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Tag: Star Wars

June 7, 2026

Why “The Mandalorian and Grogu” Didn’t Fill Theaters

This is a good summer movie that lots of Star Wars fans skipped. Here is why I think so many people didn’t come back for more Mando and Baby Yoda.

“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” has clearly underperformed at the box office. This is not the way. So, what went wrong?

First off, this is not a bad movie. In many ways, director John Favreau has given us the perfect summer flick. Action-packed. Fun. Great special effects.  And the cutest character in a galaxy far, far away.

Plus, it’s fresh “Star Wars” material. We haven’t seen a new movie in over six years.

But with all that is good with it, there’s also this feeling of… been there/seen that.

Nothing New

If there had not been three previous streaming seasons of “The Mandalorian” on Disney+ (2019-2023), I think this movie would have performed much better.

The series had time to provide a deep experience regarding Din Djarin’s backstory. His bounty hunting adventures were only part of the larger narrative, including the Mandalorian people and culture.

But the movie couldn’t simply pick up from where the series left off, because not all movie goers would know (or remember) the previous plot points.

So, the movie was effectively forced to exist as a standalone and otherwise disconnected bounty-hunting adventure. Everything else from the series had to be stripped away.

As a result, Mandalorian fans didn’t get to see anything especially new.

A Razor Crest Isn’t Just Another Ship

Sure, there are a few new characters here, but if you’re a Mando fan, you might be disappointed after watching the movie, because the larger story arc didn’t move forward.

Yes, there were lots of background references to the larger series, but few were allowed enough time to create emotional impact. 

Even the moment when (minor spoiler) we see the new Razor Crest, there’s barely a pause in the dialogue as Mando takes this replacement for his previously destroyed ship (season 2, episode 6).

I listened for an emotional surge in the music, but it never came. He admired this particular ship’s restoration, but you wouldn’t otherwise know the importance of Mando flying another Razor Crest.

The ‘Dadalorian’

I’ve read many reviews that said this felt like a few episodes stitched together. Yes, I agree this could easily have been part of a season 4.

But guess what? We didn’t get season 4.

And quite frankly, I was happy to get to watch a few more episodes, so to speak.

And it’s always nice to spend a little more time with Pedro Paskal’s ‘Dadalorian’ and Grogu.

Baby Yoda Rocks

And if you’re a Grogu fan, you’re in luck. Baby Yoda has a lot to do here.

He delighted the row of kids who were sitting in front of me in the theater. But they certainly weren’t old enough to officially be part of the PG-13 crowd.

Which makes you wonder about the target audience for this movie. It’s PG-13 for all the fighting. And G-rated for Grogu. That’s a difficult balance to maintain to satisfy everyone.

The Challenge Turning a Series into a Movie

I think in many ways it just comes down to this: Successfully converting a TV series into a big screen movie with the same cast is often hard to do.

“Firefly” couldn’t get “Serenity” to fly.

Sure, “Star Trek” did it, but it needed two attempts, and “The Wrath of Khan” certainly didn’t play it safe.

Sigourney Weaver Stopped By

Not only did this Mandalorian flick play it safe, it felt like an extended premiere of season 4.

And while that was fine with me, that won’t draw the crowds who will otherwise watch it in a few months (weeks?) on Disney+.

But wait! This movie’s got the great Sigourney Weaver. Hmmm… well, she actually didn’t seem that excited to be there.

Hold on… We’re introduced to not one, but three Hutt characters, including Rotta the Hutt (voiced by Jeremy Allen White), who is Jabba the Hutt’s son. While that’s certainly interesting to some, more giant slug Hutts didn’t fill seats.

Grogu is Sad

Still, this is a solid movie, and I enjoyed seeing it in a theater. But it was just not enough to satisfy the broader fan base. It feels like the entire human race is quickly losing interest in this particular galaxy that’s now almost half a century old.

As a result, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” has already disappeared from my local multiplex on week 3 of its release. (I’m sure that made Grogu cry.)

At this point, can anything save this franchise? 

“Star Wars: Starfighter,” directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling is set to launch in theaters on May 28, 2027.

I certainly hope the Force is stronger with this next one.

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May 25, 2025

Why Andor’s Success Makes Rogue One a Better Star Wars’ Movie

I convinced my teen to delay watching “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” until after we finished streaming the second season of “Andor.” It was the right move but for the wrong reason. Here’s why.

