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Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Metamorphosis (2023)
A plot driven episode
With Mandalorian premiering the same day as this episode, I was a bit cautious about which one I should watch first. Undoubtedly I chose Mandalorian as it has proven to be a lot more entertaining than the Bad Batch in the past.
However, right after I watched this new Bad Batch episode and I must say, I felt disappointed while watching until halfway through the episode. They lead the episode to make it feel like a filler until we see the zillo beast and the Empire play it's part in all of this. We knew that Palpatine has always wanted to abuse the zillo beast and use it to his advantage from the Clone Wars and it was such an amazing throwback to see it again.
I'm wondering by the way things ended where the season is going. It feels like the Bad Batch will be leaving Cid and will move to a bigger cause, which is fighting the Empire. Episode 12 has been said to revolve around Crosshair so I can't wait to see what happens there! Overall, 8/10. Amazing episode, great way to get the plot moving and show us what we might be seeing in the coming episodes.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 17: The Apostate (2023)
Solid 9/10
Amazing visuals, even better story. This episode sums up what Mando is all about. What a great entrance to Season 3. I feel like the episode was slightly rushed and they tried to cram too much into just 35 minutes. I can't wait to see what happens going forward though.
My theory is that episode 4 will be the Mandalorians returning to Nevarro to get rid of the pirates with Din Djarin taking the lead and from there, episodes 5 - 8 will be more imperial based and mandalore based. I may be wrong but it appears that's where they're going with the story. Rick did an amazing job directing this episode, although there were a few moments where the episode felt rather comedic rather than serious but again, great intro to Season 3! Can't wait for episode 2!
Star Wars: The Bad Batch: The Crossing (2023)
8/10
I'm keeping this review straight to the point. The episode doesn't waste any time and gets the pace of the show moving as we can see Tech's character development make a huge leap. It was deal breaking as we have never seen this kind of development with Tech before - so it was a nice change.
The overall plot of the episode wasn't the greatest but again, I think it did an amazing job at Tech's development. The episode left off on a cliffhanger and the squad is now stuck on this dangerous planet until next episode. I'm guessing that the next episode will have something to do with what Cid's friend from episode 4 said when he said it's not a mutual feeling of trust. My guess is that Cid will do something that sends them the wrong way and brings them to leaving her - which I think is what we have all wanted for a long time.
Solid 8/10 episode. Hope to see more of this kind of content going forward and maybe a bit more plot moving as well.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Truth and Consequences (2023)
Amazing episode with some minor flaws
This episode depicts what the Filoni team can do when they put their minds together. This episode was amazing. It's not as good as episode 3 (for obvious reasons) but the two episodes really went hand in hand.
This episode really captured the aftermath of the clone wars while also keeping that "clone wars feeling". Something I still find irritating is that the Bad Batch are never threatened. The clones are known for their accuracy but how come they just happen to shoot like stormtroopers when facing the Bad Batch? It's unrealistic and I feel they should do better at that, especially in an episode that is literally revolving around clones.
Nevertheless, it was great seeing some actual bad batch plans take place and the real work they can do as a team. The ending brought a great mid season conclusion with Echo taking his leave from the squad. It's been well known he has been unhappy in recent days. I can't wait to see what they do for the rest of the season and how Echo's arc will now move going forward.
Great episode! 9/10.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Tribe (2023)
Solid 7/10 - can't get over Omega though
This episode does a great job at showing the aftermath of order 66 and what's going on on other planets. The fact that the Empire is working trandoshans proves that it has made a great change in its functionality compared to the Republic.
In past reviews, I've outlined some of the bad episodes this season and why they are bad. Well, the reason this episode is at a 7 is pretty self-explanatory. I cannot handle Omega's character in this episode. The entire episode is, "oh but we have to help him". It's unrealistic that these things keep happening and yet the batch somehow succeed at doing what they need to. I feel to make things more realistic, they have to live with some more failure.
Overall it was a great episode that I enjoyed watching. I hope to see more character development from Tech and Echo like at the beginning of the season but things haven't been looking that way unfortunately. Hope the 2 mid-season episodes next week turn it around and try to shake things up for the rest of the season.
7/10.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Entombed (2023)
Back to filler of the week...
