The LEGO Star Wars saga has long excelled in crafting parody with purpose, and the new four-part sequel, *Pieces of the Past*, masterfully continues this beloved tradition with a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt moments. Directed by Chris Buckley and penned by the inventive duo Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, the series skillfully delves into the franchise’s fascination with history and legacy, while reminding us that everything in this galaxy can be reconstructed—piece by piece.
Gaten Matarazzo makes a triumphant return as Sig Greebling, radiating infectious enthusiasm that captures the spirit of adventure. Meanwhile, Tony Revolori’s portrayal of Darth Dev and Bobby Moynihan’s Jedi Bob create an engaging comedic dynamic, balancing shades of ominous menace and delightful buffoonery. The witty exchanges between Marsai Martin’s sassy Yesi Scala and Michael Cusack’s clever Servo add a sharp edge to the humor. However, it is Ahmed Best as Darth Jar Jar who truly steals the show, wholeheartedly embracing the absurdity of his character with unabashed glee.
The newcomers to the franchise shine brightly in their roles as well. Dan Stevens infuses his character, Solitus, with operatic gravitas, while Ashley Eckstein playfully deconstructs her own legacy as LEGO BrickHeadz™ Ahsoka. Ben Schwartz’s exuberant portrayal of Jaxxon brings pure comic chaos to the forefront. Additionally, Mark Hamill’s cameo as Luke Skywalker elevates the narrative with a sly charisma and a knowing charm that only he can deliver.
While not every joke hits its mark, the series successfully strikes a delightful balance of nostalgia, parody, and imaginative reinvention, making *Pieces of the Past* a brisk, engaging, and enriching viewing experience. Though constructed from plastic, the joy it imparts is undeniably genuine—solid as ever, and brimming with creativity.
Final Grade: B
“LEGO® STAR WARS: REBUILD THE GALAXY – PIECES OF THE PAST” is available to stream on Disney+ now.
Nineties R&B was home to many female groups, so standing out took more than good looks and a major industry endorsement. I still remember seeing Allure in a Vibe ad and thinking how gorgeous those four women were. The question was whether they had the talent to compete in the music scene.
In 1996, I first heard the Houston quartet Ideal on the Original Gangsters soundtrack. Their interpretation of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues,” featuring the Chi-Lites, caught my attention.
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to revisit 2004 and highlight Romeo’s debut solo album, formerly of Immature. Titled “Food for Thought” and released on June 22nd, this project marked the singer’s change of name to Young Rome in an effort to distance himself from the youthful sound of his group, much like his bandmate Marques Houston had done a year earlier.