I am not sure how to see these 3 episodes, other than 3 separate finales, or one big finale? However, whatever it is, and however you see it, this has been the greatest series from the Star Wars franchise. Each of these three final episodes tied up loose ends, although there were maybe a handful left hanging. These 3 episodes were spectacular.
Episode 10 The spy within the ISB, Lonnie, contacts Luthen to speak with him urgently, as he believes he has been burned, and it will not take long for the empire to find him. The information he carries regarding the Empire's new "energy weapon" is of extremely high importance, so he seeks safe passage/security from Luthen. Passing this information onto Kleya, Luthen is confronted by Dedra, but it is all to late, Mon got her speech out, and everything Luthen has been doing has triggered a chain reaction touching many different people around the galaxy. The flashback details the meeting and connection that both Kleya and Luthen had, so Kleya decides to continue with the plans and aids Luthen whilst still providing the important information to the rebel cause.
Episode 2 Having found out that there is a leak, Director Krennic interrogates Dedra for the information, but for all her work for the Empire and the leaking of top secret information make her come across as a rebel spy. Kleya manages to send word to Cassian, only for the Empire to track Kleya back to Corossant where Cassian, goes against protocols to rescue Kleya before it is too late and the Empire capture her.
Episode 3 This is the last episode and story plot point before Rogue One, so a lot of the time I kept thinking, "What happens to this character and that character". How does the Rebel Alliance get the information they need? I've seen Rogue One a handful of times, so I was trying to peace everything together for the lead up to Rogue One. We start off with the very paranoid Saw Gurrera having a conversation with Mon Mothma that understandably does not go over well due to their opposing views on how the rebellion is won. Saw is now placed on Jedha, paranoid, but still making a difference, which has caught the attention of the Empire. Cassian fights for Luthen's intel to be heard by the board, but struggles with this due to Luthen's methods which has rub the board up the wrong way, especially Bail Organa. Cassian travels to Tivik, and Bix is seen looking at a beautiful sunset in the fields.
These last 3 episodes were incredible. We had an entire episode with Andor's name even being mentioned, and the episode was great! These last three episodes were a nice tidy bow to bring us into Rogue One, and I absolutely loved it. I think what this show has done well is detail the atrocities the Empire was carrying out, and we were only concentrating on these groups of people. Such a great 3 episodes. That slow build-up was definitely worth it. If you have not jumped onto this show, please do, it may feel like a slog, but the pay off is very worth it. I'm going to re-watch Rogue One now.
It is the back and forth between the rebels and the empire. Not even one-upping one another, but trying to outsmart or go against a system that has its grip on the entire galaxy, to most, if not everyone, you feel you can only comply. They are monitoring everything and everyone. Nobody is free of this grip, hence the rebellion and Luthen, Cassian, Bix, Kleya, Mon Mothma, Saw Gurrera, they are all fighting, and these three episodes show you exactly how sinister the empire is and how any little thing can help. I look at these three episodes as the penultimate episode before the finale, before it all kicks off. Andor, although some may not like its slow pacing, as it brings you character work and spywork done like no other in the franchise, and it is done very well.
Episode 7
On Yavin and trying to recover from a war wound, Bix tells Cassian of a person who might be able to assist him with his injury, but upon meeting that person, that person presented themselves as a Force Healer, something Cassian does not believe in, but after a conversation between Bix and the healer, Bix is given the rebellion, Cassian and her role in it, some food for thought. The empire enacts the plan to clamp down on Ghorman while Wilman advises Cassian of the whereabouts of Dedra. Cryil receives some conflicting information.
Episode 8
While the Empire's plan takes place under the watchful eye of Dedra, Cyril realises the part he and Dedra have played in their company and becomes conflicted, until he is blinded by his motivations.
Wilman provided Cassian with accurate information, but that information led him to witness the might of the empire and what they are willing to do. Cassian is also confronted by an unexpected and unknown adversary. The Ghorman people stand strong, but it is a little too late, and the KX units are released.
Episode 9
Realising Mon Mothma is on her own, she tries to convince Bail Organa to leave with her, but he states his people are not ready. Luthen warns Mon Mothma about Bail and the people around him as well as the speech she wants to deliver. Mon Mothma delivers her speech, openly making herself the target. Cassian confronts Luthen, which leads to the rescue of Mon, but Bix makes a decision.
Every episode has been a stepping stone to great storytelling, episode by episode. Strangely enough, I feel the weekly three-episode release has done the same thing and as this is the penultimate "episode" (well, set of episodes before the finale), I will definitely say that these three episodes were great and in some places, tragic and brutal.
Having gone through the entirety of season one on a bit of fast forward (I did not watch in double speed, but at normal speed as a refresher, so I was not 100% focused), forgive me for stating Bix as Cassian's friend when in fact they are lovers or married, even...especially as she refers to him as her husband in the last 3 episodes. I thought she was honestly saying that to get creepy-bag magoo off her back, but seeing them kiss solidified that argument, if there ever was one. Anyway, these next 3 episodes are great. This is Star Wars, political intrigue, spies, and boffins. This is the drama behind the dramas, the fights and space battles. The last 3 episodes stood to show you different rebel factions and how unorganised they are, as well as trying to show you Mon Mothma's plight and all the things that are leading to her becoming the Mon Mothma from A New Hope. But these 3 episodes stand to show us the might of the Empire and the tactics they implore to get what they want to become what they become in Star Wars: Episode 4. Who do you trust when there are spies everywhere?
