This is a spoiler-free review of LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales.
LEGO and Star Wars go together like ice-cold milk and gooey chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven — which goes a long way to explain the broad appeal of the various LEGO Star Wars animated series we’ve been graced with over the last few years. Such is the case with the new collection LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales, out now on DVD.
The five episodes that comprise Droid Tales recount the Star Wars saga as seen largely from C-3PO’s point of view — albeit slightly skewed in true LEGO fashion.
As he recounts the events of the prequel era to our victorious rebel heroes after the destruction of the second Death Star, C-3PO notices that R2-D2 has gone missing. As he investigates where his companion has gotten off to, Threepio sees Artoo being abducted. The thought of being without his best friend launches Threepio on a desperate search across the galaxy — accompanied by Admiral Ackbar, whose prized ship was also stolen by this mysterious kidnapper. Along the way, the loyal protocol droid shares tales of his own exploits and of Artoo’s heroism to anyone who crosses his path.
There are a few gentle pokes at certain aspects of the prequels, mainly surrounding Jar Jar Binks and trade route negotiations. However, as a fan of those films, I took it in the good humor it was intended. Overall, the prequels are treated with same weight as the original trilogy — Star Wars Rebels even gets a welcome nod.
Children are obviously the target audience, but there is plenty for adults to enjoy. The animation is top-notch, and the humor isn’t over-the-top or needlessly juvenile. Droid Tales would make a great jumping on point for little ones being exposed to Star Wars for the first time. The more tragic events of the saga, such as the deaths of certain characters, are dealt with in a manner suitable for younglings. Droid Tales is perfectly appropriate every member of the family.
The voice talent is well-cast, and features favorites from the Star Wars family including Anthony Daniels as C-3PO and Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian. Tom Kane returns as the voice of Yoda, as well as providing the opening narration for each episode (as he did for The Clone Wars), and the music of John Williams is used to full effect.
As a fun bonus, the DVD includes an exclusive set of Topps trading cards featuring characters from LEGO Star Wars.
The five episodes included on this DVD are:
• “Exit from Endor”
• “Crisis on Coruscant”
• “Mission to Mos Eisley”
• “Flight of the Falcon”
• “Gambit on Geonosis”
The episodes can be watched individually or as a whole. All in all it’s perfect for a fun family night of adventure in a galaxy far, far away…. and don’t forget the milk and cookies!
Find out more about this DVD here.
You can purchase a copy of LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales on DVD here.
Thank you to Lucasfilm, Disney, and LEGO for a copy of LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales on DVD for review purposes.
