Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Hello Friends! This will be my first post on the Star Wars saga, and I am super excited, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Queen Amidala, Little Anakin and una of mesa favorite character Jar Jar Binks; me will explainen myself more late (yes that was in Gungan 😉). Things couldn’t be better!

However, the amazing storylines and rich character arcs in the prequel era can sometimes can be shrouded by politics, politics, and more politics, and an occasional segment of unrealistic dialogue (I’m looking at you Anakin), but what can I say? I love them all the same! My aim is to unveil the treasure that is the prequel trilogy before jumping to the historic landmark that is the original trilogy.

However, before we jump right in, I must give my disclaimer that this post will contain spoilers for Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, so if you want general review information, kid caution, foul language count, and my rating, just skip down to the end.

Therefore, without further ado, let’s get right into it! Allons-y!

Long ago, in a galaxy far far away, there were, politics, tax regulations, and senators. The Phantom Menace begins in the era long before the First Order and the Empire but in the days of the Galactic Republic.

The movie centers around the small planet of Naboo where the evil Trade Federation has cut off all supplies to the planet with a blockade. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent there by the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic to negotiate terms. Nevertheless, things do not go as planned, and they both end up on the planet in the middle of the Federation’s invasion.

This is when they meet Jar Jar Binks: a young Gungan, who helps them both sneak into Naboo’s capital city, Theed, where Queen Amidala is now being held captive by Viceroy Gunray, head of the Trade Federation.

Jar Jar was actually banished from his home, Otoh Gunga, for being…well…clumsy. In actuality he is considered one of the most annoying characters in Star Wars, and yet Jar Jar is one of my favorite characters in the prequel era, but I will have to save the explanation for a later post, perhaps a character spotlight… 😁

Ahem…as I was saying. The Jedi sneak into the Theed Royal Palace, rescue the Queen, and attempt to safely transport her to the Republic’s headquarters, the planet city of Coruscant. However, when trying to pass the federation’s blockade, their ship is damaged, and they are forced to land on a planet in the outer rim, the planet of Tatooine.

It is on this planet that about half of the movie takes place, and it is where we meet the main protagonist and future antagonist of the prequel and original Star Wars trilogy, Anakin Skywalker. Surprisingly, both Anakin and his mother, Shmi Skywalker, are slaves to the junk dealer Watto. It is to this very trader that Qui-Gon, Jar Jar, and Queen Amidala’s handmaid, Padmé, go to find the part they need to fix their ship.

Anakin (he is a little boy right now) works in Watto’s shop and meets Qui-Gon; thus, Anakin’s path with the Jedi begins…

At Watto’s shop is also where Anakin first meets Padmé, to whom he asks if she is an angel, like the ones he’s has heard about in stories. This sets up some things for their relationship in Attack of the Clones, but that is getting ahead…

Immediately following this, Jar Jar gets into a scuffle with a creature called, Sebulba. It is now that we learn of Anakin’s pod racing skills.

“Careful, Sebulba…he’s [Jar Jar] a big time outlander. I’d hate to see you diced before we race again.”

“Next time we race, boy, it will be the end of you.”

Anakin Skywalker and Sebulba – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Pod racing is a dangerous sport that no human can participate because of its lethality, yet somehow Anakin is able to race a pod and is an excellent racer…

*strokes chin suspiciously*

As a sandstorm rolls into Mos Eisley, Qui-Gon and the others begin to head for the ship, but Anakin claims that they will never make it there before the storm; thus, he offers them shelter for the night. This is when we meet Anakin’s mother, Shmi, whom welcomes them into her home graciously.

Over dinner, the five of them devise a plan to win the money needed to buy the parts needed to fix their ship. This is when Qui-Gon first learns of Anakin’s pod racing skills, which piques his interest tremendously.

They all agree to the plan to enter Anakin into the pod race and use the prize money to buy the parts they need to fix their ship. By the end of this scene, we can sense that Qui-Gon senses something about Anakin.

The next day Qui-Gon proposes his plan to Watto in the form of a risky deal, but Watto agrees and the deal is made: Anakin will race.

Anakin begins to prepare his pod racer, and this is when we get one of the most important scenes in the movie. I can’t even begin to summarize it so here is the dialogue between Shmi and Qui-Gon below, but let me just say how much they look good together…😄

Anyway, sorry, friends…back to the task at hand:

“You should very proud of your son. He gives without any thought of reward.”

“Well, he knows nothing of greed. He has a…”

“He has special powers.”

“Yes”

“He can see things before they happen. That’s why he appears to have such quick reflexes…It’s a Jedi trait.”

“He deserves better than a slave’s life.”

“Why, certainly…Had he been born in the Republic, we would have identified him early. The Force is strong with him that much is clear. Who was his father?”