After last week's episode being kind of a let down, I was thinking they couldn't possibly have two back to back filler episodes - never have I been so wrong. This episode was worse than last week. It was irrelevant to the overarching story arc with little to no character development unless the team behind the show considers Hunter complaining good character development.
The animation was grace for applause. There were some stunning visuals in the episode but it doesn't make up for the fact that the story is irrelevant and completely uninteresting.
While watching the episode, there were many times where I wanted to just put it down and stop watching but I couldn't because I needed to write this review. I recommend to any fans of this show to skip this episode and wait till next week, it'll make no impact whatsoever.
The only thing this episode succeeds in is letting fans down. 4/10.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Faster (2023)
5/10 is generous comparing this to last week's episode
Last weeks episode was one that will not be forgotten for a long time. It was a masterpiece and brought many mixed feelings to the audience. This episode was clearly a downgrade.
The new character, Tay-0, was an interesting addition to the episode. What I liked about the episode is how Tech is getting some more character development, but I feel the way they're going about showing this is wrong. They continue to show his intellect in the worst ways. A race? Is that the best they could come up with?
The episode partially focuses on Omega again, and as I've stated in previous reviews, she continues to put the Bad Batch in danger. She is irrelevant to the episode entirely but yet they continue to show her personality of "but we have to save them". It is the most annoying thing to watch and simply aggravating that the directors continue to do the same thing every episode.
Let's move on to the race. The races were repetitive as it kept showing the same race over and over and added no intrigue, nor interest. The ending did leave things on a cliffhanger however and could mean we're looking at the batch leaving Cid which means we will finally be getting some real action.
In the end, this was one of the worst episodes of the entire series and I feel there is no grace for applause. Crossing my fingers they'll end these filler episodes and just get rid of Cid already. Additionally, it'd be a great touch if they added MORE to Omega's character than just wanting to save everyone all the time as it has become saturated to the point of no end. 5/10.
Andor (2022)
Andor is a solid 7/10, and here's why...
As stated in the title, 7/10 is generous and that's coming from a hardcore Star Wars fanatic. This show is very overhyped and I have to say that most of the reviews seem untruthful. Today I am here to give my sincere review on the show in total and all that the content it withholds. When writing my reviews, I like to outline the pros and then the cons to meet every measurement of movie critic data such as plot, acting, set, and more.
Let's start with the acting. I have to say that this show is by far one of the greatest Star Wars series in terms of acting. It was clear that the directors and producers selected great actors for their roles as while watching this, it feels as you're almost there. The imperials did especially well in terms of acting. You could feel this sensation as if every actor knew their role and knew how they wanted to portray said role. The characters are realistic and invite creativity and stunning sentiments to the audience. I wanted to personally write this paragraph just to outline how good the actors did in this show, but let's move on.
However, every show has it's weaknesses. So what are they? Well, for starters while the set director did very well with orchestrating different set pieces and costumes, they missed one key thing.. this is Star Wars. In this show, there are many times where you can see things such as a blaster with a magazine. Why does a blaster need a magazine if it has no bullets? Due to this set back, there were many times throughout the show where it didn't feel like I was watching Star Wars and felt more like it was it's own show.
Another problem is the plot. Now I don't want to be too harsh against the writers as this show really hit it with storytelling but there are times where the writers had either unintentionally or intentionally overcomplicated the story with too many things happening at once that it can be hard to keep up with it all at once. The interesting thing with this show is that it had different story arcs, one being the introduction to Cassian Andor, then the heist, followed by the prison arc, and ending with the finale.
I wanted to quickly differentiate these arcs so I could give my best individual review to them all. Starting it off with the introduction, there were some things that really tipped me over the boat here. The biggest thing being how an Imperial Deputy Investigator caused all of this ruckus over 2 lower level guards. I understand they outlined that this was due to his flaws of being an overachieving perfectionist but it just felt unrealistic. Other than that, not too much to outline.
This is where my review takes it's shift, the heist arc. This arc had 3 episodes, 2 of which were fillers that simply went over Andor going over the plan for the heist. While I like that they took it slow and didn't just rush in like other Star Wars shows, it was way too slow to grab the attention of the audience. Allow me to rephrase that. The fact that they didn't have Andor and the others rush right into battle goes to show how realistic they made this show, but because it took them 2 episodes to do this instead of just 1 or 1 and a half, it was difficult for the audience to connect with the show. This is where I feel the show had it's fall and where many audience members lost their interest in the show and stopped watching it. They followed these 2 episodes with the heist which was a good episode that I really enjoyed but it didn't feel like it made up for the prior 2 lackluster episodes.
