New Star Wars Limited Series ‘Ahsoka’ Debuts on Disney+
The highly anticipated Star Wars limited series, ‘Ahsoka,’ has just premiered on Disney+. Fans of the franchise have been eagerly awaiting this live-action narrative centered around the beloved character, Ahsoka Tano. Portrayed by Rosario Dawson, Ahsoka is best known for being a padawan to Anakin Skywalker and has garnered a significant following since her introduction in ‘The Clone Wars.’
With two episodes already released, the series delves into Ahsoka’s backstory and character development, exploring her journey and adventures. The inclusion of Mandalorian Sabine, played by Natasha Liu Bordizzo, adds another layer of excitement to the story.
However, some critics argue that recent Star Wars content has been too preoccupied with the franchise’s legacy and fails to deliver truly compelling narratives. While there were concerns about pacing and focus in ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘Obi,’ the recently released ‘Andor’ managed to steer the ship in the right direction by presenting a narrative that humanizes ordinary individuals within the Star Wars universe.
After watching the first two episodes of ‘Ahsoka,’ some viewers believe that the most intriguing character is Shin, portrayed by Ivanna Sakhno, who serves as a nemesis to Sabine. Hera, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, is another strong female character, though she currently lacks depth and texture. Even the droid Huyang, voiced by David Tennant, is seemingly underutilized in the series.
‘Vacation Friends 2’ Continues the Comedy Adventure
In addition to the Star Wars series, Disney+ has released the sequel to ‘Vacation Friends,’ titled ‘Vacation Friends 2.’ The original film, released on Hulu in 2021, was a lighthearted situational comedy that surprised audiences with its chemistry and enjoyable story.
The sequel follows the newly married couple, Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) and Emily (Yvonne Orji), as they embark on an all-expenses-paid trip to a Caribbean resort. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they invite their eccentric friends Ron (John Cena) and Kyla (Meredith Hagner) to join them.
The addition of new characters, including Kyla’s ex-con father Reese (played by Steve Buscemi) and a resort boss portrayed by Ronny Chieng, attempts to inject fresh elements into the story. Carlos Santos also returns as the concierge Maurillo, now taking care of Ron and Kyla’s baby.
Critics argue that the sequel lacks originality and falls into predictable territory. While Buscemi’s sarcasm adds some novelty, the film takes an abrupt shift towards becoming an action film, which fails to resonate with audiences. Cena’s comedic performance remains a highlight, but overall, the sequel fails to live up to its predecessor.
Both ‘Ahsoka’ and ‘Vacation Friends 2’ are now available for streaming on Disney+.