“There was no father…I carried him. I gave birth. I raised him. I can’t explain what happened…Can you help him?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t actually come here to free slaves…”

Qui-Gon Jinn and Shmi Skywalker – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Ahem…I’m sorry…what? 😳

Now, those of you who are hearing Christmas bells ringing in their ears please silence them, for as far as I can tell, this is not an allegory for Jesus.

Yes, I know that this is a virgin (Force) birth, but Anakin is in no way Jesus or ever comes close to being Jesus. Yes, he brings balance to the Force as the Chosen One, but that does not make him anymore than a regular human being, and because of his humanity and his calling of “The Chosen One”, it makes his fall (spoilers…) all the more tragic, which I think is something that the Prequel trilogy portrays masterfully.

However, that is just a touch on a much larger subject that I can not fully discuss until The Revenge of the Sith, which is personally my second-favorite (Empire Strikes Back is still number 1) Star Wars movie and is, in fact, the only Star Wars film that I have cried for. Why? Well, that is getting way too far ahead, back to Episode 1.

That night Qui-Gon takes a blood sample from Anakin and sends it to Obi-Wan for analysis and finds his “midi-chlorian” count to be extremely high.

“I need a midi-chlorian count.”

“The reading is off the chart…over 20,000.”

“Even Master Yoda doesn’t have a midi-chlorian count that high. No Jedi has”

“What does that mean?”

“I not sure…”

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

A midi-chlorian count higher than Master Yoda the Jedi Grandmaster…Yikes! What are midi-chlorians you ask? Well, don’t worry that will be explained later.

Of course, we now get another glance of the phantom or Sith apprentice, Darth Maul, who did appear earlier in the movie, but this is when he first arrives on Tatooine in pursuit of the Jedi. What we don’t know at this time that he is the apprentice to the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, who stays hidden to the Jedi until the end of The Attack of the Clones.

After hearing of Anakin’s parentage and seeing his midi-chlorian count, right before the pod race starts the following day Qui-Gon proposes to Watto that if Anakin wins the race then both him and his mother can be set free. They play a quick game of chance, and it is decided that Anakin will be released if he wins but not Shmi (poor Qui-Gon 😉).

Anakin prepares his pod, and I can not begin to say how much I love his bravery. It is clear that he can see into the future, but he is nine years old, and yet his bravery is phenomenal. I love this kid!

Any who…to make a long scene short, Anakin wins the pod race, and Watto reluctantly gives them their parts and Anakin his freedom.

Qui-Gon tells Shmi of her son’s freedom to Anakin’s great delight. He comforts her that Anakin will be very well taken care of with the Jedi.

Nonetheless, when the realization hits Anakin that he will be separated from Shmi for who knows how long, they share in a sorrowful goodbye. However, when his bags are packed and he turns for one last tearful farewell, she almost commands him not to come back to Tatooine.

“Will I ever see you again?”

“What does your heart tell you?”

“I hope so…yes…I guess.”

“Then we will see each other again.”

“I will come back and free you, Mom. I promise.”

“Now be brave…and don’t look back. Don’t look back…

Anakin and Shmi Skywalker – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Once again we are shown the humanity and emotion in Anakin. One of the key components that intrigues me about him, is his struggle between the Force, himself as the Chosen one, and himself, his humanity and emotions, which defines him as a human being. However, once again, I cannot fully divulge this topic until Episode III.

As Qui-Gon and Anakin head back to the, now repaired, ship, Darth Maul attacks and a short epic lightsaber battle between him and Qui-Gon ensues. Even so, they managed to escape off world, and after a sweet scene between Padmé and Anakin, they safely arrive on Coruscant.

Waiting for them, is Senator Palpatine…hmm…most interesting and strangely familiar name…sounds like Emperor Palpatine from the original trilogy (hint hint 😊).

*Suspiciously glances at George Lucas*

Well, this is when matters become very political, and to be honest, even coming from a die hard prequel fan, it is a bit much. Basically, to sum it up, Senator Palps (yes, that is my nickname for him) doesn’t think that the senate will do anything about the invasion, but instead he proposes that they elect a new Supreme Chancellor.

Meanwhile, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan inform the Jedi High Council about their encounter with Darth Maul and with Anakin. After a bit of negotiation, Qui-Gon is requested to bring Anakin to the council to be tested. Here we are also shown Qui-Gon’s faith in the Force.

Then we get more politics, which are simply to show us that a new Chancellor is to be elected, and conveniently Palps is nominated to succeed as Chancellor.

In the meantime, Anakin is taken to the Jedi Council to be tested and is seen to be strong in the Force; however, his emotions for his mother show through to the haughty suspicion of the council.

