StarWars is a classic among classics. Even though new films have been part of the journey the entire time, building on top of the Star Wars saga can be intimidating. Needless to say, some of the sequels and prequels in the Star Wars universe are canonical masterpieces. Others, well, maybe bot so much.
As we are all at home binge-watching the two seasons of Mandalorian, it is a perfect time to review some of the best and worst of the Star Wars spinoffs, sequels, and prequels. Plus, it will be a great conversation piece with the family. Something fun and lighthearted to help us navigate a turbulent holiday season.
Star Wars on Disney+
Let’s start with the good. Disney+ released an animated Star Wars series in November 2019. It was part of their big launch package which included a new Lion King, and work from Beyoncé. Another season released in October 2020 has been met with positive reviews. There has even been buzz about and betting on whether or not it will win an Emmy. You can check out a betting website to see what their odds are for bringing one home.
It would not be the first animated Star Wars to receive an Emmy. In 2004 they won the Outstanding Animated Programming award. The Mandalorian of November 2019 was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series at the 72nd Emmys. So it would be no surprise to see another win come home.
This is especially true for a series that has been so well-received. Season three is already in production, and we’re all salivating for it.
Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
George Lucas is right about most things. But some say he may have missed the mark on this movie.
Or perhaps it was all the buzz. After all, we had waited decades for another edition of the central Star Wars series. Expectations were high. Special effects had advanced drastically, and fans would accept nothing less than a masterpiece.
Lucas’ controversial decision to portray Anakin as a small child did not seem to do wonders. He was very adamant about this decision, over the protest of many working on the project. Now, for many, it is the worst of the Star Wars epics.
However, this prequel is still wonderful. It is full of many unforgettable moments. Like when Obi-Wan cuts Darth Maul in half. This film was not a flop. Rather it was the least spectacular of all the nine central column films.
The Star Wars Holiday Special
There is always a low that is a little bit lower. And I cannot imagine anyone asking Santa for this very special present. In 1979, the Star Wars franchise launched its first spin-off movie. It is set between the events in episodes IV and V. And yes, it was a TV holiday special.
In it, we get a very Wookiee Christmas, as Chewy and Hans go visit the furry family. We get to meet his father, wife, and son. The film has been universally criticized by TV critics, laypeople, and fans alike. In fact, the condemnation was so unanimous that it has appeared more often in comedy lists. And yes, the comedy was unintentional. For example, the book What Were They Thinking?: The 100 Dumbest Events in Television History put this television holiday special at the very top of this prestigious list. While in 2018, a theater group made it into a play. Well, they made a comedy about the decision and production process that led to one of TVs greatest train wrecks. But, hey, no one is perfect.
However, the film was the birthplace of at least one important fan favorite. Boba Fett made his first appearance in this film and would go on to take a central role in upcoming sequences.
