The Mandalorian (Disney+) - 4/5

This show is the best Star Wars to come out since Return of the Jedi (1983). It starts off strong, then dips to its worst episode in episode 4, then climbs back up to finish strong in the final two episodes. Not only are the stakes small enough to care about but the job-a-week format keeps the plot moving to new and exciting places, both physically and metaphorically. The music is outstanding, not relying on any of the previously established themes, and the cast is mostly character actors that settle comfortably into a flushed-out world.

Closest comparison: It’s like a mix of Have Gun Will Travel (1957) and Lone Wolf and Cub (1970) with all the trappings of the original Star Wars trilogy.

Setting: Sci-fi
Plot: Western
Tone: Adventure

Angel Has Fallen - 3/5

This movie is a solid addition to the series. It’s more of a thriller than either of the previous films, with the action taking slightly more of a back seat to the scrappy resourcefulness the main character uses to fight the chaos that comes against him. The action here is often too dark or shaky to see well, but feels more like it’s trying to convey the characters’ state of mind more than just not knowing how to make an action scene. Sure, there are some things that don’t make a whole lot of sense, but they’re easy to overlook and just go along for a fun ride.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Fugitive (1993) or Clear and Present Danger (1994) by way of Jack Reacher.

Setting: Political Thriller
Plot: On-The-Run Action
Tone: Thriller