I never liked “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Back in 2016, this movie seemingly broke all the rules of traditional Star Wars’ storytelling. It changed the narrative on what it was to be a rebel hero. It was dark. It was bleak. It was depressing. This was not the Star Wars’ movie I wanted.

The truth is I wasn’t ready. A lot of fans weren’t. I couldn’t handle a gritty expansion outside the cozy cocoon of Force-fueled characters.

When the “Andor” prequel series came out in 2022, I first rolled my eyes. What was the point? We knew how it all ends. How can you build a successful prequel based on that?

Well, I could not have been more wrong.

Put “Andor” at the Top of your Disney+ Streaming Cue
“Andor” is arguably the best Star Wars’ vehicle out there. Certainly, the best series. It’s mature. It’s thought provoking. It’s jarring. It’s not really Star Wars as we know the nine core movies. It’s more… Star Wars-adjacent.

And if you don’t already know the premise… it focuses on the early years of the rebel alliance that lead up to “Rogue One” and then the original “Star Wars: A New Hope.”

Headed up by actor Diego Luna, “Andor’s” entire cast is fantastic. Luna plays spy Cassian Andor who is recruited to join the rebellion after a series of encounters with the evil empire. All the characters are properly developed, both the rebels’ and those serving the soul-crushing dark side. That’s because this well-written series takes its time to do exactly that.

They spent a ton of money on this series, and every dollar shows. It’s as cinematic as any of the movies.

Why my Family hasn’t Watched “Rogue One” Yet
For the past two and a half years, I’ve successfully delayed a “Rogue One” screening for our 15-year-old son until after the conclusion of “Andor.” 

Why?

I didn’t want his enjoyment of “Andor’s” two seasons to be marred by the knowledge of what happens next. (He agreed to my subtle but clear warning that we should wait.) 

I worried that he would have that same pit in his stomach as I’ve been carrying about for the past several years.

Throughout the many cliffhangers of “Andor’s” season two, both my son and wife (she hasn’t seen “Rogue One” either) repeatedly asked me about the movie. My only response was simply, “I’m not talking about “Rogue One.” (It became a recurring joke.)

Frankly, I’d been dreading watching the final two episodes of “Andor,” because I thought I knew what would happen to many of the characters.

Wrong again.

Why “Andor’s” Finale is So Good
“Andor” creator Tony Gilroy gave us (minor spoiler alert) an uplifting and satisfying finale that entirely sticks this series’ landing. And it happily broke an unwritten rule that if you don’t see a character in the future story, that spells doom for them today. There are, in fact, other ways to disappear into a galaxy far, far away.

Just as importantly, both seasons of “Andor” provide the necessary backstory to better enjoy “Rogue One.” 

The idea of any rebel alliance can’t be a two-sentence plot point. This one really needed two seasons to fully set up the context and conflict of “Star Wars.”

And with that knowledge, rewatching “Rogue One” will be an entirely different experience.

“Andor” Makes “Rogue One” Better
I’m glad I delayed “Rogue One” in the Lester household for as long as I did. But now, I realize it was never about ruining “Andor” for our son. (I think that’s probably faulty parent logic.) 

Waiting for “Andor” to wrap simply makes “Rogue One” a better movie to watch. 

It’s Finally Time for “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
MCU fans often talk the proper order to screen Marvel movies. With “Andor’s” conclusion, I feel the entirety of Gilroy’s work from “Andor” through to “Rogue One” is now required viewing ahead of “Star Wars: A New Hope” (for anyone who’s may have avoided this movie since 1977).

Next up for our Lester movie night at home: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” 

We’re finally ready. And it’s going to be good!

Thank you, “Andor.”

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June 26, 2022

Why my Son Prefers Star Trek: Strange New Worlds over Obi-Wan Kenobi

My dusty Star Trek and Star Wars toys have been waiting for years for the next generation to choose a champion. That moment has finally arrived.

I can’t tell you how happy I am. I’ve spent years unsuccessfully trying to introduce my 12-year-old son to the vast Star Trek universe.

First, I offered a couple of the original episodes. Way too slow. Then, I served up the Kelvin timeline with the 2009 J.J. Abrams’ movie. It didn’t stick. My boy didn’t want to go further “Into Darkness.”

“Discovery” and “Picard,” the two new Star Trek series on Paramount+ weren’t at all designed for him simply because of all those damn swear words. I didn’t even make the attempt.

