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The Mandalorian: Chapter 23: The Spies (2023)
Utter nonsense
This show has completely lost Its way. No longer is it The Mandalorian, but some lame, half assed story that no one cares for.
What started out as something special and unique has transformed into a predictable snore fest of a show. And a complete mess of a story.
I reminisce back to season 1 as we followed Din Djarin through the desolate post Empire badlands with colourful characters in tow. A genuine heartfelt story of redemption, unity and honour.
That sadly is nothing but a distant memory now. Favreau and co have really done a number on this show with their expanded universe model going to ruins fast.
If they do decide to do a 4th season (which at this rate is highly unlikely). They need to strip it right back to basics and focus once more on Mando with a more faithful Star Wars aesthetic. Just like Season 1 did.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 22: Guns for Hire (2023)
Mando has lost his way.
This show has transformed out of all recognition. No longer is it the man with no name in space but the man with no purpose in space.
Mando was undeniably the coolest SCIFI character STAR WARS had dished up in a long long time. The show has now been turned into the Rebels cartoon. Yes you could argue, that was it's natural progression but compared to what we got in season 1 this is really uninspired and predictable, childish storytelling.
Although chapter 22 was fun, there is nothing here worth talking about. It was grade C level writing at best, much like the rest of season 3.
I envisioned so much more for this show. When we have the likes of Andor which is such high quality with great characters with a true Star Wars aesthetic. I'm shocked Favreau and crew did not capitalise on taking Mando in this direction instead. What a wasted opportunity.
I'm pretty sure crowbarring in The Book Of Boba Fett, has not helped this shows maturity and has inadvertently sucked the life out of Favreau's creative flow. He is clearly spreading himself too thin and it really shows. Better luck on Mando Season 4. This one is a complete dud.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part III (2022)
Cheap and mind numbingly stupid storytelling.
This show is so unbelievably bad. It is bland, incoherent and ultimately a waste of time. A story that doesn't need telling. Darth Vader is snapping childrens necks and dragging village folk through mud. No, no, no. So naff.
Tokyo Vice (2022)
Was expecting more. Will it deliver?
The first few episodes are fantastic. Very sophisticated storytelling and set up. Michael Manns opener is brilliantly directed and very well written. However I'm now on episode 5 and the story and characters haven't progressed or amounted to much and it's scope seems a little small and repetitive. Ken Wantanabe is criminally underused and should really be at the forefront of the story by now. Every scene he is in is pure gold. Instead It's focus revolves around peripheral characters who are pretty dull and add little depth to the narrative. With only five more episodes to go I hope it starts to up the pace and story.
The Batman (2022)
Pattinson held my attention.
After a second viewing It's stronger. The pacing, tone and sparingly restraint but potent action sequences reminds me of an old fashioned Noir crime caper movie from the 40's. It takes it's time, lingers on it's characters and utilises Pattinson's acting chops well. He is a very good Batman and looks the part. The contrast between his true self and his alter ego is a nice diversion from what we're used to. Bruce Wayne without the cowl is a broken man, almost child like but when he dons the suit he becomes someone entirely different, holding the screen with his measured performance and inquisitive gaze. Pattinson carries this movie, if it wasn't for him I'm not sure I'd stay the distance. Perhaps a sequel with a decent story and stronger villain is in order to help compliment this serious actor.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 7: In the Name of Honor (2022)
Laughably Bad
If nothing else at least I got a few more belly laughs out of this ridiculous cringe show. You could dress every character in clown costumes and you wouldn't notice the difference.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger (2022)
Juvenile storytelling but with one great scene.
After the sensational and classy standalone episode 5 this episode returns to the dreadful Book of Boba Fett storyline but with a whole new cast of characters. The creepy re-introduction of Luke and Grogu, although fascinating was an uneasy watch. Luke is void of any personality here despite his fantastic Deep-Fake likeness. His monotone voice and cultish behaviour towards baby Grogu gave me chills, not feels... We return to Jabbas palace for a brief moment where the monosyllabic Boba along with his babysitter Fenec Shand and gang of Neo-Mods meet Mando. But the highlight of the show was Cob Vanth's Mexican stand off with Cad Bane. A chilling scene and very well executed with a tip of the hat to Clint Eastwoods 'The Man With No Name'. Overall it's convenient and predictable storytelling at best. A weak story I feel we didn't need in the continuing saga of the Mandalorian and Grogu.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian (2022)
Mando is back! A stand alone Mandalorian episode.