“Afraid to lose her [Shmi], I think, hmm?”

“What does that got to do with anything?”

“Everything…fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering…I sense much fear in you.”

Jedi Grandmaster Yoda and Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Wise words, Master Yoda…I will visit this again in Episode III when these words come into fruition.

It is now that the Queen Amidala decides, to the great protestation of Palps, to return to her people where she feels her place is.

However, the movie once again cuts back to the Jedi council where they have decided not to train Anakin, to now the great protestation of Qui-Gon.

However, when Qui-Gon claims that Obi-Wan is ready to become a Knight and that he will take on Anakin as his new apprentice, Master Windu, the most annoying Jedi in history, states that this is not the time, for they are once again needed by Queen Amidala as she returns to Naboo. The Jedi hope that Darth Maul will show his horns once again, and the mystery of the Sith will be revealed.

I have much to say on the Jedi Council, but we only get a glimpse into it in Episode I, so I will have to save my attacks for a different post.

As they prepare to leave, we see Obi-Wan side with the council and disagree heartily with his Master about the training of Anakin. I love Obi-Wan to pieces, but sometime he seriously needs to consider ditching the council. Qui-Gon reprimands him, but then turns to Anakin, who insists to “Qui-Gon, sir” that he does not want to be a problem. Qui-Gon assures him that he is no problem, and then proceeds to answer Anakin’s question about the midi-chlorians.

“Midi-chlorians are microscopic life form that resides within all living cells.”

“They live inside me?”

“Inside your cells, yes…without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to us, telling us the will of the Force.”

Qui-Gon Jinn and Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Oh, and let me say how much I love when Qui-Gon is in “dad mode” with Anakin. Excellent, such a soft boy! 😉

I digress, back to episode one. They all set off back to Naboo while on the planet Gunray assures Darth Sidious that the planet is completely under their control. Sidious is pleased, and states that as he controls the senate, his apprentice Darth Maul will join them on Naboo.

Now on Naboo, Queen Amidala decides to try and employ the help of the Gungans and sends Jar Jar to go and find them. Obi-Wan reports this to Qui-Gon and apologizes for his behavior (such a good boy! 😁). Qui-Gon assures him that all is forgiven, and that he foresees that Obi-Wan will become a great Jedi Knight.

It is now that we get some more Jar Jar Binks character development. He leads them all to where the Gungans are hiding in the “sacred place.” Here they find Boss Nass, and with a little negotiation from Queen Padmé Amidala (Yes, Padmé the handmaid was the queen all along…surprise!), they agree, and an alliance is formed between the Naboo and the Gungans.

Because he helped unite the Gungans and the Naboo, Jar Jar is made a general to led the Gungan army to victory against the Trade Federation.

Padmé, Captain Panaka, and the Jedi lead an assault on the palace and successful infiltrate while Jar Jar and the Gungans make a distraction in the Naboo plains to lead the droid army out of the main city.

After freeing the pilots, whose goal is to destroy the main droid control ship in the blockade, they are met by Darth Maul, and Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon jump into action into what I think is one of the best lightsaber battles in Star Wars.

As Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon engage with Maul, Anakin and R2-D2 decided to activate a star fighter and help with the destruction of the droid control ship while Padmé and her forces successful capture the Viceroy with a cunning plan.

The Gungans are still holding off the droids, and I am purposefully not talking too much about Jar Jar because I will be writing a character spotlight on him very soon, thus, I want to save all content on him till that post.

In space, Anakin manages to learn how to pilot a starfighter with great accuracy with help from R2 and blows up the droid ship, deactivating all the battle droids on Naboo.

Here we cut back to Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon’s duel, and I am sorry to say it, but Qui-Gon does not survive this fight. Maul cleverly parries an attack and runs him through with his lightsaber, much to the horror of poor Obi-Wan, who avenges his master with a vengeance.

In the end, Obi-Wan prevails and slices Maul in half, who then proceeds to fall down a trash shaft, and should have stayed dead! How?! In any case, please watch this scene if you haven’t already because it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

As Qui-Gon dies in Obi-Wan’s arms, he makes him promise that he will train Anakin “the chosen one.” Obi-Wan is grief stricken, and he takes Anakin as his padawan despite the skepticism of the council, mainly Yoda and Master Windu.

As the film closes, we see the new Chancellor Palps return to Naboo and take interest in young Anakin, the council strokes their chins at the prospect that the Sith may have returned, and the whole city of Theed is in celebration at their liberation from the Trade Federation. Happy ever after…for now…😉

*Star Wars credits music playing*

Phew…that was a long movie!