Episode 4 So we start off with Bix having nightmares due to the ordeal she went through back in season 1, and she is haunted by her actions in the last episode. Syril's mother buys into the Ghorman propaganda and thinks Syril has been demoted, but Syril is approached by Ghorman people, so he decides to be a spy for them. Dedra is still looking for Andor but decides to use Syril to get the upper hand on the Ghorman people. Mon Mothma tries to rally support and get votes while Wilmon is asked to create and teach his bomb making abilities to one of Saw Gurrera people.
Episode 5 The Ghorman spies try to devise a plan to but Luthen calls on Cassian to help with the assist. Kleya, listening in on a conversation about Luthen's counterfeit goods, also realises that the Empire may stumble onto their listening devices. Wilmon teaches his student, only to be shown his efforts were in vain because Saw Gurrera is very paranoid. Syril sides with the Ghorman people, but Cassian realises they are not efficient enough. Bix, trying to rest after her ordeal, gets restless.
Episode 6 Cassian gets angry with Luthen over his unexpected visit to see Bix. Cinta returns for the job with Vel and the Ghorman people whilst Syril watches on. Director Krenic arrives whilst Kleya does what she can to remove the listening device before the Empire finds it. Mon Mothma makes a decision. Bix seeks revenge.
These three episodes were a lot better than the last three. As each year goes by, we are given a part of the story that shows us the dynamics between the characters, the setups, the task and/or problem and how they are going to overcome them. In these three episodes, it is the empire that is pulling the strings, having the upper hand. It was mentioned by Cassian, "this is what the empire does" and he is not wrong, so these people are going to learn the hard way. The buildup to the double heist was great. It will be interesting to know what has changed in a year.
I did not write a series review for the first season of Andor, likely because I was caught up on everything else going on, but I did watch the show and really enjoyed it. In short, Andor is about a man named Cassian Andor who, through oppression, joins a faction of Rebels to fight against the evil Empire. In a bit more detail, Cassian is hunted for the murder of two imperial troopers by two passionate and eager imperial officers determined to track him down, but when he meets a man named Luthen, he decides to work with him and his team of Rebels to take down an empire garrison to hopefully help ignite the passion of other Rebel forces across the galaxy with the funding of Mon Mothma in whom the Empire is monitoring.
The first season is excellent. There are some amazing moments with great characters, but the show is slow-paced and very political. It is spies and double-crossing. There are gunfights and space battles. A lot will say, THIS IS STAR WARS. For me, well, I guess I would agree. It is not what I grew up on, but it is, dialled down and heavily fleshed out. Star Wars is not just laser swords, blasters and explosions; it is politics, it is spies, it is good vs evil. So now that the second season is out, released 3 episodes at a time covering the span of 4 years before the events of Rogue One, the first 3 episodes were good.
Episode 1 Having now joined a Rebel faction under Luthen, Cassian is a spy working within the Empire as a test pilot. His plan to steal a Tie-Fighter goes horribly wrong when the Tie-Fighter he steals is a new prototype, and he lands on a planet to meet his contact, only to find a bunch of Rebels who do not trust him. Meanwhile, across the galaxy, Bix and Brasso try to keep a low profile while they wait for Cassian. Director Krenic has a meeting with other imperial officers to spearhead an anti-Ghorman whispering campaign to obtain their minerals. The three-day wedding celebrations have started for Mon Mothma's daughter, but she has an unexpected guest arrive.
Episode 2 Luthen's assistant Kleya has trouble trying to get hold of Bix, having not heard from Cassian. Held captive, Cassian tries his best to rally his captors together, as they struggle to work together whilst being strapped for food. Syril tries to instil confidence in a new recruit to be like him. The imperials visit the area, Bix and Brasso are held up as they continue to carry out immigration audits. Mon Mothma's husband shows his jealous side, and her beneficiary starts to get cold feet about the cause and his involvement in it.
Episode 3 Bix and Brasso realise they may not be safe as the imperials are closing in, and one officer approaches Bix in an aggressively violent manner. Mon Mothma has a misunderstanding with her daughter and realises she is on her own. Syril and Dedra have dinner with Syril's mother. Kleya is able to speak with Cassian.
These were 3 great episodes. Slow, building character and developing a story which is going to be around the Ghorman people, it would seem. Set 4 years before the Battle of Yavin, these 3 episodes are designed to show us how the Empire are trying to resource minerals for their Death Star project, where Mon Mothma is with the cause financially, how unorganised the Rebels are and how it will never be safe for Cassian, Bix and Brasso. The third episode had some dark scenes and imagery, but I cannot help but love the realism of the characters. Someone of a high rank will definitely abuse their power. And the last shot of Cassian was so upsetting. Let's see how far they go with the excellence of this show.
