My Top 10 Favorite Movies of 1999

 

  Let’s travel back Twenty-Five Years ago … the year was 1999, it was the end of a millennium, with the 2000’s on their way, and at this time, I was in my early stages of Elementary School, but I was also branching out, discovering new things, and as far as movies are concerned, I feel confident in saying that 1999 was the year I really discovered my love and appreciation toward film. 

While I was still a kid, this was the year I found myself dabbling in pictures outside of children’s animation, including comedies, Science Fiction, adventure, drama, and even little splashes of horror. With so many of my own personal favorite movies turning twenty-five this year, I wanted to celebrate and rank my own personal top 10 favorite movies of 1999. 

Disclaimer … this was not an easy list to assemble, as there’s so many big titles that came out from this year, including “Eyes Wide Shut”, “American Pie”, “The Blair Witch Project”, “Office Space”, and of course “American Beauty”, which won Best Picture that year. As such, this isn’t a list of the objective best or most significant movies to come out, just the ones the mean the most to me.

 

#10 “Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace” 

Despite being a movie with mixed qualities … and an even bigger mixed reception … I just couldn’t imagine this list being complete without this childhood favorite. Whether you loved or hated “The Phantom Menace”, I’d argue it was the biggest, and most hyped event of that year. Also, for both better and worse, this was the movie that rescued “Star Wars” from nearly twenty years of hibernation and is arguably the reason the franchise still exists today. 

Even though this isn’t one of my absolute favorites of the series, it’s still one I take a good deal of comfort and enjoyment from, and I’d only be kidding myself if I didn’t call it one of my favorite movie-going experiences from back in 1999.

 

#9 “The Green Mile” 

Following after the acclaim of the 1994 picture “The Shawshank Redemption”, it only made sense to adapt another one of Steven Kings novels, which also doubles as a prison drama. This marked my second favorite movie of 1999 to be nominated for Best Picture (my favorite will be coming up in a moment), and while I prefer “The Shawshank Redemption” overall … “The Green Mile” brought something different to the table, which gave it unique strengths all its own. 

This time, it’s a hybrid approach, of an emotionally grounded prison drama, but also a fantasy, with supernatural elements. Thanks to the solid direction, and first-rate performances from the cast, the two styles complement each-other quiet well, and of course, the late Michael Clarke Duncan leaves an unforgettable impression in his Oscar nominated performance as the lead prisoner John Coffey.   

 

#8 “Sleepy Hollow” (1999) 

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in general is one of the most classic ghost stories of all time, and has been retold in several new ways throughout the ages. The 1999 version directed by Tim Burton probably has the least to do with Washington Irving’s novel, but it’s the first one that comes to mind whenever I think of the Headless Horseman. This version plays like a supernatural detective case, and has the personality of an R-Rated Scooby-Doo mystery. For an extremely over-the-top and violent film, it sure has all the stuff I love in a good thriller. Every time I watch it, I’m blown away by its haunting atmosphere, and it’s visually a marvel to look at. 

Tim Burton’s direction gives it a creepy yet magical dreamlike quality. The cast fill their respected roles very well, and the Headless Horseman thrills when he’s on screen. While this obviously isn’t a movie for everyone, I personally think it’s one of Tim Burton’s best films, and it’s one I make a tradition of re-watching around Halloween.

 

#7 “Galaxy Quest” 

Both a clever satire of “Star Trek”, and a loving tribute to fan-culture, this was one of those rare decade events that managed to find a life outside of its target audience. The cast is wonderful, each perfectly capturing the charm of their respected archetypes, while also adding subtle layers, and the group has great chemistry. Everything else from the Sci-Fi adventure, action and comedy on display all hit the right notes without going too far. In short, what could have simply been a one-note spoof of a popular franchise went an extra step further in reminding viewers why we love our favorite genre’s or long running series, and to keep that love going. 

