Review - Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion

Tackel · September 29, 2014, 08:00:22 PM

Story:

Spoiler

Set about 15 years after Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, the new animated series begins on the planet Lothal with a young, teenage orphan and thief named Ezra. Through his antics, he ends up in a chance encounter with a small group of rebels while they’re stealing from Imperial Stormtroopers. Eventually he ends up on their ship, the Ghost, where his Force abilities capture the attention of Kanan, one of the last surviving Jedi. Ezra ends up learning that Kanan and his allies are doing what they can to fight back against the Empire and help those in need. After escaping the trap of an Imperial Officer, they make a daring attempt to rescue Wookie slaves from the Empire. By working together, they rescue the wookies and Ezra joins the rebels to learn the ways of the force and become a Jedi.

Characters:

Spoiler

Kanan:

Spoiler

Labeled as a "Cowboy Jedi", Kanan is the leader of a small band of rebels on the planet Lothal. He is one of the few remaining Jedi after the downfall of the Republic in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. He will play the role of "Master" in his relationship with Ezra as he teaches him in the ways of the Force.

Ezra:

Spoiler

A local pickpocket of the Capitol of Lothal, armed with an electric sling shot, Ezra meets up with the crew of The Ghost and it changes his life forever. His is taught about the Force and shown that he can do good for people in the galaxy. Ezra will be taken under the wing of Kanan to learn the ways of the force, and will eventual construct a blaster/lightsaber hybrid for himself.

Zeb:

Spoiler

Based off old Chewbacca concept art, Zeb is the muscle of the group. Given a raspy voice and an electro staff, this guy can take out squads of stormtroopers with ease. Sarcastic and witty, he often gets into brotherly-like arguments with Ezra. The two end up forming a close relationship as the series progresses.

Sabine:

Spoiler

A teenage Mandalorian, Sabine is the most creative of the group. She is an explosives expert, and very artistic with how she does her work. Not much else was expanded upon her character, but will most definitely be developed as the show progresses.

Hera:

Spoiler

Hera is the pilot of The Ghost. She is the one who is more of the nurturer of the group and helps everyone keep level heads. It's heavily implied that she and Kanan are in a relationship.

Chooper:

Spoiler

The snarky and disobedient astromech unit of The Ghost. As said by Dave Filoni, "If R2-D2 is a dog, Chopper is a cat.".

Agent Kallus:

Spoiler

The main antagonist of this hour long special, Agent Kallus specializes in neutralizing rebel cells throughout the Empire.

Animation:

Spoiler

If you've ever seen Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the animation style here is very similar, after all it's made by the same team. Though this time around, the motions are more fluid and round. Visually, it's amazing for a CGI television show, but nothing that I'd par up to theatrical releases. Suffering from smaller budgets and tighter schedules, quality from The Clone Wars to Rebels reduced in things like explosions and landscapes. That being said, the visuals still look absolutely amazing, making homage to the original trilogy with it's laser and lightsaber effects.

Soundtrack:

Spoiler

The soundtrack is a mix of John Williams's score and original compositions made by Kevin Kiner, the composer for Star Wars: The Clone Wars. It is done very well and has it's own unique feel to it.

YouTube

Review Score:
9.0/10

Spoiler

While a great show, it just felt a bit short. This is just two episodes put together sold as a separate movie. The visuals and sound as well do seem a bit lacking at times, but having seen future episodes, this issue is fixed later on. A fantastics show for kids and Star Wars fans alike.

Personal Score:
8.5/10

Spoiler

While great for all the reasons listed above, one thing that really annoyed me was the cheesy dialouge. However, seeing as how it seems to only last for the very beginning, I think I can get over it. It does seem a bit lighthearted in the beginning, but I have seen future episodes... and boy does it get dark fast. Remember, just because it's on Disney XD doesn't mean mature content won't exists. Naruto Shippuden is a prime example of that.

Watch the episode for yourself! (Free) (720p) >_>

Spoiler

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bxe5ebnA17kkQ3ZFRm5XZEdvLW8/preview

Septy · September 29, 2014, 08:01:55 PM

Will be paying attention to this series. Not sure if I like the art style tho.

Assassin 11D7 · September 29, 2014, 08:04:02 PM

oh gawd no.

Casper · September 29, 2014, 08:15:38 PM

YouTube

`

Comet · September 29, 2014, 10:21:49 PM

Season 6 was shat out for this trash
_grrrrr

Tackel · September 30, 2014, 01:33:48 PM

Quote from: Comet on September 29, 2014, 10:21:49 PM

Season 6 was shat out for this trash
_grrrrr

To be fair, this is just a pilot. You can't really judge a series as a whole based on 1 episode. Clone Wars would have been a very bad show rated show if everyone did that after that sorry excuse for a movie.