I’m a life-long Trekkie, and I’ve been unable to pass the torch.

Family-Friendly Star Trek
Then, “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” came out, and I watched the first couple of episodes. I was in shock. Could it be? Could this new series really be okay for kids to watch? Was this the moment I’d been waiting for all of my adult life?

I sat down with my wife and son on a Sunday night after dinner and nervously played the premiere for them. They were both skeptical.
(My wife was never a big Star Trek fan.)

The episode ended, and I stared at both of them. They each displayed a Vulcan look of mild satisfaction. They agreed to watch another episode. My hopes were bolstered.

The New Adventures of Ben Kenobi
But the next time we came together to watch a show, I really wanted to see the new “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series on Disney+. So we watched that two-part premiere. I certainly enjoyed this new Star Wars entry, but it was arguably a bit sluggish out of the gate with a slow build. (I did love that reveal shot of the light saber on Obi-Wan’s waist at the end of episode 2.)

I performed the same ‘Lester-insta-poll,’ and received a similar response. Good, though not crazy good.

Padawan or Cadet?
The third family screening would tell all as our son had been given the power to choose what to watch next. (We rotate that honor between the three of us.)

“Strange New Worlds” or “Obi-Wan-Kenobi?”

I could barely look at him.

I’d been waiting my whole life to again experience “Star Trek” through the eyes of a child. I still remember as a kid being blown away by the storytelling of the original series. That’s what always differentiated “Star Trek” from other sci-fi. It was so character-driven. Serious… and fun. And yes, occasionally even funny.

And then I watched as other sci-fi franchises muscled their way to the top of the public’s preference. Marvel and Star Wars. Of course.

I must admit that Marvel has really earned it. Movie after movie. They’ve barely stumbled. And then the expansion on Disney+. It’s impressive. Most impressive.

Yes, I think more impressive than Star Wars, simply because the entire body of work from that universe is uneven. Still, that galaxy far, far away is far from losing its grip on this planet.

And I know that has a lot to do with Darth Vader.

The Enduring Power of Vader
I remember seeing “The Return of the Jedi” at the Ziegfeld theater in New York City back in 1983. The giant theater was packed with kids munching on popcorn. And then there was the big moment towards the end of the movie when Emperor Palpatine was zapping Luke with dark Force lightning. Then, the camera shot cut to Darth Vader watching Luke’s apparent end.

Suddenly I sensed a huge wave of emotion flow throughout the young audience. Then the sound. It was a combination of hundreds of gasps and a few screams. Some kids just yelled.

The shot cut back to Luke writhing in pain. The audience’s roar of emotion increased.

And then back to Anakin staring at his son.

The entire theater exploded. The chorus of every kid there screaming at Vader to do the right thing.

Whoa.

Yes, Star Wars endures because we love to watch that struggle between the dark and the light. And who better represents that than our fallen friend Anakin?

The Federation Wins
Fast forward four decades, and Disney+ is now serving up a lot more Anakin/Vader.

But that’s only teased at the end of episode two of “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

So when my boy has the foundational choice between watching the best of Starfleet or a fallen Jedi, he goes with… Star Trek!

I have to admit, it wasn’t really a fair fight because of the timing, but I still relished the victory.

Finally.

For the past few weeks, my son has consistently asked for more “Strange New Worlds” episodes. I think I can safely say we are officially now a “Star Trek” family!
(My wife is enjoying the series with us as well.)

It all comes down to great storytelling and character development.

Always.

At the beginning of every “Strange New Worlds” episode, there’s that short sequence where the Enterprise takes a few colorful victory laps before the Star Trek logo settles.

Yep, I’d say they’ve earned it.

Never Dismiss the Power of the Force
We eventually got around to watching episode 3 of “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” And I observed my son during the Darth Vader scenes. The James Earl Jones voice. The iconic breathing. The sheer power of the dark side.

My boy was mesmerized. He then started to mimic the breathing. And I saw the smile on his face.

Yep, even after 40 years, some things don’t change.

Hit It!
But a heathy dose of Vader in episode 3 doesn’t change the fact that “Star Trek” has finally beat out “Star Wars” in the Lester household.

I’ve been playing the long game, and it’s finally paid off. Thank you, “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” You’ve got a lock on the Lester family.

The torch has finally been passed.

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