Annlyel James 
Annlyel explores the finer moments of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to select her best moments from Gareth Edwards’ crowd-pleasing Star Wars adventure…
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is hands down my favorite Star Wars film of all time. Why, you may ask. Well, I love this movie because there’s never been a Star Wars film quite like it. It boasts the most diverse cast of any Star Wars film, it features a story that’s more war-themed than any other Star Wars movie, and it’s the only film in this franchise to EVER kill off its entire main cast. That’s so awesome, in a depressing way.
Plus, it has, to me, the greatest Darth Vader scene of all time. What can beat that?
Time and time again I watch this movie and find myself saying, “Wow.” The cinematography, Gareth Edward’s directing, Felicity Jones and Diego Luna’s riveting performances, the phenomenal action, this film is off the chain! To pick my five favorite scenes is going to be difficult but here we go.
5. The Data Tower
Rogue One is an epic film, through and through and that final action sequence on Scarif is AWESOME! Shortly after K-2SO dies Cassian and Jyn Erso have to scale the data tower to find the Death Star plans. This part gives me chills every time thanks to the phenomenal score and the intensity to that scene, making this one of my favorite moments in the movie.
4. Goodbye Jedha City
The Death Star isn’t a frightening piece of work for no reason. It destroys planets in the blink of an eye and we got to see first hand how frightening its power can be. I don’t care how many times I watch it, the scene featuring the Death Star wiping out Jedha City in one fell swoop will captivate me every time.
3. The Argument
Jyn Erso hadn’t befriended many. She lost her parents as a child, Saw Gerrera left her as a teenager making her bitter. She, however, quickly began to grow a fondness for Cassian Andor, trusting his every word and becoming friends with him. When he betrayed her, electing to kill her father without telling her, she was very hurt. He, however, didn’t actually pull the trigger to end Galen Erso’s life and so what ensued was a heartfelt argument that showed both characters realizing at the same moment how much alike they really are. Their friendship would become even stronger after this argument, making them my two favorite characters in the movie (besides Darth Vader of course.)
2. The Death Star Plans Are Sent to The Rebellion
Through literal blood, sweat, and tears the heroes who made up the rebel group, Rogue One, found and stole the Death Star plans, a feat that no one could’ve anticipated. And even though Cassian and Jyn were the only members of Rogue One left to see them complete their mission is such an exhilarating moment. Between the showdown of Jyn versus Krennic and the fact that the rebel fleet got the Death Star plans this scene leaves a teary smile on my face with every viewing.
1. Yeah, the Greatest Darth Vader Scene Ever
Darth Vader is one of the greatest villains that’s ever been conceived but the prequels watered him down. Thankfully, Rogue One returned him to his former glory in the most outstanding way possible. Everyone was quickly reminded why he was an antagonist to be feared as he sliced and diced his way through rebels like a video game. This scene not only gives me a greater appreciation for Darth Vader but also for Luke. He was able to actually contend with the Sith Lord, proving how powerful he truly was.
These are the five scenes in Rogue One that make me happy every time I see them. If Episode IX can find a way to be even better than Rogue One I am going to be a very ecstatic Star Wars fan. 🙂
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Annlyel James is a Senior Correspondent of The Future of the Force. She is passionate about Star Wars and Marvel but loves a wide variety of movie genres. Aside from her role with Future of the Force she also writes for her blog: annlyelonline. Follow her on Twitter where she channels the Force frequently!
