The reviews for 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' are out - here's what the critics are saying

The INSIDER Summary:

• The first reviews are in for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."
• Critics are impressed with how thrilling the action is, and how diverse the cast is.
• Others wished it didn't fit so neatly into the "Star Wars" template.
• Overall, people think it's good!

The reviews for the first "Star Wars" spin-off movie, "Rogue One," are here.

"Rogue One" takes place before the events of "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope," and follows a band of rebels who plan to steal the plans for the Death Star from the Galactic Empire.

The reviews are mostly positive, but critics have some quibbles. The middle part moves a bit too slowly, and some critics think the film revisits too much of the same material found in the other "Star Wars" stories instead of staking out its own territory.

Mostly everyone, though, is impressed by how action-packed it is and by its commitment to cast diversity. Jyn Erso, the film's feminist hero (played by Felicity Jones) is a particular highlight.

Here's what the critics have to say.

The Hollywood Reporter finds it an entertaining set-up for "Star Wars: Episode IV."

Collider likes how the film is refreshingly different from its predecessors.

Variety noted how adult-friendly the movie is.

Entertainment Weekly loves how the story dives into a new corner of the "Star Wars" story.

Newsday doesn't find the story very innovative.

The Daily Beast, on the other hand, thinks it's the best "Star Wars" movie since "The Empire Strikes Back."

The Los Angeles Times admires the movie's commitment to its characters' diversity.

Screen Crush wishes the characters had more room to breathe.

The Guardian finds Jyn Erso a new feminist hero.

The Playlist says the reshoots make the movie seem disjointed.

IndieWire thinks the film is a balancing act between Lucas's prequel trilogy and Disney's takeover of the franchise.

Our own Kirsten Acuna says "Star Wars" fans will be very happy with the end result. You can read INSIDER's "Rogue One" review here.

NOW WATCH: This was once the world's most dangerous path