Comet · September 30, 2014, 02:25:26 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 01:33:48 PM

Quote from: Comet on September 29, 2014, 10:21:49 PM
Season 6 was shat out for this trash
_grrrrr
To be fair, this is just a pilot. You can't really judge a series as a whole based on 1 episode. Clone Wars would have been a very bad show rated show if everyone did that after that sorry excuse for a movie.

i dont like them having Jedi so open post-Ep III, pre-Original trilogy.
to be fair, i didnt like Anikin having a padawan because that shits up his character arc.
y they do.

big sponge · September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM

eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the fuck is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fucking Jedi masters.

Assassin 11D7 · September 30, 2014, 03:05:01 PM

Quote from: Comet on September 30, 2014, 02:25:26 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 01:33:48 PM
Quote from: Comet on September 29, 2014, 10:21:49 PM
Season 6 was shat out for this trash
_grrrrr
To be fair, this is just a pilot. You can't really judge a series as a whole based on 1 episode. Clone Wars would have been a very bad show rated show if everyone did that after that sorry excuse for a movie.
i dont like them having Jedi so open post-Ep III, pre-Original trilogy.
to be fair, i didnt like Anikin having a padawan because that shits up his character arc.
y they do.

I have yet to think of a reason they gave him a padawan other than for shits and giggles. So much h8 m8.

Comet · September 30, 2014, 03:07:01 PM

Quote

So much h8 m8.

eh. its been know to happen.

Tackel · September 30, 2014, 06:48:43 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM

eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the fuck is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fucking Jedi masters.

He was disguised as non-Jedi for the most part until the end. No different from Obi-wan exposing himself in the cantina. I see no issue.

big sponge · September 30, 2014, 08:41:49 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 06:48:43 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM
eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the fuck is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fucking Jedi masters.

He was disguised as non-Jedi for the most part until the end. No different from Obi-wan exposing himself in the cantina. I see no issue.

Obi-wan still hid out in the middle of the desert on a backwater world for like 40 years before involving himself in the rebellion.

You know, meaning he hid himself so he wouldn't be discovered during what would have been an incredibly dangerous time to be a jedi and only came out during a time where the Empire wasn't really hunting Jedi anymore.

Tackel · October 01, 2014, 09:38:59 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 08:41:49 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 06:48:43 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM
eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the frack is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fracking Jedi masters.

He was disguised as non-Jedi for the most part until the end. No different from Obi-wan exposing himself in the cantina. I see no issue.

Obi-wan still hid out in the middle of the desert on a backwater world for like 40 years before involving himself in the rebellion.

You know, meaning he hid himself so he wouldn't be discovered during what would have been an incredibly dangerous time to be a jedi and only came out during a time where the Empire wasn't really hunting Jedi anymore.

Everyone has their way of coping. I would go ahead and assume Kanan was 10-15 when the order fell...so he never became a Jedi knight or gained full control of his emotions. Using his powers to fight the Empire would have probably been the most logical choice to him. Not saying it's the right one, but I could see why it happened.

big sponge · October 01, 2014, 09:43:40 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on October 01, 2014, 09:38:59 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 08:41:49 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 06:48:43 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM
eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the frack is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fracking Jedi masters.

He was disguised as non-Jedi for the most part until the end. No different from Obi-wan exposing himself in the cantina. I see no issue.

Obi-wan still hid out in the middle of the desert on a backwater world for like 40 years before involving himself in the rebellion.

You know, meaning he hid himself so he wouldn't be discovered during what would have been an incredibly dangerous time to be a jedi and only came out during a time where the Empire wasn't really hunting Jedi anymore.

Everyone has their way of coping. I would go ahead and assume Kanan was 10-15 with the order fell...so he never became a Jedi knight or gained full control of his emotions. Using his powers to fight the Empire would have probably been the most logical choice to him. Not saying it's the right one, but I could see why it happened.

And as a result he should have a very short lifespan.

Juuzou · October 02, 2014, 04:16:20 AM

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Tackel · October 02, 2014, 01:53:57 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on October 01, 2014, 09:43:40 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on October 01, 2014, 09:38:59 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 08:41:49 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 06:48:43 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM
eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the frack is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fracking Jedi masters.

He was disguised as non-Jedi for the most part until the end. No different from Obi-wan exposing himself in the cantina. I see no issue.

