Like most adaptations of Hamlet, Aneil Karia’s take lives and dies, literally and figuratively, by the lead performance coming from his top muse and collaborator. Through Riz Ahmed, all the private asides and whispered portending, venting, and plotting still stir the Bard’s vengeful pot, even with simplifying trims from Lesslie. This is a well-deserved and provocative showcase for Ahmed. He’s the reason to witness and appreciate this film.
Read MoreLags of preparation and mounting conflict aside, there is more than enough big-screen excitement infusing the gravitas that give way to pathos. "Rogue One" smoothly delves into an untold narrative while providing clever and catchy callbacks and nods to the expanded universe we know is on the other side of the horizon. Fleshing out key history, “Rogue One” instantly becomes an indispensable companion piece to “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope.” Watching this mini saga and seeing the seeds it plants makes one appreciate the fruits of the 39-year-old classic’s triumphs even more.
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