Many fans even place it among the best “Star Trek” movies, even though it isn’t officially part of the series … and that’s when you know a movie did something right.   

 

#6 Disney’s “Tarzan” 

The 1990’s marked the age of the great, animated Disney renaissance, and the studios final offering of the time has always had a secure spot among my personal favorites of their collected animated works. For a generation of kids, this was our introduction to the character of Tarzan, whose been an established icon in both novels and movies beforehand. Disney’s take on the character is just as exciting as an animated jungle adventure can get, as it’s fast paced and full of riveting action sequences, but it’s not devoid of the heart and substance of other Disney offerings. 

This film also marks the next big step in Disney animation, with memorable tree surfing sequences, and larger digital terrain to cover. Throw in a memorable soundtrack by Phil Collins, and “Tarzan” remains a suitably nostalgic peace of late 90’s animation, and took it’s time-tested story to an exciting new level.

 

#5 “Run Lola Run” 

If you were to remake “Groundhog Day” as a pulpy crime thriller, you wouldn’t be too far off from describing the brilliance that is “Run Lola Run”. With events set to a rousing musical score, we explore the multiple “what if Scenario’s” of how our female lead Lola will respond to a situation in which her boyfriend is desperate for money, and willing to cross the line in committing a bank heist. 

It’s a simple premise that doesn’t overstay it’s welcome … clocking in at eighty minuets … yet, the execution is so tight and engaging to watch, that it feels kind of perfect in it’s own simple way. With brilliant editing, style, imagery and a relentlessly engaging music tempo at the helm … you can almost call this a feature length music video, but one that can still be counted as one of the great crime movie pictures of the decade. 

 

#4 “The Sixth Sense” 

My favorite movie of the year to be nominated for Best Picture, and still one of my favorite horror movies that came out of the decade.  It’s a very different kind of spooky feature, as it can scare you, while also pulling some emotional cords along the way. While there are ghosts present, they’re also presented as victims who need help to move on, and it’s through the selfless courage of one boy that it can be done. It’s a movie that covers issues of pain, remorse, sorrow, regret, loss, and things that are generally more grounded, which has always landed this film as a step above traditional spooky house pictures. 

“The Sixth Sense” has all the markings and tones of a dramatic picture, yet it’s packed with all the chills and atmosphere of a modern horror movie. With standout performances, and a tight screenplay, this was a ghost story for the ages, and one that’s every bit as haunting as it is poetic.  

 

#3 “The Mummy” 

While not a traditional Horror movie, this was nevertheless the childhood experience that got me interested in viewing classic scary films like “Poltergeist” and “Jaws”.  As corny as it is to say, I view the 1999 remake of “The Mummy” as my own personal horror fountain of youth ... as it's the one that started it all ... and all these years later, it's still just as enjoyable as when I was a kid. It embraces its own corny adventure elements without being either too silly or too serious, the characters are all memorable, the scary material is more fun than scarring, and there’s no shortage of general entertainment. 

Just like how the 90’s was a transition period, I always look at “The Mummy” as the big film that ended the 90’s, and began the 2000’s. Personally, I think this film as aged in just the right ways, as it’s dated in parts to be sure, but it still holds up as one of my all-around favorite entertainment movies. It’s modern, but also has this enchanting old-fashioned innocence that makes it perfect Saturday afternoon fodder.

 

#2 “Toy Story 2” 

If you were to go back in time and ask childhood me what my favorite movie was, I would have said “Toy Story 2” without hesitation. The first “Toy Story” was already a favorite of mine, and a big game changer in terms of animation, and is a timeless classic for both its story, and well-rounded characters … how could you possibly top that? Well, surprisingly, you get a sequel that’s not only as good, but in many ways improves on the first. It one-up’s the entertainment, with funnier jokes, dazzling animation, yet also adds new layers to the characters, along with some surprising emotional backstories, and you have a near perfect film. 

