The original and prequel trilogies are worthwhile viewing. The sequel trilogy, however, presents a different case. While George Lucas provided story treatments during the 2012 sale, these were ultimately discarded. The sequels also marked the end of the Expanded Universe, removed from canon to allow creative freedom for filmmakers. Given that the stories deviate significantly from Lucas’s original vision, is there really a compelling reason to watch them?
Explaining the Death Star plans isn’t the point of the movie though. It’s really a movie to say “okay, you’ve seen the Rebellion through the eyes of the heroes, and the Clone Wars from the point of view of Jedi. Now let’s see how it looked like from the point of view of the random soldiers that were also there and aren’t mentioned by name”
It’s really a movie to show the other side of the revolt against the Empire. (And, even though it’s not a movie, Andor continues this idea and is giving us a frankly impressive result)
And really I’d say that just the fact that Rogue One is really the first movie to give some room to normal, non Jedi people makes it so important.
I wish i could agree with you, but some critical moments still hinge on “totally not a jedi” force user with staff. Unless I’m misremembering, its been a while.
Don’t get me wrong it’s a good movie, I just don’t share the hype. The premise is cool, but to me personally, it falls a bit flat.