Managing Editor, Chris Phillips went into the trenches this week to bring you a Rogue One: A Star Wars Story review.

Released December 16, just in time for the holiday movie rush (and a Christmas shopping list tie-in), Rogue One fits in the Stars Wars timeline between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. So if you’re a Darth Vader fan, you’re going to have a lot to love.

Starring Felicity Jones and Diego Luna, there are rumors that Rogue One is nothing more than a soft reboot. But according to Chris, the viewer gets a look at the gritty inside world of the rebellion–and it’s not the heroic Camelot we’ve imagined. It’s dark and dirty and more likely to get you shot in the back than anything else.

This definitely isn’t Star Wars like you’ve ever seen it before.

There’s another pronounced absence:

Lightsabers.

Yeah. You read that correctly. You’ll have to watch Chris’s YouTube video for more details, including a breakdown of story elements, why we engage or disengage with a character and the effectiveness of the CGI used.

And while you’re there, subscribe to our fledgling YouTube channel. We’ll have more reviews of movies and books plus insider tips on writing.

In the meantime, may the Force be with you.