In many ways, “Rogue One” is what last year’s “The Force Awakens” should’ve been: a fresh interpretation of George Lucas’s original universe retold to a modern audience in a fun and engaging way. The risk in that is in certain spectrums, the “Star Wars” universe that we’ve grown to love is completely unrecognizable. But never bad, in fact it’s the exact opposite.

Jyn Erso is the galaxy’s newest hero. Along with her and plenty of other entertaining companions are given the task of smuggling plans for the Death Star before it destroys the rebellion. Played by Felicity Jones, a British actress who won critically acclaimed roles in “The Theory of Everything” and “Like Crazy”, Erso’s a rebellious spirit with an interesting backstory that’s a pleasure to watch throughout. The relationship between her and the rebels is constantly turbulent due to her Imperial heritage and makes for a compelling conflict of interest for the first half of the film.

She is accompanied by a ragtag group of washed up assassins, bounty hunters, and soldiers that have chosen to fight for the rebellion. Among them is Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) who, despite his intense dedication to the rebellion cause, becomes one of Erso’s most trusted allies. Another two are Chirrut Îmwe, a religious follower of the Force, and his friend Baze Malbus, the dude with the big gun. Their partnership, which is more like a bromance, becomes one of the most memorable in recent “Star Wars” installments.

The new villain, General Crennick, isn’t half bad either. He is introduced early on as a past friend who later sided to the terrorist motivations of the Imperials. He doesn’t do all that much, but he serves as a formidable personality that you really want to punch in the face from the get-go. A small, yet absolutely shocking cameo by Darth Vader was arguably one of the best parts of the film. The audience finally gets to see him in legitimate combat, even if his screen time was no longer than five minutes.

It really was a spectacle to watch in the theater. It sets itself apart from previous films of the legacy in that it is extremely intense. As said in episode four, the mission to retrieve the plans was heavy in rebel casualties. This movie really shows just how ‘heavy’ they meant. Not to spoil anything, but a LOT of people die. This aspect of “Rogue One” is more reminiscent of “Saving Private Ryan” and “Apocalypse Now”. Or even “Game of Thrones” in that deaths usually come abruptly and unexpectedly. It serves to reveal the ‘war’ part of “Star Wars”.

Likewise, the action is also plentiful. I would be lying if I said I enjoyed the monotonous rhythm of “The Force Awakens” battles. It’s a wonderful blend of the compelling drama in episodes four, five, and six and the action in one, two, and three.

The geography is diverse. I was disappointed in the lack of a variety of exotic planets in episode seven, but they certainly made up for it in this one. That’s the strange thing, this film is more of a retelling of the universe that seven was supposed to be. They didn’t replicate the camera angles or aesthetic that seven did; they did everything they could to simply make a good movie instead of concerning themselves with upsetting fans.

Please check this one out. This bridge between episodes three and four is a fantastically entertaining revisit to the older generation of “Star Wars” that still manages to shed new light into unexplored areas. Something important to know going in is that this is in many ways not a “Star Wars” film, but something new, something very good.