweets. I think one even said he’s got a Rogue One tattoo drying on his arm as we speak. But why wouldn’t they love it? they all walked out with a gift bag of plushies and light-up Jar Jar pens and got to see Darth Vader again, on the big screen, before the rest of us.
Look, while we’re sure it’s great (it looks it), the opinions to take notice of will be the ones to come out in a week or so – when media (like my editor Clint) and fans see it in a traditional setting, in release week, as opposed to watching it at the palace that put it together with three Slave Leia’s serving Bacardi throughout. So, as far as I’m concerned, the jury is out. Heck, if one had just came out and screamed “Better than Willow!” I’d run that. Sounds credible. But let’s wait until next week to hear the definitive opinion on “Rogue One”.
The only feedback we’re going to run from last week’s “Rogue One” screenings? George Lucas’s. Sure, one can claim he too would be under the influence of the Force while watching the film or would clearly be biased when it comes to anything “Star Wars”, but let’s also remember that George sold Lucasfilm – and therefore “Star Wars” – in 2012. Ever since, he’s had nothing to do with “Star Wars”. Also, his comments about “Force Awakens” last year suggested he wasn’t a huge fan. But according to “Rogue One” director Gareth Edwards, Lucas loved his film.
“I don’t want to put words into his mouth, but I can honestly say that I can die happy now,” Edwards said at the press day on the weekend. “(Lucas) really liked the movie, so it meant a lot. No offense to anyone here, but it was the most important review to me. … I will take that conversation to my grave. It was a real privilege. His opinion means the world to me.”
Also, a new clip from the film was released this week. I believe we’ve already reported that Jimmy Smits is back as Bail Organa in the film, so it’s hardly a spoiler you don’t know about, still.. nice surprise for fans to see him in “Rogue One”.
“Rogue One : A Star Wars Story” opens Dec 16.
https://youtu.be/3IjBvuvJ1gs
