Playing around with “Star Wars” mythology can be as dangerous as juggling a lightsaber. One false move and it’s a disaster.
Despite such potential, Disney XD’s new series “Star Wars Rebels” — an animated tale that takes place somewhere between the end of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” and the “Star Wars: A New Hope” — is strong enough entertain on its own.
The one-hour Disney Channel special “Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion,” which serves as a platform to introduce the series, does the Rebel Alliance proud. It’s fast-paced action features a group of misfits who would easily fit in with Han Solo, Chewbacca and the rest of the “Star Wars” gang. And the musical score and sound effects resonate as if off the frozen plains of Hoth.
In keeping with the channel’s direction of building shows around strong young men, the central figure in “Spark” is Ezra (voiced by Taylor Gray), a con artist who has survived using his wits and fast reflexes. He runs into a crew under the guidance of Kanan (Freddie Prinze Jr.), a Jedi who survived the devastation in the “Star Wars” third film. They must work together for mutual survival.
Ezra comes across with the same anger and energy as a young Luke Skywalker in “Star Wars” A New Hope.”
“Spark of Rebellion” does a nice job of creating a group of heroes and villains who could easily slip into the franchise. That’s particularly true of Vanessa Marshall’s Hera and David Oyelowo’s Agent Kallus. Marshall gives the series a nice emotional core, while Oyelowo provides the kind of relentless villain needed to keep this band of heroes on the run.
It takes some adjustment to watch the animation. In this day of detailed CGI work, the blockiness of some of the characters, such as the Wookiees, looks a little too primitive. It’s not a factor when the scenes call for animated ships or helmeted characters.
“Spark of Rebellion” does a good job of setting up the characters and establishing its foothold in the “Star Wars” universe. That’s not an easy thing to do. This isn’t a replacement for a new “Star Wars” movie, but it strong enough to add to the growing “Star Wars” legacy.
A long time ago …
“Star Wars Rebels: Spark Of Rebellion” premieres at 9 p.m. Friday on the Disney Channel, and then each week at 9 p.m. Friday, beginning Oct. 13 on Disney XD.
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