May 4 is the key date for all Star Wars fans (“May the 4th be with you” in a variation of the classic “May the force be with you”). A perfect occasion to celebrate all that the galactic saga has been, but also appreciate all that it still can be. Although at times it has tended towards complacency, granting what is expected by the fans without going out of line, we have had great Star Wars productions that have given an interesting extension to the ideas originated by george lucas.
Therefore, on this special date, we highlight these two recent series and a movie that expanded the possibilities of a Star Wars product, incorporating ideas and styles that enriched the saga. Not all of them were understood, but that should not detract from the esteem of these three great proposals available in streaming.
‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008 – 2020)
creators: Dave Filoni, George Lucas, Henry Gilroy. Distribution: Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, James Arnold Taylor, Dee Bradley Baker, Catherine Taber.
The prequels left feeling of missed opportunity to really explore the times before the establishment of the Galactic Empire. Not because George Lucas did not raise interesting things, which there were, but the execution left much to be desired. But created a fertile ground what later Dave Philoni took advantage of for a decade from the animated section.
‘The Clone Wars’ knew how to find advantage in the cracks left by that trilogy of films, emphasizing the character of adventures with remarkable animation, without giving up the political messages that Lucas wanted to explore in his films. Over eight years, he gave another life to classic characters while introducing and developing new ones, such as the wonderful character of Ahsoka Tano, and gave funny stories that, in the long run, are becoming the foundation stone for these future years of the saga. from Lucasfilm. A triumph.
Watch on Disney+ | Criticism in Espinof
‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ (‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’, 2017)
director: Ryan Johnson. Distribution: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher
Of course, this inclusion is going to bring controversy, but it is worth emphasizing it. Ryan Johnson has managed to better explain the greatness of Star Wars in his film more than the reference festival of JJ Abrams could never dream. ‘The last Jedi’ explore the foundational elements of the franchise with curiositybut also with a certain critical sense.
Can you continue winning with what previously triumphed? Johnson questions it to establish new territory to explore for the saga, while continuing to do an entertaining and light-hearted adventure film. Get to develop ideas for a new generation of characters while offering doubts, conflicts and interesting chiaroscuros to veterans. Uncomfortable reflections for those who profess militant religious devotion to a book of rules and something rotten by humidity and the passage of time. Johnson dared to dream of an exciting galactic future where we all have a place, but was met with a belligerent refusal. At least he has made the most objectively visually beautiful film of all.
Watch on Disney+ | The criticism in Espinof and another criticism
‘The Mandalorian’ (2019 – Present)
Creator: Jon Favreau. Distribution: Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Werner Herzog, Giancarlo Exposito.
In the end, there was room for consensus for a new Star Wars product. Even the most skeptical who see here an impressive showcase of future dolls to add to the Amazon wish list had to lower their voices before the Jon Favreau classic adventure. ‘The Mandalorian’ benefits from dealing with characters on the fringes of the galaxy’s greatest conflict to make a fabulous story with aromas of westerns that timidly inspired Lucas.
From time to time you should do winks of rigor, introducing familiar comfort elements that, ironically, make a galaxy far, far away seem smaller and smaller. But they are punctual details in a total success, which has fun with its “adventure of the week” format and creates one of the strongest relationships in the saga and on television today. Even ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ went from being a boring paperwork to something entertaining when it decided to become season 2.5 of this series. That’s how perfectly drawn it is.
Watch on Disney+ | Criticism in Espinof