Conclusion:

The Phantom Menace is really a set up for the next two films. We are introduced to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, and Yoda, who are all the main characters of the next two films. We are also introduced to some new planets, such as Coruscant and Naboo, as well as, new enemies, such as Darth Maul and the Trade Federation.

However, we also are shown a glimpse of Anakin’s humanity and emotion for those who he cares about, which greatly progresses as the films continue. As Darth Vader in the original trilogy, we really do not see Anakin at all but simply a sinister, evil overlord, who just happens to be related to the main character (Luke Skywalker).

An another aspect about this movie that I love is how both Anakin and Padmé in this film are children, and yet, the things they accomplish are extraordinary. At this point, Anakin is nine years old and Padmé is fourteen years old and is the Queen of Naboo. Never underestimate the youth, friends!

One last point, I love how Qui-Gon is such a father figure in this movie and his immense faith in the Force. Throughout the duration of the film, he never wavers in his dedication to the task at hand and always trusts that the Force will guide even when people oppose him on all sides, even his own Padawan. It is because of him that Anakin was found on Tatooine and that he was trained. I think a lot can be learned from Qui-Gon and his dedication against all odds.

Thus, friends, after reading this post, I hope that the next time you watch the Phantom Menace you will view it in a new light. Not as a movie that is overly political or slow-paced and boring, but as the perfect setup and opening to a whole new era of Star Wars: the prequel era. Here’s my rating of this movie:

6.5 out of 10.0

Kid Caution: Medium/10+ Parental Guidance for Darth Maul’s face

Foul Language: None

Well, that is all of now, friends. I hope that you enjoyed reading this post and will now go and watch Episode 1 with new eyes. Please stay tuned, for I will be posting on Episode 2, the Attack of the Clones sometime in the near future.

Until next time,

Time Lady of Coruscant 😉

The Mandalorian Season 1 – Chapter 1 & a Brief History of Mandalore

Hello Friends! As promised, here is my first review of the Mandalorian Season one, which will cover episode or chapter one of the show. At first, I thought about covering the entire season in one post, but after some consideration, I decided that that is way to much content to cover in one sitting. This post will not have much analysis but will instead be more informative. I will be saving all the analysis for my post on Chapter 8 once we have seen character arcs unfold!

Before we get into it, a bit of a warning is necessary. This post will have spoilers for chapter one of season one, for Star Wars: Clone Wars, and Star Wars: Rebels. I do recommend that you watch episode one before reading this review, but if you want the general review: kid cautions, foul language count, and my rating, just skip down to the end.

Well, I have given my disclaimer…let’s get right to it! Allons-y!

“I can bring you in warm, or I can bring you in cold.”

Din Djarin from The Mandalorian – Chapter 1

We are first introduced to the Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin on the icy planet of Maldo Kries. There we are also introduced to his skill in hand to hand combat as he quickly clears up a rather graphic skirmish in a bar. Promptly he collects his bounty and heads off to his ship the razor crest. We are once again presented with his impressive fighting skills as he barely escapes the jaws of a giant dragon-like, water creature.

His prisoner foolishly tries to escape, as he slips below the main deck of the ship, under the excuse of “bathroom break.” Yet, his efforts are unsuccessful as Mando’s seemingly ruthless behavior is confirmed when he traps him, slipping him into carbon freeze and adding him to rows upon rows of bounties that had met the same fate.

These first few scenes introduce us to Mando as a character, but also to his lifestyle. He is a man of few words, which makes him seem some what mysterious and foreboding. In all honesty his fight skills make him seem quite barbarous and cutthroat. When I watched this first episode with my sister in early September, that is the impression I received until I saw the end…spoilers! However, is there more to this Mando than who he appears to be on the surface level? As the series progresses, we see his character unfold even more until…well…I do not want to get ahead of myself. I’ll save that for a later post. It is quite the show! 😉

After he secures his bounties, Mando returns to the planet Nevarro where the bounty hunter’s guild, of which he is a member, is based. He arrives at a cantina that looks nostalgically like the cantina in the New Hope. In any case, this is where he meets the guild leader Greef Karga. Mando receives his payment and readily wants to accept all the jobs that Greef offers him, yet Greef counters, saying that there are other guild members that need work as well. This indiscreetly shows Mando’s skill at catching criminals.

It is now that Greef offers him a secret job, which Mando refers to as “underworld,” piquing the interests of all the members in the cantina. After receiving the information from him, he sets off to find his secret client.

It is important to note at this time that this is taking place after the events of The Return of the Jedi; thus, it is after the fall of the Empire. Why is this important you ask? Because…

When Mando arrives at his clients location, he is brought in by a droid, but the real surprise comes when he is met by four imperial Stormtroopers in a large room. In the center is an old man, wearing the imperial symbol on a pendant that hangs from around his neck. Hmm…suspicious….

