Most people look forward to December because of the fun, the festivities, and the holidays, but for others this month meant one thing: Star Wars. On December 16, Disney released a new spin-off Star Wars film called Rogue One. The movie chronicles the mission taken by a eclectic group of rebels to destroy the Death Star.

Star Wars films have evoked controversy in the past for a lack of diversity. Rogue One, however, has been praised for its extremely diverse cast. Felicity Jones plays the role of Jyn Erso, a reluctant rebel whose father actually helped build the Death Star. This marks the first time a woman has been a protagonist in a Star Wars film. All the while, the entire band of misfit rebels bring diversity and a unique persona to the screen.

The film takes place in between the third prequel, Revenge of the Sith, and the first original, New Hope. While the Star Wars timeline may be confusing to some, the film does an excellent job of making it clear to the audience exactly when the film occurs.

Rogue One also does a fantastic job at keeping the traditional Star Wars themes alive. Hope, war, and family are all common ideas that linger throughout every single Star Wars film, and Rogue One is no different. The aforementioned themes are the element that gives Star Wars such enriching substance, as they allow the movie to reach a deeper, more meaningful level.

Despite the film being slightly repetitive of the previous films, Rogue One does feature aspects that make it entirely unique. All Star Wars movies compose of war, but Rogue One gives it new significance. The film was shot as if it was a traditional war movie, similar to Saving Private Ryan or even Full Metal Jacket. The other Star Wars films often follow a more deviated plot under the backdrop of war. I think this is what makes a Rogue One so enjoyably different, as it gives more meaning to the idea of “Star Wars.”

Overall, I would give this movie a 10/10 rating and two thumbs up. Not only does it make one nostalgic for the Star Wars they grew up with, but it also fully immerses within the Star Wars franchise of the 21st century.