Mando is back and in sublime form. What an episode! Everything about this was on another level compared to the previous 4 episodes involving the senile and comedic Boba Fett. The production level, the direction, the acting and set up was all top notch. Mando's new starship is a revelation and the Darksaber sequences were seriously badass. I loved the pacing, the mix of serious and fun with a nod to what was the best part on The Phantom Menace. The pod race. This was quite simply "wizard!". With this single episode Bryce Dallas Howard and John Favreau have rejuvenated my enthusiasm for The Mandalorian. Sadly the same can not be said for the dead rubber that is The Book of Boba Fett.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 4: The Gathering Storm (2022)
More trivial pointless storytelling
This show is a complete dud. I've seen more coherent, intelligent children's TV programmes than this rubber fest. Nothing here has any significance in relation to the (true) character of Boba Fett. It's painful to watch. One scene for example. Boba floats his ship head first into a live Sarlacc Pitt in an attempt to retrieve his lost armour. The mind boggles! Favreau clearly wrote this tripe while on the fly. Most probably when on his toilet break.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 3: The Streets of Mos Espa (2022)
Boba Fett for pre-schoolers
More drivel from Favreau and co. Boba Fett has been so pared down, neutered and irrelevant he's become nothing more than a pre-school cartoon character. As for the show, it is structured just like a Disney cartoon, but without the skill and craft. Littered with one dimensional characters and boring sequences that spearheads a terribly predictable plot.
I really have no idea what Favreau and Feloni are thinking? Clearly they've just reverted to type and are just going through the motions with this show. I really hope their complacency doesn't rub off on Mandalorian season 3.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 2: The Tribes of Tatooine (2022)
Slightly less worse than episode 1.
Boba Fett is now a distant memory. This show is not Boba Fett. I know Favreau and Feloni need to create something new but why the lack of inspiration or innovation? They have turned Boba Fett into a completely new character, a character I have no interest in whatsoever it makes the 'journey' or 'transformation' completely irrelevant. The transformation we saw in the Mando character through the power of a force wielding child was what Star Wars is all about. Doing tribal rain dances around a fire is not what I had envisioned for the baddest bounty hunter in the galaxy. Oh and that tiny miniature Rancor set was unforgivable.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 1: Stranger in a Strange Land (2021)
A major disappointment. Truly terrible. I'm in shock!
This was truly awful. Bad story, bad writing, bad directing, bad acting and terrible music. This is not Boba Fett or Star Wars for that matter. It is as bad if not worse than a lot of the fan made cosplay films we see on the utube. From the very first minute my head dropped when we get a glimpse of Fett inside the cheaply constructed Sarlacc pit stomach alongside what looks like an undigested stormtrooper toy. (I don't recall there being any stormtroopers on Jabbas barge in ROTJ?) Fett ignites his flamethrower and tunnels his way to safety, popping his head above a sand dune. (like hello! No Jetpack escape?!) And thats as far as I'm willing to go, the rest is just as pathetic and pointless and does nothing to complement the legend of this once menacing and mysterious mercenary. I won't be watching any more. The Mandalorian was great in parts but although not without it's flaws, it held together and gave us some sublime moments to add to the Star Wars iconography. The Book Of Boba does the complete opposite and discards Boba Fett and his legacy into the trashcan. So so bad.
The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
A major disappointment. Truly terrible. I'm in shock!
This was truly awful. Bad story, bad writing, bad directing, bad acting and terrible music. This is not Boba Fett or Star Wars for that matter. It is as bad if not worse than a lot of the fan made cosplay films we see on the utube. From the very first minute my head dropped when we get a glimpse of Fett inside the cheaply constructed stomach of the Sarlacc pit alongside what looks like an undigested stormtrooper toy. (I don't recall there being any stormtroopers on Jabbas barge in ROTJ?) Fett ignites his flamethrower and tunnels his way to safety, popping his head above a sand dune. (like hello! No Jetpack escape?!) And thats as far as I'm willing to go, the rest is just as pathetic and pointless and does nothing to complement the legend of this once menacing and mysterious mercenary. I won't be watching anymore. The Mandalorian was great in parts but was not without it's flaws but at least it held together and gave us some sublime Star Wars moments to add to the Star Wars iconography. The Book Of Boba does the complete opposite and discards Boba Fett and his legacy into the trashcan. So so bad.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Where's the humour?
The set up was nice. Beautifully filmed but lacking in character and laughs. The story is very thin and ultimately doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Egons through story was the most interesting element and was a great opportunity to really explore something fun and meaningful but it falls short and feels cold. The two end credit scenes were the highlights and played on the imagination better than the actual movie did.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 16: The Rescue (2020)
Poorly executed
It pains me to say but this really was a weak final episode. I was expecting something truly groundbreaking. Granted it had heart but ultimately was let down through poor execution. Cheap vfx, flat cinematography and uninspired storytelling.
I liked key elements within this episode but they just didn't sit right. Some character motives and behaviours are way off base. Luke was straight up bizarre and scary (terrible likeness). You'd seriously hand your beloved child over to that guy? No way.
And Boba turning up at Jabba's palace to take the throne from Bib Fortuna was unrealistic and naff. For me The Mandalorian on the whole is a success but too many episodes have bordered on childish fan service. With just a few tweaks and a little less of the histrionics this finale could have been truly great. 6/10
The Mandalorian: Chapter 15: The Believer (2020)
Excellent directing
Rick Famuyiwa does it again! A very well structured, character driven and well written episode, much like his previous two from last season. Famuyiwa is the stand out director of the series. (I was very impressed with Peyton Reed and Carl Weathers debut episodes also).