After a “slight” scuffle an imperial scientist comes into the room, and Mando is told of the asset that he must bring back alive at all costs. As down payment he is given beskar, which is a Mandalorian metal, that is used to make a Mandalorian’s armor. It is engraved with an imperial seal, signifying that it was taken during the Great Purge.

It is unclear what the Great Purge is, but what we do know (thanks to Wookiepedia) that it was an event in Mandalorian history that killed most of Mandalore’s people during which the Empire took beskar as spoils.

Before Mando leaves to find the asset, he visits a Mandalorian covert that he is apart of. Apparently, they are all in hiding, which took me by surprise. I will explain why in a moment.

He takes the beskar to a Mandalorian woman, who we know as the Armorer, and out of it she forges him a new shoulder plate.

The Armorer

However, what beskar is not used they save for the “foundlings.”

The foundlings are the hope and survival of the Mandalorian race. If a Mandalorian warrior discovers a child, they are to unite them with their kind or raise them as their own, acting as the child’s parent (once again thanks to Wookiepedia). Once a foundling is of age, they can become a Mandalorian or go their own way; it’s their choice.

At the sight of Imperial beskar, one Mandalorian, Paz Vizsla, becomes annoyed, and this is when we first hear reference of the Great Purge. The Armorer calms him down, and this interesting dialogue follows.

“Our secrecy is out survival. Our survival is our strength.”

“Our strength was once in our numbers. Now we live in the shadows and only come above ground one at a time. Our world was shattered by the Empire, with whom this coward share tables.”

The Armorer and Paz Vizsla – The Mandalorian Chapter 1

Here is my question: what happened to Mandalore?

If you have not watched Star Wars: The Clone Wars or Star Wars: Rebels, (I have not seen this show but know much about it. It is on my watchlist!) then let me catch you up on a brief history of Mandalore and its people. Spoiler warning! Skip down if you do not want spoilers for these shows!

The Mandalorians have had a long history of violence and war. However, after the Mandalorian Civil War, they were ruled by the Duchess Satine Kryze, who opposed war and violence. She kept Mandalore neutral during the Clone Wars and established the order of New Mandalorians. Thus, Mandalore flourished under her reign, even amidst the constant threat of Death Watch.

Death Watch was a terrorist organization, formed to oppose Satine’s reign and restore the Mandalorians to their old warrior ways of the past. Eventually, however, they joined forces with the Sith Lord Darth Maul (please don’t ask me how he survived…😳) to form the Shadow Collective that targeted Obi-Wan Kenobi and Satine.

Maul and his brother Savage Oppress took over Mandalore and took the Duchess captive. However, to inflict pain upon Obi-Wan for revenge when he attempted to save her, Maul murdered her with the ever mysterious Dark Saber…

“Remember my dear Obi-Wan, I loved you always…I always will.”

Satine’s sister Bo-Katan Kryze, who was formerly apart of Death Watch, betrayed Maul and after Obi-Wan’s capture, freed him while her and her forces, the Nite Owls, took back Mandalore.

She told Obi-Wan to inform the Republic of Maul’s invasion.

“Go back to your Republic and tell them what has happened.”

“That would likely lead to a Republic invasion of Mandalore!”

“Yes, and Maul will die, but Mandalore will survive…we always survive!”

Bo-Katan Kryze and Obi-Wan Kenobi – Clone Wars Season 5 Episode 16 – The Lawless

This eventually leads to what is known as The Siege of Mandalore when Ahsoka Tano, Captain Rex, and the 501st legion capture Maul, and Bo-Katan is made Regent of Mandalore.

Bo-Katan in her Mandalorian armor…

Unfortunately, immediately following this Order 66 is declared, Maul escapes, and the Republic transitions into the Galactic Empire. This is where Mandalore’s history ends in the Clone Wars.

Mandalore’s story picks up again in Rebels when the focus shifts from clan Kryze (Satine, Bo-Katan, and Korkie – Satine’s nephew) to clan Wren (Sabine, Ursa, and Alrich). Ursa Wren, Sabine’s mother, was in fact a member of Death Watch when they took over Mandalore under the influence of Maul, the first time.

After the rise of the Empire, Viceroy Gar Saxon was put into power of Mandalore and established the first Imperial Academy. Sabine was a student at this academy, but after helping create a weapon that could potentially destroy the Mandalorians, she felt guilty and left Mandalore and the academy while also earning the title of traitor from the Empire. Although this never actually seen in the show, this is apart of Sabine’s history (thanks to Wookiepedia…again! 😁).

While looking for Darth Maul, Sabine found the Dark Saber, which after some time she learned to wield and eventually used to unite the Mandalorians.

