The Mandalorian and Grogu and Jess

 On Monday, the wifey and I went with a couple of friends to go see The Mandalorian and Grogu.  It is well known that I am and have always been a lover of all things Star Wars.  I have two name plates with my name written in Aurabesh (the "galactic standard" language of Star Wars), I have done every day cosplay as a member of the Rebel Alliance or a Jedi and have dressed up as various characters from the original trilogy (and sequels) since a very young age and even used one of the pictures of a very short haired me as Princess Leia in the white gown from A New Hope in marketing memes for my business AND I have even turned the back of my business card into something that looks very similar to a Galactic ID with the entire thing written in Aurabesh, right down to the disclaimer that all brokerages are independently owned.  

When I first did the business card thing, one of the owners/managing brokers of the firm I was working for very politely asked me what I was going for and I explained that it was Star Wars.  She pressed me further asking me if it was a good idea and that if I was going to go through with getting them printed that I should probably only do a small run because not too many people would get the reference.  I enthusiastically explained that was why I had the English version on the front of my cards.  They allowed me to move forward with the printing and I am on my 4th box.  Previous runs were at 100 per box, this one I ordered 200.  When I hand them out, I explain that the back is Star Wars (because people always flip them over and they're like "What???") and that's when the grins come out.  Other typical responses range from "That is so cool!" to "Do you think Greedo shot first?"  The answer to the second question is no, Greedo did not shoot first; Han did.  End of discussion. Period. This is not up for debate.  If you do think Greedo shot first, then I'm sorry, we cannot be friends. 

The true story behind the business cards was so I could attempt to write off a ticket to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, aka Black Spire Outpost, aka Batuu, conveniently located within driving distance to me in Orlando, Florida.  I have been waiting for 6+ years to go and we are FINALLY going on my birthday for a Disney After Hours event that is being held there.  I'm trying to figure out how I can write off a lightsaber and a droid, too, but I don't think my accountant will look too kindly on it.  BUT if I film content (which, I already have ideas swirling around in my brain), I may be able to pull it off.  Perhaps some new headshots in front of the Millenium Falcon?  I think that would be absolutely epic.  I can imagine myself attempting to talk Kylo Ren (although, I think he may have been replaced with Darth Vader recently?) into choosing another planet to put an Imperial Base on, telling him something to the effect of "I am the Realtor you are looking for." 

I have a very very very active imagination. 

I can also sing the entire Ewok Celebration Song featured in the original cut of Return of the Jedi. None of that extended, re-cut crap that was brought out during one of the re-releases. I'm talking the original Ewokese, full song.  I can Yub-Nub with the best of 'em!  Yes, I am THAT big of a dork.  

This also means that I get very excited and sometimes very emotional about new Star Wars stuff that comes out.  When I went to see The Mandalorian and Grogu, while my friends know that I'm a great big nerd, I don't think they were quite prepared to turn to see me ditty-bopping to the theme song with my eyes wide and tears streaming down my face because X-Wings were flying across the screen.  For me... IT.  WAS.  BEAUTIFUL. 

The movie itself felt like an extended episode of The Mandalorian.  In my opinion, Jon Favreau makes me feel like I'm 6 years old again, crashing toys together in battle.  To this day, I feel like Disney missed out on coming out with a Grogu toy during that first season.  I don't think they expected such a hit on their hands.  I mean, hell, even my Dad who tolerated my love of Star Wars and would allow me to rent the movies every single weekend when they first came out on VHS (and he was quite tired of all things Star Wars as I grew up and had my own family - he never quite understood how I could keep up my enthusiasm for the franchise even though he was obsessed with model trains and I never really understood that), really really liked The Mandalorian.  He said it reminded him of an old western movie but in space.  I don't think he was a fan of Grogu, necessarily, but he loved Mando.  

Me? I think Grogu is absolutely adorable and Mando? Oh yeah.  That's about all I can say about that.  

The movie as a whole was fun.  The story drug for me in a few parts, but over all, like I said- it was like watching an extended episode.  The scenes with the Razor's Crest and all the Rebel Alliance ships (X-Wings, Y-Wings, etc.) flying about and the dog fights were ridiculously beautiful, in my opinion.  I'm glad I saw it in IMAX because I felt immersed in the world and that is the number one thing that I want from a Star Wars movie. I want to feel like I'm part of an epic story.  I felt that and I'm happy that I got to, once again, see a Star Wars movie in the theater.  

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go entertain (or annoy) my family by singing the Ewok Celebration song!  Mwahahahahahahaha.