It was only two days ago that I stated that the Star Wars franchise has not had much success in the last 10 years with quality films or shows apart from Andor. Not that I was lying, but I did not consider the animation department and the decent-to-great shows they have provided. The final season of The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels & Star Wars: The Bad Batch. But this 'Tales of the Underworld', whilst seemingly feeling forced (no pun intended) because it looks like it stars or centers around everyone's two favourite "bad guys", it looks like they have come up with a story to push onto us and I am fine with that because, well, these two characters are two of my favourite characters within the Star Wars Franchise.
This looks like it is a story split between two characters that may end up finding each other near the end and either working together or going their separate ways. Asajj Ventress, for whatever reason, is a uniquely designed character with flaws and issues, who wields a lightsaber and was once both Anakin and Ahsoka's enemy, so it would be incredibly interesting to know what her story is now, especially as she has been thought to have died.
As for Cad Bane, he is another cool-designed character who has been pretty ruthless over the years, and I also believe he was said to be dead. Maybe this takes place before the events involving 'The Book of Boba Fett'. Two bounty hunters, one story? If there is anything I want more, it's Asajj Ventress in live action, maybe this show will help with that going forward.
Star Wars has been getting nothing but flak over the last 10 years, and with good reason, too. There does not seem to be a plan with this franchise, and no real thought has gone into many of the Star Wars projects since it was bought from George Lucas. With that said, when Andor came out, Andor caught people's attention. Andor seemed like it was for the more mature Star Wars fan. Not necessarily blood, extreme violence and nudity, but the tone was serious. Andor is the prequel series before the film 'Rogue One', which is a prequel film to the original Star Wars film 'Star Wars' or 'Star Wars: A New Hope'. Andor had great characters, great moments and great dialogue. You had Stormtroopers, but there was not a single lightsaber in sight. The show was captivating, and it took you on a journey with Andor himself while he tries to stay out of the evil clutches of the Empire and stop their oppression. I can only assume this second season will expand on what has been revered as one of, if not the greatest, storytelling product coming from the franchise of late.
This trailer shows us the characters we have seen and followed in the previous season, including Mon Mothma and Luthen. We see the Galactic Senate, and Mon Mothma looks as though she is struggling to rally people to her cause. Saw Gerrera is seen plotting, likely out the window with his breathing mask on his chest. Director Krennic looks as smarmy as ever whilst he watches the Death Star come together. There is a quick shot of a droid that looks like K2-SO who backhands a stormtrooper as it walks by. The shot with all of the K2-SO imperial droids turning their head at the same time is beyond creepy. There is not a lot to say about this trailer other than, I do believe this is the last season as every 3 episodes takes place over a year, so by the time we get to episode 12, the film 'Rogue One' starts as this is a story covering 4 years before the events of Rogue One.
Every week gets better and better. The writers of this show understood the assignment. Write something engaging, starring kids, paying homage to the 80's children's classics such as 'The Goonies' or 'Flight of the Navigator' and voila. This episode was great!
Off the back of the last episode, the kids are trying to find their way home and turn on SM-33, who takes them to the planet. However, on the planet, there are secrets and with secrets, often means danger. On top of that, the children are now on the run from pirates!
This episode was just great and one of the last scenes had me laughing out loud for practically 5 minutes as Wim does something I won't say due to spoilers, but I found it hilarious. This side of Star Wars with all this swashbuckling is actually decent. Although I have had a taste of it in 'The Clone Wars' and 'Rebels' this was actually still pretty good and entertaining. With only a few episodes left, the kids WILL get back to their parents but it would be great if, at the end, they are lost in space and have to figure it out. Is that too dark?
I think it goes without saying that the Star Wars franchise is in a state of flux. There have been some good movies which had no structure or plan to stabilise the franchise for great storytelling and the TV Shows have been the same. The TV shows have been small stories with particular characters where the story could have been fleshed out more with better execution. For example, I did not mind 'Ahsoka' although there were some small execution problems with it. 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' was exactly the same, but the execution was even worse and the storyline was fairly poor in comparison with some crazy antics, not to mention 'The Book of Boba Fett' which was borderline terrible for many reasons. I enjoyed it or I could say, I could see where they were going with it or wanted to do, but failed. Out of the TV shows, the 'Rogue One' prequel 'Andor' was great. 'The Mandolorian', is great (although some people have issues with it, issues I do not agree with). Season 7 of 'The Clone Wars' was good, the spin-off 'The Bad Batch' is also very good. The throughline problem with it all is the execution. Soo much lore and stories to mine but it is executed badly with no real foresight. So when a trailer for ALL of these shows looks great, especially this one, in the back of your mind in recent years, you can not help to start thinking, "but is this going to be any good?"