Obi-wan still hid out in the middle of the desert on a backwater world for like 40 years before involving himself in the rebellion.

You know, meaning he hid himself so he wouldn't be discovered during what would have been an incredibly dangerous time to be a jedi and only came out during a time where the Empire wasn't really hunting Jedi anymore.

Everyone has their way of coping. I would go ahead and assume Kanan was 10-15 with the order fell...so he never became a Jedi knight or gained full control of his emotions. Using his powers to fight the Empire would have probably been the most logical choice to him. Not saying it's the right one, but I could see why it happened.

And as a result he should have a very short lifespan.

Meh, got lucky I guess? There's probably something in A New Dawn about it... but who reads books?

big sponge · October 02, 2014, 02:13:51 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on October 02, 2014, 01:53:57 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on October 01, 2014, 09:43:40 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on October 01, 2014, 09:38:59 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 08:41:49 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 06:48:43 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM
eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the frack is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fracking Jedi masters.

He was disguised as non-Jedi for the most part until the end. No different from Obi-wan exposing himself in the cantina. I see no issue.

Obi-wan still hid out in the middle of the desert on a backwater world for like 40 years before involving himself in the rebellion.

You know, meaning he hid himself so he wouldn't be discovered during what would have been an incredibly dangerous time to be a jedi and only came out during a time where the Empire wasn't really hunting Jedi anymore.

Everyone has their way of coping. I would go ahead and assume Kanan was 10-15 with the order fell...so he never became a Jedi knight or gained full control of his emotions. Using his powers to fight the Empire would have probably been the most logical choice to him. Not saying it's the right one, but I could see why it happened.

And as a result he should have a very short lifespan.

Meh, got lucky I guess? There's probably something in A New Dawn about it... but who reads books?

A dude running around waving his lightsaber all over the place is going to attract all kinds of attention. It's more like Disney is taking a dump on established canon in order to sell merchandise to children.

Tackel · October 04, 2014, 12:00:25 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on October 02, 2014, 02:13:51 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on October 02, 2014, 01:53:57 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on October 01, 2014, 09:43:40 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on October 01, 2014, 09:38:59 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 08:41:49 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 06:48:43 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM
eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the frack is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fracking Jedi masters.

He was disguised as non-Jedi for the most part until the end. No different from Obi-wan exposing himself in the cantina. I see no issue.

Obi-wan still hid out in the middle of the desert on a backwater world for like 40 years before involving himself in the rebellion.

You know, meaning he hid himself so he wouldn't be discovered during what would have been an incredibly dangerous time to be a jedi and only came out during a time where the Empire wasn't really hunting Jedi anymore.

Everyone has their way of coping. I would go ahead and assume Kanan was 10-15 with the order fell...so he never became a Jedi knight or gained full control of his emotions. Using his powers to fight the Empire would have probably been the most logical choice to him. Not saying it's the right one, but I could see why it happened.

And as a result he should have a very short lifespan.

Meh, got lucky I guess? There's probably something in A New Dawn about it... but who reads books?

A dude running around waving his lightsaber all over the place is going to attract all kinds of attention. It's more like Disney is taking a dump on established canon in order to sell merchandise to children.

I don't see your point. He was hiding being a Jedi until now, and now that he is waving his lightsaber around, an Inquisitor is sent to kill him. Seems perfectly inline with already established "canon" that was put as non-canon earlier this year.

Comet · October 05, 2014, 04:49:23 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on October 04, 2014, 12:00:25 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on October 02, 2014, 02:13:51 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on October 02, 2014, 01:53:57 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on October 01, 2014, 09:43:40 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on October 01, 2014, 09:38:59 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 08:41:49 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 06:48:43 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM
eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the frack is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fracking Jedi masters.

He was disguised as non-Jedi for the most part until the end. No different from Obi-wan exposing himself in the cantina. I see no issue.

Obi-wan still hid out in the middle of the desert on a backwater world for like 40 years before involving himself in the rebellion.

You know, meaning he hid himself so he wouldn't be discovered during what would have been an incredibly dangerous time to be a jedi and only came out during a time where the Empire wasn't really hunting Jedi anymore.

Everyone has their way of coping. I would go ahead and assume Kanan was 10-15 with the order fell...so he never became a Jedi knight or gained full control of his emotions. Using his powers to fight the Empire would have probably been the most logical choice to him. Not saying it's the right one, but I could see why it happened.

And as a result he should have a very short lifespan.

Meh, got lucky I guess? There's probably something in A New Dawn about it... but who reads books?