Still to this day, “Toy Story 2” remains not only my favorite movie on Pixar’s roaster, but also one of my top 20 ... oh heck ... top 10 favorite films in general. The original characters are better than before, and joining them is arguably my favorite roundup of new characters from any of these instalments. It’s a movie I adored as a kid, and it’s stuck with me well into my adult years.    

 

Before I reveal my Number One favorite movie of the year, here are some quick Honorable Mentions that just couldn’t fit on the list …

“Fight Club”

“The World is Not Enough”

“Austun Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”

“The Iron Giant”

“Deep Blue Sea”

"Mystery Men" 

 

#1 “The Matrix” 

For some, this movie was a classic for its time, for others it’s a dated or even overrated product, but for me … “The Matrix” is one of my most important viewing experiences at a young age, as it propelled my overall love for movies, as well as the creativity and imagination that comes along with them. On the surface, it was a fun action movie with guns, cool black glasses, lots of combat, and awesome special effects. 

Beyond those tropes, if you like philosophy, superhero stories, Japanese Anime, Fantasy tails with a modern spin, martial arts cinema, or intriguing Sci-Fi, then this film might have something extra for you. I can’t pretend that "The Matrix" is a perfect film, or that the characters hold-up, but it is an experience that was more meaningful to me than most other movies I grew up with. To put it simply, “The Matrix” is a film that reminds me why I love movies, why I love to analyze and review them, and it’s inspired me to be imaginative. It’s still one of my favorite movies years later, and it’s personally my favorite movie of 1999.

Thanks for reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!

The Great Escape (1963) (Movie Review)

 

  When it comes to recognizable genera’s, whether it be Westerns, Musicals, Horror, Romance and so forth, we typically have imagery, events and tones that we associate with these categories of films. Once in a while however is a genera film that fits in its respected category, yet has a look and feel that’s all its own. For today’s topic, 1963’s “The Great Escape” is a War movie, and hits many of the same familiar beats, but presents it in a way that’s a little different. There’s still group talks of strategy and battle plans, but no traditional battles on the fields. It’s a showcase for the trials of the human spirit against mounting odds, but conveyed in a unique tone, merging lighthearted optimism with dramatic loss and consequences. Needless to say, it’s one of the great War movie classics, and well worth looking back on.

  What we have is a story based on a novel, “The Great Escape” by Paul Brickhill, as well as inspiration from real events in the early 1940’s World War 2. The year is 1944, and German High Command has assembled the most talented British, Canadian and American escape artists, and placed them in what’s supposedly an escape proof POW camp. Shortly upon arrival, the prisoners refuse to break, and are determined to accomplish the unthinkable … using a series of underground tunnels, dig their way out of the German prison, and find sanctuary in Switzerland. It takes over a year, but eventually comes the night that 600 prisoners dare to launch their big breakout. Just over seventy men make it out of the compound, and the ladder half of the film follows their efforts to make their second escape out of the country.

  While this wasn’t the first POW, barbed-wire-tunnel-digging picture released, it was the one with the biggest budget, biggest cast of a-list performers, and the longest run-time, clocking in at one-hundred-seventy-three minuets. Yet, despite its formidable length, and slow-burning narrative, the film was one of the highest grossing, money makers of its time, and received all kinds of acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. It was also a pop-culture sensation, and it’s been referenced and spoofed in several other films over the years. Speaking for myself for a moment, I was in my carefree high school years when I first saw this movie, and I remember being intimidated by the films run-time, and slow-burning first half, but I was also won-over by the cast, and by the time we reached the middle of the feature, I was hooked, no different from any modern day action picture I saw.

  The cast features many greats of the time, including Richard Attenborough, James Garner, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence, James Corburn, and of course it’s Steve McQueen who steals the show as rebel leader Virgil Hilts. 