This trailer is good and it is great to see Carrie-Anne Moss, Trinity to all you Matrix lovers, doing a 'Force Push' and close-quarters combat. It is really good seeing her in scenes like this. This is only a teaser trailer, so there is not a storyline attached to the trailer as such, but we do understand that the Jedi are being killed off and it looks like it is going to be a murder mystery "detective" story with (maybe) Carrie-Anne investigating. The quality of the visuals looks great and seeing a vast number of Jedi drawing their lightsabres harkens back to 'Attack of the Clones' when all the Jedi were fighting in that arena. Hopefully, the show will dig deeper into the lore so we can understand what makes a lightsabre yellow or what type of Jedi use it. This is meant to be several years before 'A Phantom Menace', so hopefully we are very removed from any events from it. If this show ends up being, 'The Rise of Palpatine', I will be very upset, we do ot need that. Let's tell more stories not connected to The Skywalkers as Star Wars has a vast amount of lore and history it can go into to tell great stories.
For those who need to learn or are unaware of who Ahsoka is, let me give you a quick breakdown of how we got here. Ahsoka Tano was introduced in 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Movie (a film no one watched or enjoyed). It was an animated movie where Ahsoka was the padawan of Anakin Skywalker (I believe in helping to teach him responsibilities, discipline and then some). The Clone Wars animated movie then spun off into its own animated cartoon series called 'Star Wars: Clone Wars' in 2003 but the clone wars stories were then replaced by the 2008 animated series 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' where we focus on a "canon" storyline between the events of 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' and 'Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith' (I got onto this series from Season 4, watched all of the season then went back to season 1 and started from the beginning until the end which ended at season 7). The Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated show fleshed out the many battles Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker had between the two main movies and also helped flesh out the character of Ahsoka from a young Padawan joining the Jedi up until she is seen in Star Wars: Rebels. The animated show went on for several seasons filling up a "backstory" which also helped explain how and why Anakin sided with Emperor Palpatine and how "quickly" he turned to the Darkside in 'Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith'. Ahsoka's story was also heavily fleshed out during these shows and she has now popped up in not only 'Star Wars: Rebels', but in live action in both 'The Mandalorian' and 'The Book of Boba Fett'. This show aims to be her story since leaving the Jedi Order, working with the Rebels and looking for Grand Admiral Thrawn. All caught up? Good.
This trailer does not sell it for me and I am trying to think as to why I am not sold on it. Everything looks great, Rosario looks great, Chopper, Hera and Sabine look decent, but the overall aesthetic is not vibing with me. I am finding it hard to place why. I have seen two seasons of 'The Mandalorian' (and I am currently watching the third) and the look aesthetic is consistent with the one season of 'The Book of Boba Fett', but the look of these shows are not at all the same as 'Andor' (another Star Wars show). And while it does not need to look like Andor (although Andor seems to have been the best Star Wars live-action TV show so far, for me anyway), 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' also fell into the same visual grouping as The Mandalorian. There is something about this trailer specifically that is just not jiving with me, especially as I really like the Ahsoka character as she had grown on me from seasons 1-3 in Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated show when she was an annoying little child to the lovely and capable young woman she is now. She has stood up to and fought many characters in Star Wars and while her path is her own, it would be great to see where this ends up, but this trailer by itself simply looks cool and great, but that is just it. I will definitely watch it, but ultimately, the trailer does not sell me on the show as I was going to watch it anyway, but it does not hype me up even more as it simply looks like a paint-by-numbers of a few characters, lightsabre shots and ships. Give me more! Oh, and is that Orange? Is that an Orange lightsabre being held by some dude? I cannot think to whom that is but, I am just not sold on the show as yet, more than I already was. Hopefully, another trailer will help flesh out a nice synopsis and give me a better understanding of the show and maybe the look will grow on me. From watching this trailer, I simply felt that there needs to be someone above everything so there is a consistent tone to all the Star Wars shows and films because everything seems a little disjointed in look and presentation and this trailer made me feel that way.
Would you believe that there is a producer in Hollywood who has made billion on billions through a single franchise and could quite possibly be the only producer in history to do so? While that could be a reach on my part, his name is Kevin Feige and he is the man behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I mention Kevin because he has put himself forward and into the position to take an entire franchise on his back, make a plan, pivot where necessary, but execute. The franchise that is Star Wars, does not have that person and over the past 10 years, it has been showing.
Whilst there has been some great and not so great shows within the franchise of Star Wars, I do feel the people behind this believe too much of their own source but are not brave enough to try something different. That is what Rian Johnson did. And whether you like his take or not, he was willing to push the boundaries and scope. With that said though, if you have not been watching Andor, you are definitely missing out. Andor is where the franchise needs to venture more into.
So far, this show has delivered. A spy thriller show with politics. Great scenarios built with tension throughout. Expanding the universe with more characters, locations, vehicles and so far, not a mention of the word Jedi or a flicker of a lightsabre. You see Star Wars is more than spaceships flying around in dog-fights, laser-fire and lightsabres. Sure, these things are cool, but Star Wars does it not make. The prequels tried to show us that, but the execution was not the best. The sequel trilogy did not touch much on the politics as much, but Star Wars is more than just good vs evil. Star Wars is about politics, governments and empires ruling with an iron fist, oppression and yes, lightsabres. Think of the “WAR” part in the name. Is not all wart about politics? Whether it is in the stars or on the ground? This show is one of a few that is making a difference to the universe that is star wars and this episode (as well as the story so far) has displayed how different this franchise can be and it is excellent.
