I actually agree with RLM on several counts:
-Jyn’s characterization was lacking. I wanted so badly to feel a deeper connection with her, but it just wasn’t there.
-The inclusion of Tarkin, Leia and Vader was distracting and I thought detracted from the main focus of the film. Especially concerning the somewhat shameful use of CG to recreate the former two characters.
-All the unnecessary “Easter eggs” and ancillary character cameos again drew attention away from our main characters
But despite half-a-dozen eye rolls, I actually enjoyed the film very much. This movie is fun (if unremarkable) and one I would like to see again.
Though I have to take one last parting shot at CG Leia. Her face ruined the ending for me. The computer generated countenance of a young Carrie Fisher is so uncanny and jarring that it made me cringe. And it’s the last shot of the picture. A much more tasteful option would have been to hold the previous wide shot from behind when the trooper hands her the floppy disk. That also would have been more in keeping with the Star Wars tradition of ending on wide shots of our characters.
OK. I’m done now. It feels good to get that off my chest 😉