*Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu* is a largely entertaining *Star Wars* film that, at the very least, offers some kind of "new hope" for the franchise. For me, *Star Wars* has always revolved around the films. I have seen all eleven—the three trilogies, plus *Rogue One* and *Solo*—yet I am no expert on the animated material and have watched very little of the *Star Wars* series available on Disney+, including the highly acclaimed *Andor*. Director: Jon Favreau Writers: Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Noah Kloor Stars: Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White, Martin Scorsese Even so, I looked forward to the 133 minutes of *The Mandalorian and Grogu* with great enthusiasm, especially since I understood that one need not be up to date on the storyline to enjoy the film as a standalone work. Well, naturally, that old *Star Wars* habit persists: explaining to the uninitiated exactly what the movie is about right at the very beginning. Directed by Jon Favreau—from a screenplay he co-wrote...
When describing his proposal for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow—later known as EPCOT, one of Walt Disney World’s few unique theme parks—Walt Disney stated that he envisioned it as "always in a state of constant evolution." It is surprising, therefore, to learn that while outwardly Disney parks adhere to this concept of perpetual evolution—adding, removing, and modifying attractions in step with the times and technological progress—internally, disused areas are left abandoned to their fate, not only occupying valuable real estate but also serving as unsettling reminders of the past. This was the case with EPCOT’s Wonders of Life pavilion, which housed educational exhibits on health and the human body, theatrical shows such as *Cranium Command*, and the *Body Wars* simulation ride. It opened its doors in 1989 and, following a gradual decline over several years, closed permanently in 2007. Yet, rather than being demolished and rebuilt, the attraction was left ...