When she returned to her family, she convinced them of the Empire’s treachery and killed Viceroy Saxon in the process.

Mandalore is never actually visited until the fourth and final season of Rebels. After a long battle to destroy the weapon that Sabine had created at the academy, she gave the Dark Saber to Bo-Katan, reassuring her that she was the rightful leader of Mandalore.

Bo-Katan wields the Dark Saber

Thus, Bo-Katan took her place as ruler of Mandalore and its people, and that is the last we see of Mandalore and hear of the Mandalorians until the Mandalorian came out, that is…

Phew…that was anything but brief, but it is important in order to understand the context on which the first season of Mandalorian is built. Oh, and that is just an overview of Mandalore’s history. To get the full depth and incredible character arcs that are crafted into these shows, you need to watch them!

Some where in between Mandalore’s last appearance in Rebels to the Mandalorian, the Great Purge happens and the Mandalorians flee into hiding. It is not clear what happens to Bo-Katan during this time either, but we can only hope that season 2 will clear this up for us.

There is also no record of Mandalore ever blowing up via the Death Star, so why are the Mandalorians almost extinct and hiding in corners of the galaxy? Once again, hopefully season 2 will not disappoint and will provide us with some much needed answers.

And that, my friends, is why I was so taken aback when I heard that all the Mandalorians were in hiding, but if I missed anything, please feel free to comment below!

Any who…getting back to the Mandalorian, Mando leaves the covert and heads to the planet Arvala-7 where he meets one of my favorite characters of season 1, Kuiil and his deranged T-Rex.

Kuiil riding his deranged T-Rex

Kuiil claims that he has watched many bounty hunters seek the asset but fail to capture it all the same. However, he has faith in Mando and after teaching him how to rid a deranged T-Rex, which is actually called a blurrg, he leads him to the encampment where the bounty is.

He does indeed find the “quarry” down in that encampment, but first he comes in contact with a bounty droid named IG-11. This droid really surprised me, but I won’t get ahead of myself. Together they are a dangerous duo and take out the whole band of pirates that inhabit the facility in an excellent fight scene that makes you want to YAWP at the end of it!

Immediately, following this, they find the asset…otherwise known to the world and internet as Baby Yoda or The Child…

“Wait, they said 50 years old…”

“Species age differently. Perhaps it could live many centuries.”

Din Djarin and IG-11 – The Mandalorian Chapter 1

The Child’s first appearance

This is when the first step in Mando’s character arc begins. IG-11 is going to kill Baby when Mando saves him and shoots IG instead. It is a very intense scene, and you almost can see the compassion in his eyes through his helmet.

The episode ends with Mando holding out his hand to the Child as Baby reaches up to grasp his finger.

Perhaps this mysterious and seemingly ruthless Mandalorian has more to him than what he seems to be on the surface. We will definitely see his character grow as the season progresses, and most certainly through the currently on going season 2.

My Review:

This first episode of the Mandalorian introduces us to Din Djarin and takes us back to the galaxy we all know and love after the fall of the odious Empire. Here is my review of this episode:

9.5 out of 10.0 – Excellent Content!

Kid Caution: High/12+ with Parental Guidance because of violence

Foul Language: Coward…other than that – None

This is a great first episode to set off an epic season! I would recommend this show to anyone looking to watch something extraordinary. Good, clean television is hard to come by these days so strap in and soak up the action, adventure, and the baby Yoda cuteness!

Well, that is all for now, friends! I hope you enjoyed this post and feel free to drop a comment below! I will review the next episode(s) of Mandalorian season 1 in the next week or two, so please stay tuned…

Until next time,

Time Lady of Coruscant 😄

Disney’s Inside Out: Joy through Sadness

Hello, friends! Ever since Disney came out with this movie in 2015, I have been intrigued by its surprisingly deep content, for a kids film. I just watched it recently again this past July and was once again taken aback by its interesting plot and the many ideologies it presents. At once I knew that I had to write something about it but was much too busy to do so at the time. Finally, here it is! My critique/review of Disney’s Inside Out, so let’s get right too it! Allons-y!

The movie centers around a young girl named Riley Anderson, and those that reside in her mind, who make up her character and who she is: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear (my personal favorite). The movie starts with Riley first moments as a baby. The moment after she is born, and that is the exact moment that Joy is born. The very first of her mind “buddies.”

Joy discovers the power of the core memory as Riley makes her first, and then she proceeds to make baby Riley laugh giving the audience an “awwww” moment. Joy thinks that her and Riley will be with each other forever, but her plans are hopelessly crushed when sadness shows up.

