{"id":9746,"date":"2022-09-21T12:59:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-21T19:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=9746"},"modified":"2022-09-21T17:00:06","modified_gmt":"2022-09-22T00:00:06","slug":"andor-perhaps-the-best-star-wars-spin-off-series-so-far-its-superb-script-visuals-and-performances-will-grip-you-throughout-its-duration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2022\/andor-perhaps-the-best-star-wars-spin-off-series-so-far-its-superb-script-visuals-and-performances-will-grip-you-throughout-its-duration\/","title":{"rendered":"Andor * Perhaps The Best Star Wars Spin-Off Series So Far, It\u2019s Superb Script, Visuals And Performances Will Grip You Throughout Its Duration"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.poster.jpg?resize=102%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9748\" width=\"102\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.poster.jpg?resize=203%2C300&amp;ssl=1 203w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.poster.jpg?w=540&amp;ssl=1 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 102px) 100vw, 102px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The series explores a new perspective from the <em>Star Wars<\/em> galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor&#8217;s journey to discover the difference he can make. The series brings forward the tale of the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire and how people and planets became involved. It&#8217;s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, \u201cPerhaps the best Star Wars spin-off series so far, Andor\u2019s superb script, visuals and performances will grip you throughout its duration. The force is indeed strong with this dark, grounded show, which comfortably departs from the Star Wars formula in significant ways.\u201d Heather S. adds, \u201cThe theme of the show is to fight for what you believe in. In the early days of the Rebellion, there weren\u2019t many fighters for the cause, and it was a risky gamble to join up against the Empire. Cassian takes the risk to fight against oppression and to take a stand.\u201d See their complete reviews below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Andor<br>By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LBtwJ2fF-m0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.d.jpg?resize=300%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9747\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.d.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.d.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.d.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption>(L-R): Kravas (Lee Boardman), Verlo (Stephen Wight), hostess (Margaret Clunie), bartender (Caroline Green) and Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in a scene from Lucasfilm&#8217;s ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. \u00a92022 Lucasfilm Ltd. &amp; TM. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Perhaps the best <em>Star Wars<\/em> spin-off series so far, <em>Andor<\/em>\u2019s superb script, visuals and performanceswill grip you throughout its duration. The force is indeed strong with this dark, grounded show, which comfortably departs from the <em>Star Wars<\/em> formula in significant ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A gritty, layered prequel to the highly popular (and <em>also<\/em> prequel) movie <em>Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Andor <\/em>follows Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) on a five-year journey as he grows from a revolution-averse, shifty, cynical con man to a selfless, Empire-defying rebel against the Galactic Empire. When confronted with enemy after enemy, Andor continually proves himself to be the perfect sort of spy, revolutionary and killer.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.c.jpg?resize=300%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.c.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.c.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.c.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption>(L-R): B2EMO and Maarva (Fiona Shaw) in Lucasfilm&#8217;s ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. \u00a92022 Lucasfilm Ltd. &amp; TM. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Thank you, Tony Gilroy, for creating this series. It&#8217;s simply incredible. Driven by mood, <em>Andor <\/em>seems more like a crime drama or a Ridley Scott sci-fi film than a true <em>Star Wars<\/em> film. Though the first two episodes are a bit slow and offer pretty low-stakes, with lots and lots of exposition, Luna pushes the series, one of his best performances yet, to excellence. Episode three, especially, is WOW. His power to add nuance to what starts as a one-dimensional personality \u2014 surly dude disillusioned with his surroundings \u2014 is remarkable. We\u2019re lucky he reprised his role. Adding a tiny note here, I love how Luna keeps his native Mexican accent in all his portrayals of Cassian Andor. It adds something to the role! The plot of <em>Andor <\/em>is simple enough, and this allows for both the trademark character development and world-building of the <em>Star Wars<\/em> universe and also the slow reveal of the Rebel Alliance forming. Stellan Skarsg\u00e5rd\u2019s portrayal of Luthen Rael is subtle without being dry, and he helps elevate the show and make it even more riveting. The production quality, much like the acting, is off the charts; every scene is engineered to be utterly stunning. Half the time the feeling of dread is offset by, \u201coh my goodness, look at the sky.\u201d All of this \u2014 the new tone, new feel, new style \u2014 might be too different for some, but the utter novelty is to be appreciated. Finally, the beautiful score by Nicholas Britell adds so much to the retro-futurism of <em>Andor <\/em>and makes the performances pop even more.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"125\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/andor_online_trailer4_uhd_r709f_still_220906.086599.jpg?resize=300%2C125&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/andor_online_trailer4_uhd_r709f_still_220906.086599.jpg?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/andor_online_trailer4_uhd_r709f_still_220906.086599.jpg?resize=768%2C321&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/andor_online_trailer4_uhd_r709f_still_220906.086599.jpg?w=958&amp;ssl=1 958w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption>Mon Mothma (Genevieve O&#8217;Reilly) in Lucasfilm&#8217;s ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. \u00a92022 Lucasfilm Ltd. &amp; TM. