The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, 2019)

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Rating: DSQ=11, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Fantasy, Adventure, Puppets, Epic

What marvelous creations and spectacular visuals! And the story is as captivating as the film from 37 years ago. Jim Henson would be so proud. The first episode, while gorgeous, didn't grip me right away. But the second most definitely did. I quickly fell in love with the different gelfling personalities--Deet is my favorite, of course--and even more quickly despised the Skekis. I did feel that there was a surprising absence of Mystics. Only two came out to help? Perhaps we'll get more in the next season. Can't wait for more from this universe.

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The Mandalorian, Season 1

The Mandalorian, Season 1 (John Favreau, 2019)

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Rating: DSQ=10, SP=5 / Average Snack

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=2, Scale E=3

Fantasy, Science Fiction, Star Wars Universe, Epic

When the internet totally exploded with pictures of a baby yoda, I quickly figured out that it was from The Mandalorian show. I thought, a show with a baby as cute as that must be doing something right. I was correct--the show is great, even without the cuteness. This is a fun story in the Star Wars universe that will appeal to fans and non-fans, alike. But I do think it is more enjoyable with at least a basic knowledge of Star Wars lore. Each episode is captivating--asks as many questions as it answers--so you are left wanting more. Lots of droids and stunning cinematography. Can't wait for the next season--too much still to learn!

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Star Wars: Episode IX--The Rise of Skywalker

Star Wars: Episode IX--The Rise of Skywalker (J. J. Abrams, 2019)
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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Science Fantasy, Saga, Action

The fans had so much anticipation and so many expectations for this "final" installment of the saga. I didn't, really, but I was hoping for closure that made sense. What we got, in my opinion, was the fastest-paced (was any scene more that 3 minutes long?), most candy thrown at us (slow down, already!) Stars Wars episode yet. Episode IX did give closure, but there was a lot of cliche moments, unnecessary moments, and surprisingly missing moments. The connection between Kylo and Rey was well done, if quite over the top. And it was incredibly moving to see the old veterans uniting in battle and rejoicing at the end. Chewy was at his finest. Is it the end? Not convinced, but perhaps...

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