“Mos Eisley Spaceport. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.”
These words, famously spoken by Old Ben Kenobi to Luke Skywalker, give us our first idea of what Mos Eisley is really like. Indeed, Tatooine was known mostly as a backwater planet in the Outer Rim of the Galaxy.
Luke Skywalker’s life had been heavily sheltered. Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru had gone to great lengths to keep Luke safe in an overt fashion. Old Ben had done the same, just in secret. Unseen in the distance, always watching. Luke Skywalker grew up believing Tatooine was a boring place with no adventure or excitement. Mos Eisley was our first indication that he was very wrong. Truly, for the purposes of the story, it was important for Luke to grow up with a completely innocent and mundane childhood.
But Tatooine was very far from innocent and mundane. Its place in the Outer Rim as a backwater planet was instrumental in its role as the center of Jabba the Hutt’s criminal empire. Shmi Skywalker once said in The Phantom Menace “the Republic doesn’t exist here”. So remote was Tatooine that the Galactic Republic didn’t even keep tabs on it.
While technically a part of the Republic, and later the Empire, the laws that governed that entity did not apply to Tatooine. This made it the perfect haven for the worst of the worst criminals. Bounty Hunters looking for a score. Murderers looking to hide. Smugglers looking for their next job. It’s in Mos Eisley that Luke, and we as the audience, are first introduced to how dangerous the galaxy can be. It also happens to be when we first meet the mighty Wookie Chewbacca, and everyone’s favorite scruffy-looking-nerf-herder: Han Solo (and for the record, Han didn’t just shoot first…Han just shot. In the version I grew up with, Greedo never got a shot off.)
If you are a Star Wars fan and enjoy building with LEGO, the LEGO Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina 75290 set is a must-have for your collection. This comprehensive review explores the standout features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this detailed LEGO Star Wars set.
Overview of LEGO Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina 75290 Set
The LEGO Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina 75290 set is part of the “Master Builder Series” and contains 3,187 pieces. This is an advanced set and is designed for experienced builders aged 18 and up, although younger builders will be able to tackle this due to the clearly laid out instructions. However, this is probably the most difficult kit I’ve reviewed thus far. It’s a bit more advanced than something like Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder or Darth Vader’s Helmet. It’s definitely more difficult than a set like the First Order Star Destroyer. That said, the kit provides a rich, immersive experience, bringing the iconic Mos Eisley Cantina scene from “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” to life.
Key Features of LEGO® Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina™ 75290 Set
- Impressive Minifigure Collection: The set boasts 21 minifigures, including:
- Han Solo
- Luke Skywalker
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Chewbacca
- C-3PO
- R2-D2 and more.
It also features exclusive minifigures such as Ponda Baba and Dr. Evazan. Also included are Sandtroopers, a Jawa, three members of the Cantina band, the Ithorian Momaw Nadan, and many others. The roster of minifigures is truly stacked to the brim.
2. Detailed Cantina Design: The modular cantina design offers flexibility and customizability. When opened, the interior showcases the bar area, booths, and stage, allowing you to recreate scenes from the film.
3. Additional Elements: The set includes a landspeeder, moisture evaporator and Dewback, enhancing the accuracy and providing more opportunities for imaginative storytelling.
4. Complex Building Experience: This set provides a challenging yet rewarding building experience for LEGO enthusiasts, with clear instructions and a focus on intricate details.
5. Display Versatility: The set’s modular design and additional accessories allow for varied display options, making it an excellent centerpiece for any LEGO or Star Wars collection. This is the perfect set to build a larger Mos Eisley display around, or just an impressive standalone display. There are third party light kits (such as this one) available, that you can use to add a breathtaking ambience to the set.
Pros and Cons of LEGO Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina 75290 Set
pros:
- Exceptional Detail: The set is a faithful recreation of the iconic cantina, complete with a variety of props and accessories. You can even purchase a light kit to really ramp up the visual, especially at night.
- Comprehensive Minifigures: With 21 minifigures, the set offers a wide range of characters to play and interact with.
- Modular Design: The cantina’s design allows for customizable displays and extended play scenarios.
cons:
- Price: As expected with a set such as this, it is relatively expensive. This may be a consideration for some buyers.
- Space: Due to its size, you will need adequate space to display the set appropriately.
Final Thoughts
The LEGO Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina 75290 set is a premium LEGO set that appeals to both LEGO and Star Wars fans. The detailed design, extensive minifigure selection, and immersive building experience make it a top choice for collectors. While the cost may be a concern for some, the quality and playability of the set make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you choose to display the set as a centerpiece or use it for imaginative play, it’s sure to captivate Star Wars and LEGO enthusiasts alike. Just be sure to leave your droids outside, they don’t serve their kind there.