Such a great episode with Andor trying to get Kino on his side for a prison break. The dialogue. The acting. The music. Everything about this show screams great storytelling leading to where we know it will end up in Rogue One. It will be very interesting to see if there will be any more other characters that we will see later on in the timeline other than the ones we have thus far. I realise this show may not be for everyone and that is fine. Not everyone understands or has the patience for the slow build, the character development, the lack of dog-fights (so far) and lightsabres and that is fine. But this show is far from rubbish, because when you really think about it, you need to think of a ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘House of the Dragon’, or’ Breaking Bad’, ‘Better Call Saul’. These shows for example, were more than just dragons, incest, drug dealing and the big con. These shows were about the characters first and foremost, who they were influenced by (the people around them or their situation), what they had to do to survive and or achieve an end goal, no matter how dirty they got to do so. Maybe this will be better as a binge watch…but that tension!
First of all, that Disney Plus logo gets some great action with whatever it is promoting in the trailers to a TV show. The Lightsabre! Great usage. Secondly, was that Kamil? I hoping to see a BUNCH of Jedi's getting taken out...hundreds! Whilst the teaser trailer was good and gave us a little taster of what to expect, this trailer gives us soo much more.
This trailer! The production, the design, the story! This looks like it is a concentrated blend of The Prequels, The Original Trilogy and quite possibly, The Sequel Trilogy as well as the Cartoons. This looks soo good and I am definitely here for it. I am here for a possible sequel or sequels if they choose to take this further as his hair isn't greyed out yet, there is plenty of time! Great seeing some old and new characters, I just want to see how they weave this into Star Wars lore.
You know, I hadn't even realised this was coming out this year. It's like I knew, but I forgot. Maybe it is because The Book of Boba Fett was only decent in comparison to The Mandalorian so I am not that fussed about the Star Wars universe at the moment because, well...why should I be? The Bad Batch was decent, The Mandalorian was really good, the Star Wars sequel trilogy was iffy, but somewhat good in my opinion, but I need more. I need to feel excited and pumped again for Star Wars and...this trailer might actually be that!
For those who do not follow much of the lore, The Sith used Inquisitors to track down and kill the Jedi (first seen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series and Star Wars: Rebels) and it will seem as though Obi Wan Kenobi is going to be on a mission during this series trying to protect young Luke and maybe Leia whilst trying to fight off the forces of The Empire and some of these new characters look great. Duel of the Fates is a classic touch. It will be interesting to see how this all pans out in this limited series.
So I saw this link and I clicked on it which lef me to this trailer/clip showing us what they want to do with Star Wars: Visions. While ultimately, when this was first announced, everyone looked at the wording, heard/read the description, NOBODY CARED. I didn't, that's for sure. But that's because talking about Star Wars Visions isn't really that cool until some concepts are out there and then you can let your mind run wild! This, blimey!
In case you are unaware, Star Wars the franchise, is inspired by old school Japanese samurai movies/stories. The aesthetics are loosely samurai visuals with "futuristic" elements and takes on it. The aesthetics are also loosely western visuals, so a Futuristic, lived in universe combined with Western movies/TV shows and Japanese movies/TV shows. So to see them take the franchise loosely based on Samurai' and Westerns to bring it back to Samurai and Anime BLOWS MY MIND! Did you see the pictures? They look amazing. And as Anime is blowing up, this is definitely a WIN!!! This will be an anthology featuring short films.
Created by You can comment down below to enter in discussions. Thank you for reading, Subscribe and Spread the word! - Get your ReelReeviews, right here!
I got onto The Clone Wars very late. I think it was in it's 4th season when I got onboard. I don't consider myself to be a super fan however, I do really like Star Wars. The Story of good and evil and laser swords, it's all great...so getting into Clone Wars, although slow off the mark, I started at season four to six then went back to season one and watched it until the last season that came out recently, season seven. The guy behind The Clone Wars, Dave Filoni did an excellent job fleshing out the characters of a galaxy far far away and the show did it's best to help you to like Episodes one to three. Seeing The Bad Batch in two episodes in Season seven was ok, but it had promise. Watching this trailer, even more so.
As you can tell from the trailer for those who watched season seven of The Clone Wars will see this trailer as a reintroduction of the characters and it also implies The Empire knew about them. As this seems to be covering a time period between Episode three and Episode Four, it will be nice to see what stories they tell and if we see any other characters from Star Wars lore...maybe some Rebels? I don't even know, but it looks like fun.
Directed by Dave Filoni and starring Dee Bradley Baker, Ming-Na Wen, Stephen Stanton and Andrew Kishino
You can comment down below to enter in discussions. Thank you for reading, Subscribe and Spread the word! - Get your ReelReeviews, right here!