He’s also referred to as The Cooler King, as he’s always captured and placed in the cooler, yet his spirit refuses to break, and he continues to find solace either from his fellow cellmates, or his signature baseball. With his laid-back charm, and one-man stunt performances, he was a big contribution to the films commercial appeal. Donal Pleasence plays Lieutenant Blythe, also known as The Forger, who creates the fake passports for all 600 prisoners, which costs him his sight, and to me, he’s one of the real heroes of the group. My personal favorite character is Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett, also known as Big X, who’s the ringleader of the group, and the one most determined to get everyone out. Before his Oscar winning role in “Gandi”, or his more recognizable contemporary roles in “Jurassic Park” and “Miricle on 34^th Street”, I find Richard Attenborough’s portrayal of Big X to be one of his most human and layered performances.

  Director John Sturges was also at a high point in his career, after his success directing Westerns like “Bad Day at Black Rock” and “The Magnificent Seven”. He had also directed many films that overlap with comedy, and while “The Great Escape” marked his first time directing a War picture, and he brought some of that lighthearted personality of his other pictures with him. As stated in the opening, the film has a unique tone, focusing on a grim and oppressive situation, but it’s also fairly upbeat, and colorful in its presentation. Even the music score by the great Elmer Bernstein is enticingly cheerful, and adds to the film's optimistic mood. Had this movie come out today, it would be very muddy, rainy, and hammering in how bleak everything is. However, the positive nature of the first half works as a counter point to the drama ahead, putting you in a mind-set that most everyone will make it out … only for the exact opposite to happen. For as deceptively cheerful as the film opens, the film still highlights just how challenging things are for our heroic prisoners, and it allows us to better connect with them.     

  Once the movie takes on its second life as a cross-country adventure, things sky-rocket into greatness. From the suspense of simply boarding a train full of Germans, to flying a jet low on fuel, to unexpected aid from the French Resistance at a local café, this third act makes the lengthy opening worthwhile, and is still riveting today. 

Of course, Steve McQueen’s daring motorbike chase is often cited as one of the decades best action scenes, both for its thrilling stunts, with motorbikes jumping fences, and for our investment in the character, and how much we want to see him make it out of the countryside. A behind the scenes feature on Turnner Classic Movies revealed that the terrain was so hard to cover, and challenging for the extra’s that McQueen actually had to double for many of his German pursuers. Tragically, fifty of the prisoners who attempted to escape were gunned down, while many others were taken back to camp. This was taken from real events, as the movie is dedicated in memory to the fifty who died. Despite the dramatic finale, the film still closes on an optimistic note, that the human spirit continues to thrive against all odds and refuses to be beaten.

  While the film has been preserved as a classic, and was a big hit in the 60’s, I was surprised it didn’t get much attention at the Academy Awards, with only a single nomination for Best Film Editing. Regardless, while I wouldn’t place “The Great Escape” among my absolute favorite movies, I do still look back on it fondly as one of the great War movie classics. I’d also give it a stamp of recommendation for anyone to see at least once. While the length is imposing, and the pacing a little off in the first act, I still say it’s worthwhile. If anything, it’s a War movie that can stand shoulder to shoulder with its fellow classics, yet also stand apart with its own distinct voice and appeal.

Thanks for reading my review of the 1963 War movie classic “The Great Escape” … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!  

 

Star Wars: Visions (2021-2023) (Series Review)

 

  Sense the purchase of Lucasfilm from Disney, the door has been wide open for different forms of content to emerge from the “Star Wars” franchise … some better than others … and others fine, albeit safe to a fault. 

Yet, for all the new content that has come from the series in the past decade, I think many would agree that the most unique of all was the limited Anime series titled “Star Wars: Visions”, which ran from 2021 through 2023. This was a Japanese anthology Anime series set in different time periods and altered timelines of the “Star Wars” universe. Several different Japanese Anime studios came together to work on this project, which meant each story had an individual look, style, tone, and different set of original characters. While there has always been some Anime influence on previous “Star Wars” shows, like the 2003 “Star Wars: Clone Wars” micro series, this was the first real Anime we've gotten from the franchise, and for my money … it’s about time! 