From that moment forward Joy is no longer in complete control of Riley, but instead has to share her with Sadness, and eventually Anger, Disgust, and Fear, who show up in Riley’s life as she experiences more. Fear comes about the first time she is in danger. Disgust shows up during her first encounter with broccoli, which of course every kid can sympathize with. Anger shows up directly after that when she refuses to eat the food that is given to her.

Riley proceeds to live a happy and fruitful childhood. She makes friends, plays, and even makes up an imaginary friend named Bing Bong (I’ll get back to you latter buddy 😉). However, the plot doesn’t actually start until she turns eleven, and Joy utters the famous quote that sets the movie off.

“After all, Riley’s eleven now…what could happen?”

Joy

This is when the movie officially starts when both Riley and her emotions share a startling reaction when the moving truck shows up and moves her and her family out to the bustling city of San Francisco, CA.

Riley and her family move into a small flat like home that at first glance looks a bit run down. However, with some help from Joy she envisions what the home might look like with all their furniture in it especially what her room upstairs might look like. It is now that Riley hears that the moving truck with all their things is late and will not arrive until the following week. In her mind Joy begins to panic as Riley begins to fret.

This is where I would like to make my first analytic comment. Joy…in these first moments in their new home Joy begins to work in overdrive to make sure that Riley stays happy. When Riley first hears that the moving van will not be arriving until Thursday, she is shocked, but Joy quickly comes to the rescue and gives her a fabulous idea. Riley begins a mock game of hockey with her family, which causes joy for everyone. They laugh together, and Joy sighs a sigh of relief. However, she does not realize that what made this moment so special was the adverse emotions that came before it. A memory is only as special as the context surrounding it. This theme is seen multiple times throughout the movie, and it is something I will revisit again and again.

Anyway, moving on with the plot, Riley and her mother go and get pizza, but of course this is San Francisco; thus, the pizza is healthy and is covered in broccoli. Joy once again helps out by reminding Riley of a fun memory from when they were driving out to California from Minnesota. Once again bringing joy to both Riley and her Mom. It is at this moment that Sadness once again takes control of the situation and touches the memory, making it suddenly turn blue. Immediately this turns the memory from happy to sad, which in turn makes Riley feel sad. The strange and fascinating thing is that this memory is now forever sad and can never be a happy memory again. Hmm…interesting…

Why would Sadness touch the memory in the first place? This is a memory of them as they are driving away from Minnesota after all. The place Riley most likely misses subconsciously. Perhaps Sadness is simply acting out on Riley’s actual feelings. Is it not true that we, as humans, find it a necessity in life to have sorrow or be sorrowful when life calls for it no matter how much we try to be joyful. Perhaps…but I am getting ahead of myself. I must not give my verdict until we’ve seen all the evidence.

Following this scene, Riley attempts to slide down a stair railing, but once again Sadness intervenes, loosening one of her core memories that powers up Goofball Island (I’ll get to explaining the five islands latter). Immediately, Riley feels sad and gets off the railing…until Joy comes to the rescue and replaces the memory that had fallen out, restoring Riley’s joy as she happily slides down the railing. Very curious indeed…and just as a heads up…it is never clear why Sadness began tampering with the memories in the first place.

At once Joy scolds Sadness for her seemingly careless behavior, who responds with this thought-provoking line:

I know. I’m sorry. Somethings wrong with me. It’s like I’m having a breakdown…

Sadness (emphasis added)

The first day of the movie ends with more bad news for Riley, and the fear of a new school the next morning. The following day Joy prepares everyone for Riley’s first day at school with extreme and may I be so bold as to say overly joyful behavior. To ensure success, which in her mind is a day of complete happiness for Riley, she draws a circle and places Sadness within that circle, which she calls “the circle of sadness.”

Riley then heads off to school, but during her first class when she is asked to introduce herself, the memory she recalls is touched by Sadness, instantly turning it blue. To everyone’s horror Riley begins to cry in class, causing Joy to panic as her and the other emotions strain to loosen the blue memory. This marks an important moment in Riley’s life, so she makes a core memory, only it’s blue. It’s sad. It’s not yellow, not joyful like all her other core memories are. Joy hysterically rushes at it, desperately trying to keep it from reaching the other core memories. Sadness tries to stop her when all the other core memories are knocked off of their pedestals, switching off all of Riley’s five islands in her mind. Joy tries to grab the blue core memory from Sadness while both Joy and Sadness and all of the core memories are sucked up the “memory tube” and to Riley’s long-term memory, leaving Fear, Anger, and Disgust in headquarters alone.

In class Riley suddenly and strangely feels a loss of emotion, instantaneously sitting down and seemingly wondering why she is feeling the way she is.