This one is full of surprises, they played with Mando here which was refreshing as he was starting to become a little dull, but not this time. And Bill Barr's character was excellent, just the right amount of humour with a really interesting narrative.
My only gripe is Boba Fett. I just don't believe he is the same character from the original trilogy. Although it's cool to see him as part of this rogue 'band of brothers' I just don't believe the guy who was lauded by the Empire and threw Han Solo to the wolves would act this way. I believe Michael Biehn's character from Chapter 13 was much closer in terms of motives, style and personality.
Lastly Slave 1 was always a one man ship, small cramped and industrial. Here it conveniently fits a party of 5, with a big open cockpit. I was really hoping 'The Mandalorian' would revisit the aesthetics of the original trilogy with a little more care but the prequels seem to be colouring the overall design decisions here regarding this character.
A good show never the less. 9/10
The Mandalorian: Chapter 14: The Tragedy (2020)
Odd, off-putting but strangely fascinating
Show opened really well, then it went all low budget Power Rangers style. Boba was hammy as hell and any hopes of him being a threat towards Mando where dashed in 10 mins as they resolve their differences and become friends. I was hoping for a cat and mouse chase between the two that'd develop over time, even seasons, NOT TEN MINUTES!? Anyway it ended strong but a wasted opportunity. And Rodriguez directing style really didn't fit, could have done with more content and a little less cheesey fighting sequences which was about 80% of this eoisode. Director RIck Fumayiwa is still to come so thats a big plus.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 13: The Jedi (2020)
Moving and Thought Provoking
This show has now come of age. Ep 13 is Truly spectacular. A great episode. Perfectly paced with really special character development. The relationship between action and dialogue driven scenes work so well. They actually give time to appreciate the performances that really adds to the atmosphere and energy of the scene. I've never seen Star Wars done like this since the originals. It has so much heart and respect for the source material. Feloni and Favreau are taking back control and I'm so grateful as a fan. This is a really special show. Star Wars is finally being done right.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 12: The Siege (2020)
Great fun
Some really cute father/son scenes here between Mando and baby Yoda which had me chuckling throughout. The show starts with a lovely opening sequence which is then proceeded by yet another formulaic plot, but one that ultimately eludes to something much bigger. The show doesn't really kick in until about the 25 minute mark. And wow, what a spectacle chase down we get that ends with a fabulous aerial dog fight.
Not the greatest of episodes but far better than episodes 9 & 11. The Mandalorian has shown real potential for something much larger in scope. If they can get some real meat on their storytelling and extend the episode running length to an hour, it's potential is limitless. But so far so good. Seeing Gina Carano busting imperial ass was dynamite and for her, I'm sure it felt somewhat cathartic. Awesome stuff.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 11: The Heiress (2020)
Poor
Quite possibly the worst episode to date. Ep 4 & 5 weren't great but this was a real stinker. Wooden acting, one dimensional storytelling and utterly boring dialogue.
I Loved ep 10, It had real flair. But this one felt very cheap. I know she's a newbie but Bryce Dallas Howard is not the way. More episodes like this and you've lost me. Just waiting now for Rick Famuyiwa and Robert Rodriguez to put some legitimacy back into this show.
Poor.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 10: The Passenger (2020)
Fan Bloody Tastic!
Now this is more like it! We're finally on the move again. After the disappointment of episode 9 this one gets back into the swing of things with a destination and a plot in sight.
Although a brief and fleeting stop along the way, episode 10 packed in so much. The dialogue and acting at times feels very TV, but the set pieces were cinematic to the highest degree, harking back to the good old days of the original Star Wars movies. I'm in awe. This was spectacular!
The Mandalorian: Chapter 9: The Marshal (2020)
Meh! Bring on Rick Famuyiwa and Robert Rodriguez...
A very mediocre episode from Faverau. Reminiscent of episodes 4 and 5 from season 1. Well executed, beautifully shot but lacking inspiration and a decent writer. Underwhelming start to series 2. I'm sure it'll get better with the likes of Rick Famuyiwa and Robert Rodriguez episodes to come.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 8: Redemption (2019)
A tour de force
What a fantastic conclusion to a fantastic 1st season. One that didn't go the way I was expecting. It was full of surprises, originality and great subliminal subtext.
This show has really breathed new life into the franchise. Star Wars is again intelligent, emotional and fun but with a whole new cast of characters we can love and route for. The Mandalorian is a tour de force and a new hope for the future of Star Wars.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 7: The Reckoning (2019)
They are setting us up for a real tear-jerker...
It's all coming together beautifully. Characters from past episodes are back in this one and it's all heading towards an epic finale that if it goes the way I'm thinking, with baby Yoda and one other 're-established' character in particular, Episode nine has the potential to sign off this fantastic series with the ultimate tear-jerker, feel good moment. The old cliff hanger serials are back! Only now they're Star Wars.
I'm loving this show!!! Finally they are doing Star Wars right... "This is the way"
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Mindless nonsense
More mindless nonsense terrible cgi animation and no story of any interest. Kids dig this crap. We are encouraging a generation of idiots. Get back to making real movies Disney. You used to be so good at it!