As I've stated in previous posts, I started reviewing series and streaming shows in October 2019. Disney Plus launched in November 2019 WITH Star Wars: The Mandalorian their catalog of movies over decades. I had to sit, stew and wait until March 2020 because I was born in the UK and that was when Europe was getting access to Disney Plus. Although there are times I do sneakily watch shows that aren't shown on UK screens, I do not review them because it wouldn't be fair to the reader if they do not have access to the content. It would be different if they are in another country and it isn't available, but to be within the same country, as an example, would be upsetting. With that said, this is the first time I will be reviewing The Manadalorian both Season 1 and Season 2 trying my very best not to spoil anything.
The Mandalorian Season 1 brings us a man in a Mandalorian suit of armour similar to Boba Fett from the Original Trilogy, son of Jango Fett from the Prequel Trilogy. This Mandalorian is also a bounty hunter like Boba Fett, with his own ship, own rules he abides by and as the season goes on, you find out more about him. Essentially, like most bounty hunters, he is a loner. He is assigned a mission where he is to collect a package and deliver the package to someone (Kind of like the film The Transporter), I guess, still a bounty. Upon retrieving this package and bringing the package to, what seems like, the remnants of The Empire, to whom were thought to have been destroyed in the 'Return of the Jedi' (OT) by The Rebel Alliance and Luke Skywalker, The Manadalorian decides to keep the package, try to find out more about the package and take the package elsewhere where he feels the package will be in "safer" hands.
This doesn't prove to be an easy task for The Mandalorian as not only does he meet up with various people, friends, allies who he may need to assist to progress forward in his findings, he also comes across various villains along the way, like an Assassin Droid and the remnants of The Empire. Things also prove to become more difficult for him due to the choices he continues to make due to the package he is carrying and the stakes involved. Will The Mandalorian go against his beliefs, his creed, his way of life, because of this package and continue to risk his life time and time again?
By the end of the first season, there is a stand off between The Mandalorian and the big bad and although The Mandalorian escapes defeating the big bad, the quest continues into season 2 trying to bring the package to where it belongs. Season one introduces us to the package as well as this Bounty Hunter. We learn more about his background, why he does what he does and his support group if needed. The Mandalorian has a past and he does owe his life to a group of people. This is Star Wars at it's finest. From the music to the action, everything is great. Seeing the X-Wings were great. Seeing the Tie-Fighters were great. The fighting and hand to hand combat, is great. This show pretty much did nothing wrong for the first season. It was a return to form or better yet, bringing us Star Wars fans what we were missing.
The Mandalorian Season 2 brings us back with our two favourite things, The Mandalorian and the package. If you are reading and you know what the package is, I know at this point I should say, but to those who are completely in the dark or may not realise the connection, is why I'm still being cagey about details in case of spoilers. Anyway, Some time has past and The Mandalorian is looking for other Mandalorians that might be able to assist him on his journey. But due to the value of The Mandalorian's Armour, all types of scum and villainy are seeking either his armour or the package making him hot property in the galaxy and with a bounty on his head. But as the episodes go on, The Mandalorian must either help or receive help to get to his destination and deliver his package safely, albeit, with plenty of complications along the way.
I read somewhere online during the viewing of the second season, that Jon Favreau had been rushed into hospital with damage to his spin and back.......from carrying the entire Star Wars franchise on his back. Whilst I thought this was very funny, a special shout out goes to Dave Filoni, the man behind The Clone Wars animation, Rebels and this show and this show is just amazing. Not only does Dave Direct two episodes, one in the first season and one in the second season, the latter being the better of the two, Dave also does some brief acting as a Rebel pilot (minor spoiler) and although not much to say, handled himself well.
While some episodes might be deemed a filler episode, we are definitely not short of action or character building. Some, including myself saw The Mandalorian as episodes of 'fetch-quests' like a computer game, but i really had no problem with that at all. We are shown a lone gunman who seems untouchable, but he struggles from time to time and that is good. I cannot stress enough that each season seems to get better and better and both season finalés will have you falling off your chair, it is THAT good.
This is a TV show and not a movie. Set between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, there is soo much time where nothing has been documented with the Galaxy, far far away and The Mandalorian fits like a glove in this time slot. I've tried not to spoil anything for those interested. The Music, the Acting, the special effects and stunt work, everything is just how Star Wars should be. Not too over the top and not boring. Not to say that the Sequel Trilogy aka the Disney Trilogy was bad, but it could have been soo much better and it seems Dave Filoni is here again to pick up the pieces. If you are into Star Wars, you will definitely enjoy, especially how they manage to weave, the OT, PT and ST into 8 episodes for a single season. I mean, with all the many many eater eggs and such, this show will have you thinking about the Star Wars universe and who is alive, who is dead, who may come back and in some cases, we do see some returning characters from EVERYTHING (including the cartoons), of what came before it in the timeline.