  For years I've wanted to see this universe brought to life through Japanese Anime ... and here, my wish finally came true. I loved the different animation styles on display, I loved how it broke away from established continuity, familiar faces were seen sparingly, most of the characters were original, and I loved that it just let itself go all out with its own rules.

While I admittedly found some of the shorts just a little too outlandish for their own good, the majority of them worked, and it was just really cool to finally see the universe of “Star Wars” brought to life in Anime form. The unfortunate downside to this anthology is that it's admittedly more of a cool experiment then it is a memorable experience, and I would have liked a little more variety in the storytelling. Most of the season one shorts followed a similar outline in which a new Jedi character is discovered, and everything culminates in big Lightsaber duel. 

Personally, I feel there's so much more material that this universe can offer. Also, at least half of these shorts felt like back-door piolets for potential spin-offs. Thankfully, season two gave us a little more variety, and it made the series feel more complete. The series ran for two seasons, with twenty shorts in total. The majority of the shorts were done well, and there’s plenty of great content to highlight. For simplicity’s sake, I just want to discuss and rank my personal top 10 favorite shorts from this series.  

#10 "Sith" 

A former Sith apprentice has found a peaceful life for herself, spending her time as an artist, and trying to make the most colorful creations, as a means to hide all that previous darkness that lies within. Alas, no matter what, the dark colors always seem to take shape in her work, and to make matters worse … her evil master has returned to collect her. 

This leads into a thrilling showdown between master and apprentice, as well as an internal battle to see how much color or darkness lies in the heart of the artist. More than any other short, this episode is visually striking, and arguably the most artistic in its imagery ... which compliments both the theme and narrative. The story would have been decent enough, but it really is the design of this short that makes it stand out as a favorite. 

#9 “The Village Bride” 

When a mysterious female Jedi is drawn to a remote planet, she learns that a bride from a small village, and her groom, are to be handed over to a savage group of raiders, who are using re-programed Battle Droids to occupy the area. 

She also learns that the planet has a mystical orra emanating from its natural elements. Out of respect for her late master, she goes to the aid of the village bride, and all those she cares for. Of all the shorts, I think this one had the best atmosphere, tone, and some really effective music ques. There’s a sense of size and wonder to this short, but it’s all very quiet, and there’s great use of visual storytelling on display. I also liked seeing Battle Droids is this episode, but aside from them, this short honestly felt the least like “Star Wars”, and it could have come from any Anime series, but I mean that in a good way. Unlike many of the other shorts, this one worked better as a self-contained story, and it didn’t feel like a back-door piolet … although, it would have been even stronger if it was maybe a special hour-long episode to flesh-out the story and characters.

 

#8 "The Spy Dancer" 

A long time Rebel spy named Loi'e, puts on a special dance show for Empyreal officers, as a means to covertly track down their movements. Amidst the performance, she spots an officer, who resembles a man that took away her infant son twenty years ago during a siege. She confronts the man, only to discover that it’s in fact her very son all grown-up, and serving her enemies. Thus, it becomes a battle of two broken family members, trying to find unity in a galaxy of loss. It’s a sold short that hits all the right emotional beats in it’s short run-time, and the image of our dancing performer is a memorable one. The dance is also incorporated into the action, which helps give it a unique identity. 

#7 "Screecher’s Reach" 

A young girl named Daal has spent her life slaving away in a workhouse, along with her small group of friends. One day, she receives an ominous summon to the mysterious cave of Screechers Reach, which is said to be the home of a ghostly entity. If she can face her fears and defeat the entity in the cave, she’ll be liberated from her life in the work house. In the aftermath, the ghostly figure of the cave was revealed to be a living creature, and in defeating it, Daal is recruited by a Sith Master. 