A dude running around waving his lightsaber all over the place is going to attract all kinds of attention. It's more like Disney is taking a dump on established canon in order to sell merchandise to children.

I don't see your point. He was hiding being a Jedi until now, and now that he is waving his lightsaber around, an Inquisitor is sent to kill him. Seems perfectly inline with already established "canon" that was put as non-canon earlier this year.

unless you are trying to say that the prequels and the original trilogy are not canon i have no idea what you are trying to say.

Tackel · October 06, 2014, 06:38:24 PM

Quote from: Comet on October 05, 2014, 04:49:23 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on October 04, 2014, 12:00:25 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on October 02, 2014, 02:13:51 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on October 02, 2014, 01:53:57 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on October 01, 2014, 09:43:40 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on October 01, 2014, 09:38:59 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 08:41:49 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 06:48:43 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM
eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the frack is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fracking Jedi masters.

He was disguised as non-Jedi for the most part until the end. No different from Obi-wan exposing himself in the cantina. I see no issue.

Obi-wan still hid out in the middle of the desert on a backwater world for like 40 years before involving himself in the rebellion.

You know, meaning he hid himself so he wouldn't be discovered during what would have been an incredibly dangerous time to be a jedi and only came out during a time where the Empire wasn't really hunting Jedi anymore.

Everyone has their way of coping. I would go ahead and assume Kanan was 10-15 with the order fell...so he never became a Jedi knight or gained full control of his emotions. Using his powers to fight the Empire would have probably been the most logical choice to him. Not saying it's the right one, but I could see why it happened.

And as a result he should have a very short lifespan.

Meh, got lucky I guess? There's probably something in A New Dawn about it... but who reads books?

A dude running around waving his lightsaber all over the place is going to attract all kinds of attention. It's more like Disney is taking a dump on established canon in order to sell merchandise to children.

I don't see your point. He was hiding being a Jedi until now, and now that he is waving his lightsaber around, an Inquisitor is sent to kill him. Seems perfectly inline with already established "canon" that was put as non-canon earlier this year.
unless you are trying to say that the prequels and the original trilogy are not canon i have no idea what you are trying to say.

Extended Universe canon that is now non-canon.

Comet · October 06, 2014, 08:13:38 PM

Quote from: Tackelberry on October 06, 2014, 06:38:24 PM

Quote from: Comet on October 05, 2014, 04:49:23 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on October 04, 2014, 12:00:25 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on October 02, 2014, 02:13:51 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on October 02, 2014, 01:53:57 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on October 01, 2014, 09:43:40 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on October 01, 2014, 09:38:59 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 08:41:49 PM
Quote from: Tackelberry on September 30, 2014, 06:48:43 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on September 30, 2014, 02:41:16 PM
eeew shitty 3dcg

Also why the frack is a Jedi openly running around like that? He'd be assassinated in no time.

Christ at least the Jedi masters from the the TFU game were all hiding in secluded locations and were, you know, fracking Jedi masters.

He was disguised as non-Jedi for the most part until the end. No different from Obi-wan exposing himself in the cantina. I see no issue.

Obi-wan still hid out in the middle of the desert on a backwater world for like 40 years before involving himself in the rebellion.

You know, meaning he hid himself so he wouldn't be discovered during what would have been an incredibly dangerous time to be a jedi and only came out during a time where the Empire wasn't really hunting Jedi anymore.

Everyone has their way of coping. I would go ahead and assume Kanan was 10-15 with the order fell...so he never became a Jedi knight or gained full control of his emotions. Using his powers to fight the Empire would have probably been the most logical choice to him. Not saying it's the right one, but I could see why it happened.

And as a result he should have a very short lifespan.

Meh, got lucky I guess? There's probably something in A New Dawn about it... but who reads books?

A dude running around waving his lightsaber all over the place is going to attract all kinds of attention. It's more like Disney is taking a dump on established canon in order to sell merchandise to children.

I don't see your point. He was hiding being a Jedi until now, and now that he is waving his lightsaber around, an Inquisitor is sent to kill him. Seems perfectly inline with already established "canon" that was put as non-canon earlier this year.
unless you are trying to say that the prequels and the original trilogy are not canon i have no idea what you are trying to say.

Extended Universe canon that is now non-canon.

M'Lord Commissar and I, we are directly referencing Episode III and Episode IV.

RomanGladiator · October 09, 2014, 05:14:38 PM

James Earl Jones is reprising his role as our favorite dark lord of the Sith in Rebels. Only for one scene though apparently.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/09/star-wars-rebels-james-earl-jones-to-voice-darth-vader?read