TheStarTurtle
I found Rogue One to be... alright. I agree it had its flaws, and the biggest one for me was the characterization, or rather, the lack thereof. I didn't care about ANY of them. I know that it makes sense they don't survive in the end because they're not around in the future films, but even so, a little more would've made them more meaningful in my opinion. I didn't care for Jyn or Gaelin or Saw or any of them, not in the least bit. The droid and the pilot were the two I liked the most, and the blind guy, even though I can't remember their names and they still didn't have a whole lot to them. It's not my favorite Star Wars movie, but it's not terrible in my opinion. Just... lacking.
Jyn grew less intolerable as the film went on, but when it was over, I said "She's no Rey." I also agree on what you said about character development lacking.
I'm still waiting for the ultimate Star Wars space battle movie movie where the tactical military side of the universe takes center stage.
I still have yet to see the movie, but thanks to spoilers being everywhere online, I already know how the movie plays out, and I wasn't impressed. Frankly, when I heard that nearly half the movie had to be reshot, I knew it wasn't a good sign, but considering who Disney chose to be the director, I wasn't surprised. The fact all the best scenes of the trailer didn't make it into the movie was the final straw, so I didn't go see it. And considering the only aspect of Star Wars that I give a damn about are the Jedi and Sith, I couldn't care less about a movie that doesn't feature either (yeah, I have no interest in a movie devoted entirely to the tactical military aspect of the universe either). No, a scene with Vader kicking all kinds of ass isn't enough, although it's a welcome treat, if only to bleach away the fact the last we saw him on screen, was him crying out "NNNOOOOOO!" If there isn't a Jedi Knight there to oppose him, I don't care.
That being said, I'm looking forward to the trailer reveal for "The Last Jedi", because I'm fully invested in the story of Rey and Old Man Luke, even if Rey's introduction into the franchise and her use of the Force was just one big JJ Abrams Mystery Box gimmick.
I gotta say, I think all the most interesting Jedi/Sith/Force stuff has already been seen in the old EU and the KOTOR games. Anywhere the new movies go with that will probably have already been done before and done better. Still holding out a bit a hope for Thrawn being a major player but I think we would have heard something by now if that was the case.
And Mike, if somebody actually DOES make a tactical space battle movie some day (remember that no one has yet unless you count the Wing Commander movie which none of us do). whether it be Star Wars or another franchise, and it turns out to be a damn good movie you might be pleasantly surprised. Hell, I had absolutely no interest in racing movies (even Fast Furious) until I saw Rush, and it's one of my favorite films now.