In the end, it becomes a mater of trading one horrible life for one that’s potentially worse, and all at the coast of betraying her friends that she left behind. The final chilling image of Daal’s face as she looks back on everything she leaves behind shows just how bad her choice is. Tonally, visually, and thematically, this is perhaps the darkest episode, with a haunting atmosphere, and a warning of what may happen when one chooses the easy and more seductive path.       

#6 “Tatooine Rhapsody” 

Set on the planet of Tatooine, and during the Time-Line of the original “Star Wars” trilogy, we see a youthful Rock Band calling themselves Star Waver, who are about to go on a galaxy wide tour. Unfortunately, after being chased by the masked Bounty Hunter Boba Fett, the bands leader, a Hutt named Gee, is taken prisoner, and turned over to known gangster Jabba the Hutt. One of the band members, a former Jedi named Geezer, purposes to put of a live-performance for the slimy crime lord, and if successful, they’ll have their friend back. 

This is the kind of short I want to see in an animated “Star Wars” anthology, as it’s not traditional formula, nor something I’d want to see in a movie, but absolutely enjoy seeing in the “Star Wars” animated universe. Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a committed performance as the lead Jedi band player, and theirs a fun ensemble of distinct characters. It’s also the only short to be set in a familiar location, and populated with classic characters like Jabba the Hutt, Boba Fett, and even those attractive female alien dancers from the special edition of “Return of the Jedi”, which is great. 

I also found it welcoming that Temuera Morrison reprised his role as Boba Fett from the live-action shows in this short. In general, I’m glad this series didn’t rely on too many familiar characters, but it’s nice to have at least one with recognizable favorites. Aside from that, I simply found this to be the most cheerful episode, with up-beat song numbers, likable characters, and a refreshing break-away from the familiar Jedi formula. I can certainly see some fans being turned off by a band concert episode … but for me, I really enjoyed it, and it’s the only short that just leaves me smiling from ear to ear.

#5 "The Pit" 

Set on a desert planet, a large group of slaves are forced to dig a giant pit and unearth crystals for the Empire, who use them as the base for creating a nearby city of light. For decades, the slaves are forced to live in the pit they dug for themselves, while the Empire bask in their glamorous new city. One worker tries to escape to the city of light, only for him to meet a tragic end. This inspires the remaining slaves to rebel against their captures, and follow the light to a better life they all deserve. Equal parts dramatic and uplifting, this is an effective short that uses the “Star Wars” universe as a backdrop for a story that’s more universal to viewers outside of the fan base.  

#4 “The Duel” 

Set in the “Star Wars” version of Feudal Japan, a band of raiders lay siege to a village, and their leader is a ruthless Sith Master who wilds a deadly red-bladed lightsaber. 

Just as they make their move on the chief, a mysterious Ronin interferes, wilding a lightsaber of his own … another red-bladed lightsaber. Living-up to its title, the lightsaber duel between the two is a thing of beauty, and brilliantly staged, especially with the two maintaining balance on a log that’s flowing down a raging river. Of all the episodes, I felt this one worked the absolute best as a self-contained short story, with easy characters to follow, and an awesome action set-piece in the center. Of course, this one stands out with the most unique art-design of all the shorts, and visually resembles classic Samori movies in the vein of “The Hidden Fortress” and “Seven Samori”. 

#3 "Journey to the Dark Head" 

A former young monk, now mechanic named Ara believes that the statues of her home planet, representing both the light and dark sides of the universe, have a degree of control of how much good or evil can roam the galaxy. Thus, along with a young Jedi named Toul, they set out to destroy the dark statue, and potentially rid the galaxy of evil force wielders. Along the way, their pursued by a ruthless Sith Lord called Bichan, who engages our heroes in a fierce battle. 