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Andor <\/em>promotes fighting for good causes, allowing yourself to be taken by passion, and leading others for the greater good. Beyond these lessons, it\u2019s also a master class (tonally, visually, sonically) for filmmakers playing in the sandbox. There are some sexual undertones in the first episode and violent scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give <em>Andor<\/em> 4.5 stars out of 5 and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. <em>Andor<\/em> releases on Disney+ September 21, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Andor\u00a0<br>By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j5UX1Adanis?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"126\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.a.jpg?resize=300%2C126&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.a.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.a.jpg?resize=768%2C322&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.a.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption>(L-R): Kravas (Lee Boardman), Verlo (Stephen Wight), hostess (Margaret Clunie), Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and bartender (Caroline Green) in a scene from Lucasfilm&#8217;s ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. \u00a92022 Lucasfilm Ltd. &amp; TM. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Andor, <\/em>a prequel to<em> Rogue One,<\/em>\u00a0is the latest <em>Star Wars-<\/em>inspired series to debut to much enthusiasm from expectant fans.\u00a0 Despite some exciting cameos, though, the series lacks the boldness of its predecessors.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Andor\u00a0<\/em>follows Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), before he was known as Captain of the Rebellion. When he murders two officers and has an arrest warrant on his head, he meets Luthen (Stellan Skarsg\u00e5rd) who offers Cassian the opportunity of a lifetime: to join the early formations of the Rebellion against the Empire.\u00a0\u00a0Viewers will recognize the character of Cassian from <em>Rogue One<\/em>. In the film, he\u2019s witty, smart and callous. In his own series, however, he\u2019s described as being a playboy and smooth talker, though in many ways he doesn\u2019t really live up to that description; it\u2019s rare that we see him engaging or displaying these qualities. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.b.jpg?resize=300%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.b.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.b.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andor.b.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption>(L-R): Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona) in Lucasfilm&#8217;s ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. \u00a92022 Lucasfilm Ltd. &amp; TM. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The series has some strong points. The CGI is extremely realistic, transporting viewers to never-before-seen planets. The fight scenes keep you on your toes, always waiting for the next blaster battle. In the past several years, Disney has produced outstanding and mind-blowing <em>Star Wars<\/em> shows like\u00a0<em>Obi Wan Kenobi<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0<em>The Mandalorian.\u00a0<\/em>Both series have deep connections to the <em>Star Wars<\/em> universe and set the bar high for upcoming <em>Star Wars<\/em> projects. Audiences can decide if <em>Andor<\/em>\u00a0meets the expectations set up by those series or not.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The theme of the show is to fight for what you believe in. In the early days of the Rebellion, there weren\u2019t many fighters for the cause, and it was a risky gamble to join up against the Empire. Cassian takes the risk to fight against oppression and to take a stand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give\u00a0<em>Andor<\/em>\u00a03 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on Disney+ September 21, 2022.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The series explores a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor&#8217;s journey to discover the difference he can make. The series brings forward the tale of the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire and how people and planets became involved. It&#8217;s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, \u201cPerhaps the best Star Wars spin-off series so far, Andor\u2019s superb script, visuals and performances will grip you throughout its duration. The force is indeed strong with this dark, grounded show, which comfortably departs from the Star Wars formula in significant ways.\u201d Heather S. adds, \u201cThe theme of the show is to fight for what you believe in. In the early days of the Rebellion, there weren\u2019t many fighters for the cause, and it was a risky gamble to join up against the Empire. Cassian takes the risk to fight against oppression and to take a stand.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4,355],"tags":[5655,5658,5659,5656,1783,5652,1544,869,539,1136,1166,5654,5657,531,5653,4095,5660],"class_list":["post-9746","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tv","category-tv-series","tag-andor","tag-andor-series","tag-andor-star-wars","tag-andor-star-wars-series","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-cassian-andor","tag-diego-luna","tag-disney-2","tag-george-lucas","tag-luke-skywalker","tag-movie-reviews","tag-obi-wan-kenobi","tag-rogue-one","tag-star-wars","tag-star-wars-andor","tag-stellan-skarsgard","tag-the-mandalorian"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-2xc","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9746","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9746"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9746\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9754,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9746\/revisions\/9754"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9746"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9746"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9746"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}