Again, this is where my review takes another shift. The prison arc.. I was blown away by the depiction of this arc and how much thought and characteristics they put into these 4 episodes. While it was slow paced, it wasn't as bad as the 2 heist preparation episodes. These 4 episodes outlined how the Empire is abusing it's power and unfairly putting people in these prisons for their own gain. It also shows how difficult it is for people to escape the Empire and the horrible things they're doing to innocent people. The arc was very intricate on this design and made sure that every key aspect to show the Empire's motives and the depressing background behind the prisoners was in the show. They ended this arc off with such a pivotal moment in the series and one that really brought joy to my heart. Seeing them break out of prison together was simply a joyous moment that you could connect with while watching the show.
And finally, the finale.. While it wasn't nearly as bad as the Bad Batch finale, it didn't hit the mark whatsoever compared to the prior episodes that came before it. The show was building up to this moment of everyone going after Cassian just for him to back down and save his love (which ends up being Jyn Erso later on in Rogue One anyway so why does she matter). The finale was anti-climatic and felt like a repeat of the prison breakout. To end the show off, they leave it on a cliffhanger which has Cassian ask, "kill me or take me in". This cliffhanger had no meaning to anyone who has watched Rogue one which is majority of the audience since we know we see him later in Rogue One. Overall, this was a terrible ending to the show.
My overall thoughts of the show were mixed. I didn't think that it hit 8/10 but I also felt like 6/10 was too harsh for the amount of effort they put into the show hence why I ended it off with 7/10. I believe this show hit a lot of marks on certain aspects but they also made a lot of mistakes like slow pacing, inaccurate Star Wars displays, and confusing storytelling. I'm hoping they can use the reviews from critics to improve these parts of the show when Season 2 comes around. Until then, we can commemorate this show for it's strengths and the effort put in by everyone to make this show what it truly is; an adventurous Star Wars story displaying the true power that a group of people can have when they put their minds together.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Spoils of War (2023)
Not bad considering Omega is in it
Overall, I enjoyed season 1 of the Bad Batch besides the filler episodes. Watching this episode today, I wasn't really surprised but I wasn't disappointed. It was a pretty good intro to season 2.
Of course, I can picture better ways of starting the season but some credit is given as you can already see them beginning to correct some mistakes from season 1. Notably, the biggest resolution is the key difference in Echo. Finally we get to see more of him and his motives take charge in these starting 2 episodes. It's always been easy to tell Echo disagreed with the rest of the squad a lot in season 1 but we never got that sentimental character development that it looks like we'll be getting this season.
In fact, I can't wait to see how Echo plays a part in this series and to see if his motives drive him away from the Bad Batch. Maybe they'll finally be done with those lame missions for Cid?
Another thing I liked is how they also gave some more development for Tech. The first season narrowed in on Hunter and Wrecker, and partially Crosshair. The main drive of season 1 however was solely around the relationship between Hunter and Omega. In these 2 episodes, we got to see how Wrecker may not just be a foolish child afterall, and how he's knowledgeable in some aspects.
As stated above, we got more from Echo and of course I believe there is something they're trying to display with Tech. It was easy to see he had cared for the old man from episode 2 and we could also see how Tech uses his genius in combat and not just gadgets. I'm excited to see what Dave Filoni has in store for the rest of the season in terms of character development.
Now, here's what I see wrong with these 2 episodes. In fact, there's only 1 key problem.. and that is Omega. I feel like they're attempting to use the same algorithm as they used in Mandalorian but with Omega and the Bad Batch. There is truly something I don't like about her. You can see she's beginning to mature and grow up, but it disappoints me when I continue to see her do her own thing and not listen, as if she's a rebel child. She's always getting the batch in some kind of dangerous situation and it pains me to see.
In clone wars season 7, the bad batch lacked any character development and I have to say Omega has helped with that at least. But I honestly feel like they could've done something else. If the Filoni team put their minds together a bit harder, they could've made this show 10x better so they could solely focus on the Bad Batch. But it is what it is.