In the end, everyone realizes that both light and dark evenly flow between both statues, making it impossible to destroy. As such, while both our heroes defeat their enemy, they must cope with the fact that there will always be good and evil in the galaxy. The message is decent enough, but along with the imagery, characters and lightsaber action on display, I simply find this one of the most comforting shorts, as it just feels like classic “Star Wars”. The animation is wonderful, along with some gorgeous lighting, and the duel is one of the best of the shorts. 

           

#2 “The Ninth Jedi” 

Set during a time when the Jedi order is mostly extinct, a mysterious call is made for any surviving Jedi to meet at a secret temple embedded in an asteroid. Seven force wielders arrive, with a young boy among them who’s eager to expand his knowledge of the force. Meanwhile, on the planet below, a lightsaber forger, and his young daughter, have finished crafting seven blades for the arriving Jedi. Tragedy strikes when a group of hunters attack their house, taking the forger captive, and forcing his daughter Kara to flee with the lightsabers. 

These two story threads collide in a deeply thrilling climax, in which secret hero’s and enemies are revealed, and an all-out lightsaber brawl ensues between valiant Jedi and evil Sith Lords. This short was directed by Kenji Kamiyama, and the studio helming this short was Production I.G, the same Anime company that brought us the “Ghost in the Shell” franchise, as well as that animated segment from 2003’s “Kill Bill Volume 1”. Had this short been a piolet episode for a nine-part Anime mini-series, this could have potentially been one of my favorite products in all of “Star Wars”. 

The set-up was intriguing, the world building was fascinating, and it felt like it was properly expanding on the mythology of the universe, without going too far into outlandish territory. Naturally, being a Production I.G segment … it looks amazing, with gorgeous backdrops, and kinetic movement. There’s a beautifully animated chase through the woods, which ends in a fight on a frozen lake, and it makes for a terrific set-piece. Unfortunately, I just can’t bring myself to rank this one higher, as it’s mostly set-up for potentially great stories moving forward. 

 

Before I reveal my number one favorite short, here are some quick honorable mentions …

“The Elder”

"I Am Your Mother"

“The Twins”

"The Bandits of Golak"

“T0-B1”

 

#1 “Lop and Ocho” 

During the reign of the Empire, a female alien slave named Lop … who resembles an anthropomorphic rabbit … has escaped her bondage, and is taken in by a loving young girl named Ocho, along with her father, the Chief leader of the planet Tau. Seven years later, the Empire occupies their homeland, and the Chief, along with his foster daughter Lop want them off the planet. Unfortunately, the once loving sister Ocho has gone bad, and has joined the Empire … oh, and she bites her thumb and uses her blood as new eye-liner … that’s how bad she’s gone. 

In light of this betrayal, the Chief passes down the family’s lightsaber to his adopted doubter, who leaves on her own personal mission to not only liberate her planet, but to also bring her broken family back together. I never knew I wanted an anthropomorphic girl bunny with a lightsaber in the “Star Wars” universe … but I’m glad I have that now. This short boast’s my favorite animation of the whole show, as it’s not overly stylized, but it’s rich with detail. The backgrounds look like they came right out of a Makoto Shinkai picture, with character designs that feel they came right out of a Studio GhibliI film. I also feel this short has the most compelling characters, all of whom I’d love to see explored in other “Star Wars” media. Truthfully, I wish this short was an animated movie, as it had all the makings of something fantastic. As it stands, it’s my personal favorite short from “Star Wars: Visions”.

  Overall, I can’t bring myself to place “Star Wars: Visions” among my absolute favorite “Star Wars” content, but I love that it exists, and I hope this anthology opened the door for future Anime productions to come from this universe. Its reception has been a rousing success, with fans enjoying it, and critics giving it wide-acclaim. I certainly liked this anthology series overall, and maybe I’ll even get some follow-ups on the episodes I liked most. For whatever content comes out next in the “Star Wars” franchise … I’m deeply thrilled to say that Japanese Anime has finally become part of the saga.

Thanks for reading my review of the 2021 series “Star Wars: Visions” … and continue to enjoy the shows you love!