On last thing. This journey for The Mandalorian and the episode titles, all have multiple meanings and as the story unravels, so does the character. Filoni and Favreau are painting a picture, something much bigger than just one bounty hunter, something that covers decades of infighting between a set of people, something that can explain or give context to the future. Earlier I mentioned the ST (DT) and although many have their views on The Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker, I think going into season 3 will help give more context to these movies and why some characters are the way they are. A little like how the Clone Wars animated series helped show us Anakin Skywalkers turn to the Darkside. If you are a fan, you WILL like this. *my attempt to Jedi mid trick*
A Friend was telling me about The Clone Wars cartoon for a while and even stated how good it was. I am a Star Wars fan, as well as Star Trek, but for me I like them both for very different reasons. Star Trek, the ships and tech, Star Wars for the ships and story. With both, but more Star Wars, I like to go deep with the lore, so watching The Clone Wars was great.
I only jumped in from around season 4 (I think), but the shows got better and better until they were cancelled a few years back. But this last and final season, season 7 looks great! The only problem with this trailer is, some of the well know characters we have been following in other shows since season 6 will not hold much weight, but with that said, the animation looks amazing and to hear that they will be covering 'Order 66', I am, down!!! I'm here for Ahsoka, really.
It's a pity Disney+ is talking FOREVER to come out in the UK!!!
Star Wars is special to different people at different times from when they first experienced it. Star Wars has also played an integral part in the lives of many and a lot of people globally want and desire many different things from what they will call "their" Star Wars. Those in their mid to late 30s into their 50s will want one thing based on the Original Trilogy and those younger than 30, such as 20s onwards, are likely to expect or want something different.
Me on the other hand, give me some Lightsabre battles, give me some dog fights, give me someone evil and I'm good. Show me some Force moves and I'm delighted. I come in the range of the mid-thirties (only just) and although I've seen every Star Wars movie, watch the animated shows and am currently watch 'The Mandelorian' (shhhh...don't tell any body!), I wouldn't classify myself as a Die Hard fan, but I do love me some Star Wars.
What I will say though, I think over the years, this recent trilogy (known as the Disney Trilogy, I guess), was never going to please everyone throughout the many generations that Star Wars has touched. Also, it would be telling to find out what those who disliked 'The Last Jedi' ultimately thought of this movie because everyone everywhere is saying, if you liked that, then you will hate this. But my understanding is, those who hated that, said it didn't feel like Star Wars. This movie couldn't be any more safe AND Star Wars that it is unapologetically Star Wars and people, still dislike it. As I think about it, those who hated the last one should love this one, but I don't think anything is ultimately terrible with it. I'll get into it.
After the events of 'The Last Jedi', Rey (Daisy Ridley) is off learning from the Book of the Wills and Kylo Ren is seeking the believed to be dead Palpatine to finally end him and become the ruler of the galaxy and leader of the Darkside and Sith. However, due to Palpatine's message, our heroes Po (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega), Chewbacca and BB-8 along with Rey are on a scavenger quest to hopefully stop Palpatine and Kylo Ren and any other galaxy conquering plans they have in store using as much of any rebel forces they can gather to their aid.
I saw this as soon as I could as a lot of sites I frequent, cover Star Wars, which was making it impossible for me to navigate. Star Wars is everywhere and a lot of people have a lot to say. JJ Abrams had an impossible job with the passing of Carrie Fisher and "impossible" job of finishing what he started with 'The Force Awakens' because the "middle" movie 'The Last Jedi' changed the direction of the storyline somewhat. Some may argue that there was no structure before they even started renewing the franchise and although that might be so, I still enjoyed this movie with the efforts made. It's not terrible, it's good but I understand the frustration from fans are the no clear or lack of direction making the 2 directors work harder than they should have and having a mish-mash of a trilogy. And without going into spoilers, it did what I needed it to do to tell a semi-cohesive story and have fun with it. JJ kept a lot of the risks Rian took and used them in clever ways. The strongest elements of the movie were both Rey and Kylo Ren. There were some added characters that we could have done without, but at the same time, regarding the final act, I see why.
This is a Star Wars movie, so everything about it is excellent. Sound, visuals, acting, set-pieces, vehicles, imagery, battles, but the story could have been executed a touch better. However, I find that we the audience want everything explained and then when we do get things explained, there is too much exposition. Maybe it is the wrong things being explained, but I had no issue with how Palpatine was still alive or how he did what he did, we saw his cunning in the prequel trilogy, so....Palpatine innit!
There are a few very minor things I didn't like in the movie and a few things I sensed/guessed was going to happen anyway as they were practically telegraphed and one scene/shot/moment they carried out and went through with which could have been left on the cutting room floor, but other than that, there were a few things that gave me the chills and things I really liked from the movie. Palpatine's laugh fills me with joy every single time. The slight lineage twist, I thought was great although not really needed but it even plays into previous movies and was accented. However, the great thing is, I went in listening and reading non-spoiler reviews, went in with an open mind and I enjoyed it for what it was despite the flaws. Maybe you should also go in with an open mind not expecting anything as you might also just like it.
This is for the Star Wars fans worldwide, across the Galaxy from the Death Star to the StarKiller Base who all started foaming at the mouth and at Rian Johnson whom they think destroyed episode 8. I enjoyed it personally, but the fan base is divided. With Disney already working on a season 2 and the budget they are using to help launch Netflix Ultra (Disney Plus) this actually looks really good. A space Western feel in a galaxy far far Away', a long time ago.
