The Mandalorian and Grogu

Today, I went to the theaters to watch, “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which came out four days ago. Being a diehard “Star Wars” fan, I couldn’t pass this one over, seeing how I have seen every “Star Wars” movie in the theaters, starting with the prequels, since I wasn’t around when the Original Trilogy was released. Especially since I loved “The Mandalorian” when I watched it on Disney+ and was surprised that they decided to make a movie instead of a fourth season. How is this new “Star Wars” film?

It has been seven years since a new “Star Wars” film was theatrically released. For fans of the franchise, it has been one long wait. However, there has been no shortage of new “Star Wars” content for fans to watch through streaming. Since the franchise’s last feature film was theatrically released, there has been ten live-action seasons and just as about as many animated shows on Disney+. Still, there’s nothing really like “Star Wars” on the big screen.

As a lifelong “Star Wars” fan, Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian” is still among the best of the live-action streaming series. KeithGarlington said in his review, “. Spanning 24 episodes over three seasons, the show plays like a space western set during a turbulent time on the Star Wars timeline. The first season was a terrific table-setter and the second season was an equally impressive follow-up. And while the third season dove more into Mandalorian lore than some wanted, it was still a worthwhile continuation.”

The show’s story began five years after “Return of the Jedi” and followed a solo Mandalorian bounty hunter named Din Djarin, reprised by Pedro Pascal, who becomes the protector and father-figure to a Force-learning being named Grogu (Baby Yoda). The series was rightly placed in the “Star Wars” galaxy, yet it’s the relationship that Din and Grogu made that created the heart of its story. Now their adventure continues on the big screen with “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

Favreau directs from a script he co-wrote with Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor. Garlington said, “Together they have created a pulpy throwback space adventure that entertains with its bigger, grander spectacle yet flows naturally from the intimacy of its small screen predecessor. Even more, while it’s nicely rooted in Star Wars canon, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” doesn’t require a degree in Star Wars-ology to know what’s going on.” Obviously, it will be more to veteran fans, but anyone can watch, catch up, and enjoy.

Garlington said, “Predictably, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” has already faced negativity from many of the usual naysayers. But for those able to toss aside unreasonable expectations and trendy disillusionment, Favreau and company have delivered a rip-roaring Star Wars adventure reminiscent of the old space serials that inspired George Lucas nearly 50 years ago. It tells an incredibly fun and mostly self-contained story that really gets to the heart of what so many of us love about the eponymous duo.”

After the fall of the Galactic Empire, a leftover of supporters threaten the stability of the galaxy. Garlington said, “A shadow council made up of ex-Imperial warlords operate in the lawless Outer Rim, secretly plotting to rebuild the Empire. To quell their efforts, the fledgling New Republic enlist Din (a returning Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu to hunt them down one by one.” It’s dangerous work, but it’s something Din knows and does right.

After taking out a victim in an exciting action-packed opening, Din returns to base where he meets with Colonel Ward, played by Sigourney Weaver, a top pilot during the Rebellion now serving as a commanding officer for the New Republic. She assigns him to a new mission – detain Imperial warlord Janu Coin, played by Jonny Coyne. However, to find his location, Din will have to do a job for the Hutt twins, the leaders of the crime organization once ran by their late sibling, Jabba the Hutt.

The twins want Din to rescue Rotta the Hutt, voiced by Jeremy Allen White, the only surviving heir of Jabba who is being held prisoner on the planet Shakari. However, Din and Grogu learn the hard way that there is more to their mission than they can see. Garlington said, “And when things get “messy”, our heroes find themselves at odds with the Hutt twins who have their own shady self-interests and ulterior movies in play.”

From the beginning, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” makes everything very clear. This is every bit of a “Star Wars” movie, with its dangerous worlds, its variety of cool creatures, and so much details that fans will recognize through the runtime. Garlington said, “At the same time, the story is more about the personal stakes rather than galaxy-wide peril. Much like the show, it keeps Din and Grogu’s relationship front and center which adds plenty of heart to the pulse-pounding action.”

With the visuals, Favreau puts together so many eye-pleasing practical sets, digital effects, and amazing puppetry in bringing his story on screen. Garlington said, “It’s especially impressive on the big screen, whether it’s massive Imperial walkers, ferocious arena fights, or the scene-stealing Anzellan droidsmiths. And it’s all accompanied by the lavishly scored music of Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson.” He turns out to be one of the film’s largest standouts.

Garlington said, “Again, throw aside the absurd expectations, the exaggerated doomsdaying, and the ‘hate for clicks’ online noise and you’ll find a movie that’s not as far removed from George Lucas’ original vision as you may think. Some have harshly judged the film as “inconsequential”. But Favreau is clearly aiming for something more intimate, with situations that are never “inconsequential” for the characters. And Star Wars has already shown that not every story needs to be on a galactic scale. It’s true that your mileage may vary depending on your affection for the two lead characters.” However, anyone can join in, watch, and enjoy this equally exciting and loving old-school space adventure.

I didn’t feel the runtime, although people might have complained about this film being too long. There was not a moment that I felt bored or antsy and wanted to leave. I think this went by fast enough, but that might have been because I got into this and didn’t feel any slow moment. This is better than the third season, and it was good. While watching this, I could see where this could have been broken up into a fourth season, but as a film, I’m glad I saw it. Check it out in the theaters and see for yourself. I’m sure a lot of people will love this film.

Thank you for joining in on this review tonight. Stay tuned this Friday for the finale of “Terry Gilliam Month.”