Half the crew thought this week was Backrooms. But alas, it was not. We don’t really pay attention to calendars and dates. We probably should. Here we go!
In last week’s newsletter, we brought you the 2,789th Star Wars entry. Josh texted the group, “headed to watch that Groot movie or something.” He’s never been a big SW guy. Real shame.
Pedro Pascal and Baby Yoda have been fun on screen before, so fingers crossed we get a banger.
Here’s what we have for you this week:
Concession Stand Scorecard: Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Watchlist Worthy: You ever send texts, DMs, or voicemails to someone who’s passed for catharsis?
This week’s movie - Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Letterboxd Description:
If you’re searching for new adventure, “this is the way.”
The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.
Best Watched With
Side quest lovers and suckers for cute little green Grogus
End Credit Thoughts
Alright, first things first. Honesty. We have not watched much of the Mandalorian series, and yes, we still decided to go watch this movie and see if it is worth the price of admission. We can confirm seeing season 1, but that is all. Sue us. (Please don’t. Unless it’s Eric. You can sue him.)
Therefore, do you need to be familiar with the Mandalorian series to enjoy this movie? We are going to say no, you do not. Would it be helpful? Probably, but it is a pretty straightforward adventure sci-fi movie.
Do you need to be familiar with the Star Wars franchise in general to watch this movie? No, not necessarily. But to enjoy? Yes, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the world of Star Wars. The editing, the Jim Henson-style practical effects, the legacy of OG Star Wars characters, there is much here to experience for Star Wars lovers and fanatics as this movie expands the lore.
The story is formulaic and does not feel like it is doing anything new. This is not to say it is not entertaining. We love a movie that starts off with a successful mission that leads to another seemingly easy-peasy follow-up mission that goes awry. James Bond fans, anyone?
The Star Wars world is present. From the power-point scene transitions to the intergalactic space travel to planets that look like downtown Chicago to planets that look like the bayou. The environments are characters in and of themselves, and we enjoyed Jon Favreau’s and the film production team’s effort in building the sets.
We read Jeremy Allen White’s name in the opening credits and waited the entire movie for him to appear. We have to admit, we did not do our due diligence and learn everything we could going into it. Honestly, it’s way more fun going into movies blind. It turns out, White voices a character, and it sounds about 0% like him. Which was awesome, as it did not pull us out of the movie.
Of course, Pedro Pascal does a job well done, suited and helmeted up. Call it gimmicky or whatever, but Martin Scorsese voicing a character was fun as hell. That is an Emmy-nominated actor now, and we are excited to see where his young career goes from here.
Even with the Mandalorian’s stoicism, there were some good laughs to be had. Grogu, as the folks who watch the television series already know, adds a touch of playfulness. He is adorable, elicits some chuckles, and heightens the stakes because who wouldn’t get stressed if this child were in danger?!
Overall, this movie feels like a large-scale side quest. A lot of what we see on screen is nothing new to those who have been engrossed in the franchise. Impossible missions, betrayal, loyalty to a fault, pits of unknown monsters, and, of course, lightspeed. It is a fun movie, and Mandalorian and Star Wars die-hards will want to watch it on the big screen, but it was not epic or moving enough for us to call it a must-watch for all movie-lovers.
Josh Jump Scare Count: 1
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Voicemails for Isabelle by Leah McKendrick
Letterboxd Description:
Sometimes the universe leaves you a message.
A young woman’s hilariously confessional voicemails to her late sister are unknowingly redirected to a stranger, who begins to fall in love from afar.
I watched this trailer at 6am on a random morning and I was crying in bed. Immediately showed Eric and watched him the entire time waiting for him to cry. Needed it in solidarity. He didn’t. I cried even more.
I personally have sent text messages to a number I very well knew wasn’t the person I wanted them to go to because that number no longer existed. It felt therapeutic. Not sure if anyone actually read them…and if they did, they had the courtesy of letting me pour my heart out. So while it might be predictable (he doesn’t tell her, she finds out, is mad then forgives him) this hit a soft spot for me and I can’t wait to watch.
I also adore Zoey Deutch. Such a babe.
-Kelly
Also Directed by Leah McKendrick:
Scrambled (2023)
Tune in next week for | Backrooms
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It was entertaining but I was hoping they would build on some of the amazing plot lines we were left with at the end of the last season. But as a bottle episode/movie, I think it worked and is very accessible to a wide audience. I feel like both Star Wars and Star Trek franchises are in a bit of a free fall at the moment, so I’m excited to see what happens next for both fandoms.