Well that was a grueling couple weeks, wasnât it? With that 2020 has given us, the escape button has never been more important. Netflix and other streaming services have been that relief in the form of original content for everyone. But what of that other new service from the most American entertainment company in the business: Disney? Ever since its inception in 2019, Disney+ has claimed itself to the bastion of family-oriented programing. Some speculated that may alienate those seeking more mature content. However the platform is managing to find different avenues in which to appeal to these demographics.
The Star Wars Universe has been a part of the popular lexicon for the better part of four decades. Even though the films of late have faltered, creator Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have now given us âThe Mandalorian.â Filoni has worked within these stories in cartoons like âThe Clone Warsâ and âRebelsâ, also featured on Disney+. Here he and Favreau have taken a tried-and-true formula, the serialized Western. And why not? âStar Wars,â itself, was just full-length version of serials that played before the features in the 1930s and 40s.
In the show we follow the titular bounty hunter as he goes on quests around the galaxy. There is an overarching storyline, but each episode works as its own self-contained one as well. Shades of âThe Virginianâ and âThe Riflemanâ come to mind in the lone gun tropes. Like the original trilogy, Japanese samurai tales like âLone Wolf and Cubâ inform the themes. And much has been said about the cub called âThe Childâ in the show, but dubbed âBaby Yodaâ by fans around the world. Great thing is, âMandalorianâ has all the hallmarks of a classic television show with fun for all ages. Season Two is coming out episodically now, which gives those who havenât already gotten on the bandwagon time to catch up.
Another part of Disney+ worth mentioning is the inclusion of National Geographic programming. The educational side of Walt Disney is alive and well here. I am reminded of the Real Life Adventures from my childhood just browsing through the fare. The Oscar-winning âFree Soloâ is available to those who havenât seen it yet. Gripping drama of the subject Alex Honnold has he faces climb El Capitan without a rope is matched with majestic cinematography, perfection on a big screen television.
If you like your humor with your knowledge, check out âThe World According to Jeff Goldblum.â We embark with the âJurassic Parkâ actor as he explores the history behind different subjects and products, everything from sneakers to cosmetics. Part history lesson, part âHow Itâs Madeâ; it is all anchored by Jeffâs infectious energy and enthusiasm. Episode two about ice cream is especially enlightening.
Not everything on here is for the children. âThe Right Stuffâ is an eight-part historical drama based on the Tom Wolfe book. For those have seen the original 1983 movie, this might be a bit more of a shock. Unfortunately, the focus of the show is on the NASA portion. Gone is Chuck Yeager, who was played perfectly by Sam Shepard. Fans of the workplace dramas of Aaron Sorkin and âMad Menâ might like this more. The leads are great, particularly Jake McDorman as Alan Shepard and Patrick J. Adams as John Glenn. The pacing is well-done as well as competent direction. It is no âGeniusâ or âChernobylâ but as an enjoyable experience, it fairs well. As of this printing, the final episode will air November 20.
Happy viewing!
