Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (2 1/2 stars out of 4)
There isn’t much wrong with Jon Favreau’s “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” but there isn’t enough right to give it an enthusiastic recommendation. To its credit, it feels like more than just an extended episode of the Disney+ streaming series on which it is based, but it still feels more like a TV show adapted to the big screen more than a “proper” Star Wars film.
It’s been almost seven years now since the last theatrical Star Wars release, and the mixed bag of streaming series that have filled that gap have left the franchise on shaky ground. “The Mandalorian” was clearly one of the best streaming efforts, but its gradual decline from season to season has left fans less than enthusiastic for the feature.
As a result, few recent films are as saddled with contextual baggage as “Mandalorian,” and in many ways the content of the film itself is a secondary consideration. The key to success for anyone going in is to temper your expectations. If you’re looking for a simple action/sci-fi adventure with a few familiar faces, “Mandalorian” has you covered. But if you are hoping for a return to the event-level bravado of a full-scale “Star Wars” spectacle, you’re bound for disappointment.
The film picks up in the aftermath of the third season of the series, but fortunately, the story isn’t all that dependent on your being fluent in the streaming show. In fact, you could practically watch “Mandalorian” right after “Return of the Jedi” and be ready to go.
The biggest difference is that the titular bounty hunter, Mando (voiced by Pedro Pascal) is a little less mercenary and a little more good guy, tracking down the scattered remnants of the Imperial leadership. Along with his Force-sensitive “Baby Yoda” sidekick Grogu, they’re taking their assignments from a New Republic officer (Sigourney Weaver), and the new target is a tricky one.
The New Republic is looking for a mystery man with ties to the Empire, but to get to him Mando first needs to rescue the son of Jabba the Hutt. This requires cooperating with the decidedly untrustworthy Hutt Twins, and things get more complicated when Mando discovers that “rescue” might not be the most accurate term to describe his mission.
The hijinks that ensue feature a traditional mix of space vehicles, shootouts, and exotic CGI creatures, punctuated with plenty of cuteness from Baby Yoda. It’s a serviceable plot, but one that feels pretty episodic, and the production quality of the streaming series ironically makes it a challenge to elevate “Mandalorian” beyond an extended episode of the show. The effort is certainly beefed up, and the IMAX presentation helps, but again, the result feels more like a TV show brought to the screen more than a dedicated “Star Wars” film, and there are enough reminders–none more than the lack of a John Williams score–to remind you what you’re missing.
In short, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” will provide a few forgettable thrills, but it won’t do anything to get fans excited about the future of the “Star Wars” franchise.
—
“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” is rated PG-13 for action/sci-fi violence and some frightening creature imagery.