It would be nice to see them expand on the Mandelorian lore in Star Wars among other things to give Star Wars that big huge Galaxy feel. I mean not everything is about Luke & Rey.
Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Pedro Pascal. Gina Carano, Nick Nolte
I forgot they were going to release a final trailer. Yes, there are going to be TV spots etc, but this is the "final" trailer that should show some story to it and does it? No!
The trailer, for the most part is a sell that it is Star Wars. It is a sell that we see all the new actors. It is a sell that we see a touching moment with Carrie Fisher as it would have been her Birthday today, but she died when they wrapped on The Last Jedi. It was a sell that we saw Kylo Ren and Rey fight but where was The Emporor? After seeing the actor who plays him already, might as well show him a bit more prominently, no?
Anyway, JJ does what he does best, SELL! And I'd be lying if I didn't buy into the visual, the scope and then SCORE!!! Let's just hope he can close this one off neatly with a nice bow. All we want is space battles, lightsabre fights and a bit of story connectivity. Let's hope all the best bits are in the movie.
Directed by JJ Abrams and Starring Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamil, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Naomi Ackie
It had been a while before we got Star Wars in film. The OG Trilogy is very beloved and the Prequel Trilogy, well, it is hated my many. The next Trilogy is now set with the first one being 'The Force Awakens' and while reboot specialist JJ Abrams did a good job with it (like Star Trek), they have decided to go with 'Brick' and 'Looper' director, Rian Johnson.
I've not seen Brick but I've heard good things. I've seen Looper and I loved it. A great film where Bruce Willis isn't "Out to Lunch Phoning It In". With that said, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, although marginally looked like Bruce with all the make-up, it didn't take away from the performance and what Rian ha accomplished.
The Last Jedi, although going into production and filming, Rian clearly dictated he was doing his own thing, this film clearly shows it and I'll explain, without spoilers of course.
The Last Jedi, begins only moments after the last movie, The Force Awakens and the Resistance have managed a small victory. They are now on the run with the aim to relocate at another secret base but when a delayed tactic by Poe (Oscar Isaac) helps with the evacuation only to be tracked down by The First Order, moments later, The Resistance need to devise a new plan, with Rey (Daisy Ridley) tracking down Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) for help and with the aid of Finn (John Boyega) and Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) with an assist, in order to lose them once and for all.
I will start with, this movie is very different to many movies that came before it. It is a long movie and for the most part, that was refreshing and cool. The choices Rian also made, were also refreshing and, well, cool, but I can see why people night have their grievances with the choices made. Ever since 'Return of the Jedi', people have wanted to know what Luke has been up to all this time and what he was doing. Was he being a bad MF with his Lightsabre? Was he training new Jedi? What was Luke doing? We see at the end of The Force Awakens and Luke is on an Island somewhere and although it was cool to see him there and even more in this movie, one of my minor discrepancies is that Mark Hamill was underused or Luke's story in this movie seemed lackluster. A pivotal role, but lackluster. Another moment in the movie I didn't like and the movie dragged for me a little was halfway through the movie with Finn and Rose. I didn't really enjoy it and for the most part, didn't seem to sit well with the film at all. It was a slap in the face that this movie is for kids and grown adults alike.
Other than that though, Rian did an amazing job.
There was a scene I won't get into which involved General Leia (or Princess Leia) and as you know, Carrie Fisher passed shortly after filming finished, so every moment seeing her on screen wasn't awkward, but it was just, weird. The woman we all loved as Princess Leia Organa on screen acted well by Carrie who has passed several months ago was still fresh to us watching. Watching this in the cinema gave the performance an eirie feel to it. For the most part, I know people were crying and I couldn't blame them, especially if you are in your 30's, 40's and 50's, you know? Other than these things though, the movie was courageous and I liked what Rian did with the lore of Star Wars. He introduced new ideas and a new way of looking at the way The Force is used. For example, instead of using The Force to pull something towards you or towards something/someone, you can use the same objected to pull, but pull yourself towards it. You see how that works? It's just the reverse. Rian also left some subtle clues in the 3rd act which telegraphed what was happening, but for the most part, visually it was stunning. Better yet, the entire movie was. There is an inherent difference between both directors JJ and Rian, and love them for what artistic flare they bring when directing but I do feel Rian has a bit of an edge when it comes to cool visuals and concepts over JJ. It's kind of like an 'outside the box' way of thinking and seeing things.
As per usual, although there were a few jokey jokes here and there, the actors did a great job and having Mark back properly acting and not doing Voiceover work was truely refreshing. The little kid in me wanted more and I'm sure that is with a lot of the viewers who watched this, but if you want more of the same, look for JJ. If you want something different, look for Rian. For example, there is a Lightsabre fight on this movie which was visually stunning and cool. Everything in that moment was superb, just not something JJ would have dreamt of I feel.
I can see why people may feel funny about this but for the most part, it's great and I hope they carry these new ideas etc over to part 9.
