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In the realm of Star Wars, opinions abound fiercely.
Prior to Disney acquiring the franchise, many fans felt the prospect of new live-action content was dim. However, with Disney’s involvement, the universe has been revitalized, offering an abundance of new material from a galaxy far, far away.
Whether you appreciate the Disney+ series or believe each new addition diminishes the essence of Star Wars, ranking the content is a common practice among fans. Below is my personal evaluation of the Disney-era Star Wars offerings.
12. Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
This installment marks a disheartening moment in the franchise’s trajectory – one it continues to rectify. Following the divisive reception of “The Last Jedi,” Disney and Lucasfilm reacted by reinstating JJ Abrams to helm the project, ultimately undermining many narrative threads established by Rian Johnson in the prior film.
The result is a disjointed film that struggles to assert a meaningful existence, as it retreats to a narrow view of the galaxy that undermines the vast storytelling potential. The phrase “Somehow Palpatine returned” epitomizes the fear-driven decisions made during production.
11. The Book of Boba Fett
Emerging from the successful second season of “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett” represents the first major stumble for Star Wars content on Disney+. The series often shifts awkwardly between current-day Boba (played by Temuera Morrison) and flashbacks detailing his survival following the Sarlacc encounter depicted in “Return of the Jedi.”
Unfortunately, the show fails to invest enough time in either Boba’s past or present actions, leading to low-stakes drama punctuated by memorable yet laughable moments, such as the sluggish scooter chase. When the standout episodes feature minimal appearances from the title character, it underscores a concerning trend.
Silver lining: for many, witnessing Cad Bane in live-action was a highlight.
10. Obi-Wan Kenobi
Disney had high hopes for “Obi-Wan Kenobi”, assembling a talented cast, including Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, and employing the experienced director Deborah Chow. Yet, the show ultimately fell flat.
Often meandering, it spent precious time on perplexing choices, including a young Princess Leia. Many moments seemed to recycle previous storylines from animated works, diluting their impact. The toxic discourse surrounding the show, particularly directed at actress Moses Ingram, further tarnished its reception.
9. The Acolyte
“The Acolyte” provides an intriguing glance at an era in Star Wars history rarely explored – the High Republic period. Focused on a Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) and a former Padawan (Amandla Stenberg), the narrative revolves around investigating a series of Jedi murders across the galaxy.
While some dialogue falters, the series benefits from its intimate scope and immersive storytelling. Choosing practical sets and locations over CGI creates a tangible atmosphere often lacking in other entries.
8. Ahsoka
The affection for Ahsoka, a character brought to life by Dave Filoni, is palpable in the live-action series. Following the events of “Star Wars: Rebels,” the storyline revolves around Ahsoka’s search for Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) and the formidable Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen). While not every element translated seamlessly to live-action, when it succeeds, it shines.
Rosario Dawson embodies Ahsoka with grace, while Esfandi captures Ezra’s youthful charm coupled with newfound maturity. The performances by Dawson and the late Ray Stevenson (Baylan Skoll) are particularly compelling, offering a reflective exploration of their contrasting journeys.
7. Star Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens
The anticipation surrounding “Star Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens” was palpable. After long droughts of significant film releases, Disney’s intervention reshaped the landscape.
While critics may label it a retread of “A New Hope,” the film successfully reintroduces beloved characters, breathing fresh life into the narrative. The chemistry among the cast, particularly Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Adam Driver, captured audiences’ hearts, enhancing the nostalgia while avoiding blatant pandering.
6. Solo: A Star Wars Story
The backlash against “Solo” often perplexes fans. Though it elaborately connects dots that may have felt unnecessary, the film provides an enjoyable exploration of a new aspect of the Star Wars universe.
Diving into the underbelly of the galaxy, featuring smugglers and crime factions, offered a refreshing contrast to the traditional Jedi-centric narrative. It evokes the spirit of classic Star Wars novels, providing a nostalgic escape for many fans.
5. Skeleton Crew
“Skeleton Crew” embraces an adventurous tone reminiscent of Amblin films, presenting a fresh perspective within the Star Wars franchise. Rather than delving deeply into the expansive lore, it portrays a coming-of-age tale about four kids navigating an unfamiliar galaxy, with Jude Law as their complex guide.
The chemistry among the young cast, coupled with Law’s diverse portrayal, adds depth to the series, creating a dynamic experience that resonates with viewers.
4. The Mandalorian
With the launch of “The Mandalorian”, Disney+ quickly established itself as a frontrunner in streaming content. The series expertly merges Western influences with sci-fi storytelling, leading to Grogu’s meteoric rise in popularity.
The second season further elevated the series with its interconnections, featuring beloved characters and memorable cameos. Though the third season faced challenges in pacing and clarity, its ability to deliver thrilling moments solidified its place among the top tier of Disney-era content.
3. Star Wars Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
In “The Last Jedi,” Rian Johnson crafted a film that boldly criticizes legacy while challenging established norms within the Star Wars universe. Mark Hamill’s portrayal of a disillusioned Luke Skywalker brings emotional depth, while Adam Driver continues to excel as Kylo Ren.
This installment stands out for its rich storytelling and cinematography, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise. It invites discussions that resonate long after the credits roll, making it a defining entry in the series.
2. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
“Rogue One” shifts the focus from grand narratives to the individual sacrifices made in the fight against an oppressive empire. By spotlighting everyday heroes, it humanizes the struggle and provides a visceral experience that culminates in a heartbreaking conclusion.
This film serves as an excellent model for future storytelling within the franchise, proving that smaller, character-driven tales can effectively connect to the larger narrative.
1. Andor
“Andor” transcends typical Star Wars fare, delivering a narrative rich with depth and complexity. Crafted by Tony Gilroy and featuring Diego Luna, the series explores Cassian Andor’s evolution into a rebel figure while examining the broader implications of oppression.
Unlike many previous entries, it approaches themes and character development with a mature lens, making it one of the best stories in the Star Wars lineage. By highlighting the impact of the Empire on ordinary lives, it constructs an engaging and thought-provoking narrative that resonates profoundly.
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www.thewrap.com