From this moment forward, Joy and Sadness attempt to reach headquarters before Riley makes many destructive choices. However, this is where I would like to change the focus of this post and take a more analytical approach, covering three distinct points that I found interesting, and finally finishing with a conclusion.

Point 1: The Five Islands

During the course of Riley’s childhood and Joy and Sadness’s adventure in her memory, they encounter five distinct islands in Riley’s mind that make up her character and personality: Family Island, Hockey Island, Honesty Island, Friendship Island, and Goofball Island. Each island is powered by a distinct core memory that corresponds with each of Riley’s traits and abilities.

The largest and most important is Family Island, which is also the last island to get destroyed once Riley begins to act on her detrimental idea of running away. The first island to be destroyed is Goofball island when Riley does not respond to her father’s funny notions in an attempt to cheer her up after witnessing her rude and unpredictable behavior at dinner that night.

What makes these islands so intriguing, is the way each one of them corresponds to an essential aspect of who Riley is. Each choice she makes over the course of the film damages these islands and in turn her character until finally the most important of the islands fall: Honesty and Family Islands.

It is a gradual and slow progression that tarnishes her character, and without Joy or Sadness and just Fear, Anger, and Disgust to guide her, things don’t work out as planned, but it leads to a very glorious and emotional ending. However, when these islands are restored at the end of the movie, they come back even stronger and healthier than before.

Point 2: Bing Bong

Bing Bong is Riley’s imaginary friend that she made up when a small child. Joy and Sadness first meet him while trekking through her extensive memory, but nevertheless he is quite an amusing and entertaining character. He is a lovable, huggable, mostly cotton candy elephant, cat, and dolphin (apparently).

He clearly represents the spirit of Riley’s childhood.

However, is there more to him then meets the eye? I would say so.

His loyalty to Riley is undying and eventually when him and Joy get stuck in the memory pit, where all memories are sent to be forgotten, he sacrifices himself so Joy can escape and restore happiness to Riley. Although his true wish is to be remembered by Riley once again, he is willing to sacrifice all that just so she can be happy again…a true friend indeed.

Thus, I believe that Bing Bong is more than what can be seen on the surface level: a huggable fantasy of Riley’s childhood. He represents the true fact that our childhood is a source of our joy that never really leaves us. Even when we put aside out childish ways when the time is right as it says in 1 Corinthians 13:11, our childhood is loyal to us, and its affect on us will always bring us joy far into our adulthood.

Point 3: Sadness

Sadness is the main reason why I decided to write a post on Inside Out in the first place. She is one of Riley’s emotions that is pushed aside most often while Joy takes the lead, yet her portrayal is fascinating.

I would like to bring back the point that I made earlier about Sadness acting out Riley’s actual emotions despite Joy’s constant interference, and as I stated earlier, her actions are never clearly explained.

St. Augustine of Hippo proposes that evil is the absence of good, meaning that evil cannot exist without good.

Could we possibly apply this to our situation of sadness and joy?

Is sadness not the condition that has been laden upon all human beings after the fall of man? Was not joy the condition of man before the fall? Is sadness not the nature of fallen man? One of God’s promises in Revelation is that he will abolish sadness.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

May I be so bold then as to propose that joy is the absence of sadness?

It is not until the end of the movie that Joy realizes that joy can only be given to Riley through sadness first. Riley must apologize to her parents for her actions bringing sadness and tears to both parties, but the great joy that comes from this brings Riley and her family closer to each other than ever. The joy is cherished and savored all the more because of the sadness.

God’s promise in Revelation is all the more powerful because sadness is indeed a human condition that plagues us all, but our hope is in Christ, who teaches us how to rise to joy out of our sorrow.

However, please do not mistake joy with happiness. Of course you can have happiness that comes and goes without sadness, but joy is a much more scarce quantity to come by.

Thus, I rest my case that you cannot have joy without sadness first.

Conclusion

Inside Out is not your classic Disney cartoon, but it is definitely not what it seems on the surface level as it proposes many interesting truths that lie deep in its seemingly cheerful content that are rich with theology.

Using the simple, or perhaps not so simple, story of a young girl and her family, Disney artfully portrays the reality of humanity’s struggle with sadness, the loyalties of childhood, and the memories that shape our characters. Here’s is my rating of this movie:

7.0 out of 10.0

Kid Caution: Low – Parental Guidance

Foul Language: Sh*t up, Mo**n, dumb

This movie is great for kids. However, not only is it entertaining, but it makes for a great conversation starter. I encourage anyone who watches this movie to think and look deeper into its meaning, for it is truly fascinating. I enjoyed analyzing this film immensely.

Well, that is all for this time, friends! I hope that you enjoyed reading my analysis of Disney’s Inside Out as much as I did writing it!

Until next time,

Time Lady of Coruscant 😄