Overall, it's easy to see they're making changes and applying them based on the reviews from Season 1. Maybe we'll get an actual finale this season lol. Good work to the Filoni team on this introduction to season 2. This goes to show how they can make the show good without any key cameos from other characters we've seen in the past. I'm crossing my fingers they don't just keep throwing in characters to make it interesting rather than focusing on the bad batch but based on the trailers, I don't think that's the case. Excited to see Cody though! 8/10 for these 2 episodes.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 7: In the Name of Honor (2022)
2 stars is generous... and that's coming from a Star Wars fan
For a season finale, this depiction of a Star Wars battle was lacklustre at best. I mean this coming from a heavy Star Wars fan but I'm not sure how this was even allowed to be apart of the show. First of all, the episode is filled with teleporting bodies on the ground, nonsensical visions, anti-climatic battles, and rubber garbage of characters and acting.
I have to say up to this point I very much enjoyed the episode, but it was lacking that finale feeling. Everything just felt rushed as many shots were reused and just felt.. unreal...
I come from a line of loving action movies. I love action, what can I say? This was just not hitting the mark whatsoever. Honestly I would've been fine with just not watching this episode if I knew it was so garbage. How come we have never seen force fields like in this before? They just came out of the blue? The dark saber is able to cut through anything, how come it can't cut through this shield? Not even that, but the droids are worse than stormtroopers at aiming. I mean you've got their entire army huddled behind a speeder and they can't kill them? How?
The writing was sloppy, and while the visuals were stunning, it doesn't make up for this terrible storytelling. Fire Rodriguez, he has no idea what the hell he's doing and simply is not right for this position. He needs to go back to making little kid movies as he should. He's not cut out for this kind of high degree filmmaking.
In the end, it was directed by Rodriguez. So what the hell can you expect?
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
One of the best MCU films!
As a person who always dissects Marvel trailers and films, I can tell that this movie is by far one of the greatest that's been seen on the big screen. The problem I have with it which bumped it down to an 8/10 is the fact that the first 50 minutes or so felt rather rushed and unlike an average marvel movie. After that, it began to move at a better and slower pace, also incorporating key details and aspects which added intrigue and interest.
I'd say that if they turned it from a 2 hour and 30 minute movie to roughly 2 hours and 50 minutes just fix that first 1/3 of the movie, it'd make it just the more better. As for the rest of the film, it was greatly developed and created. Seeing the theatre's reaction between everyone sniffling and crying or cheering when they got to see a certain face such as Doc Ock's return (not a spoiler, seen in trailer) made it such a great experience.
I'd definitely recommend watching this film when you get the chance. Don't take the wait and watch it in theatres now, I seriously couldn't have asked for more. This put the trilogy to a great and devastating conclusion before the 2nd trilogy with closure between characters and remarkable action take. The story wrapped up on Peter as a character as he figures out the sacrifices required to be Spider-Man. Now he must remember the fine words spoken, "With great power, comes great responsibility," as you watch him in the incredible and well above amazing film; Spider Man: No Way Home.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 9: The Marshal (2020)
It was good, but plot was inconsistent and held back...
SPOILER AHEAD: I find it alarming that season 1 ended on such a positive note; the promising opening of tatooine was nice. Though, it was too slow and some parts lacked creativity; why would he be making the noises when in S1, he spoke to the tuskens without making noises. The whole Boba idea was on a positive side with me, I know this is just the beginning but the transition from episode 8 to 9 was much different than expected, we start off on an unbeknownst planet and get right into action. Yes, that's how season 1 started, but I think they could've tried to tie in the ending of S1 to s2.
The episode was more focused on past events such as Anakins speeder, Boba, even the engineer person from S1 Ep5 rather than progressing the overarching plot of the show. And one more thing that made absolutely no sense, how can the beasts saliva kill anyone by obliterating them instantly, though when mando got into his stomach, he wasn't burnt at all. You may says it's the beskar, but what about the areas that aren't covered with beskar? The plot was just overall inconsistent and not tied in with S1 as well as it could've been, though the action sequences were amazing and cool, it's tragic how they didn't move the story forward in any way. I'm hoping that this is just because it's starting, though, I found this episode to be disappointing in my opinion. (Again, I liked the episode, just thought it could've been made better)