STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White, Sigourney Weaver, Steve Blum, and Martin Scorsese
Director: Jon Favreau
NICK
I haven't been as down on Disney's Star Wars content as others, but Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (why wasn't this called A Star Wars Story?) leans into all the aspects of recent Star Wars that have turned people off. Feeling like a filler episode of Clone Wars, I don't know who this is really for. A few charming Grogu and Anzellan moments aren't able to make up for the confusing voice-over work, weak antagonist, and lack of character or story development. Worst of all, there’s no defined path forward for these characters. So, it all feels rather pointless.
ADRIANO
It’s been seven years since the last Star Wars movie, and the once epic event saga has turned completely into content. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is barely even a movie. It’s nothing more than a series of semi-related sidequests, which works for the format of a show, but in a movie, it results in a lack of character motivation or narrative coherence. More than that, this couldn’t even maintain the heart that made the show work, nor was the action entertaining in any way. And above all, it’s such an unbelievable eyesore. This is NOT the way.
AMARÚ
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is an exciting adventure propelled by excellent action set pieces, from varied hand-to-hand combat, to well-choreographed gun fights, and dynamically shot spaceship battles. Focusing early on the battle-tested aura of Mando (Pedro Pascal) allows for Grogu’s time on screen to feel more like a partnership than a gimmick, and creates a fun time that works for the entire family. It doesn’t move the Star Wars universe forward, but that shows why “Season Four” works better as a solo film than a full-length series. I was worried that this would prove unnecessary, but ended up enjoying a dope ass action movie.
PAIGE
While Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu will satisfy fans yearning for a story in a galaxy far, far away, it ultimately feels like a glorified season of the series. It's a fun adventure with heart, humor, and plenty of action, but it mostly drifts through a series of events that don’t take narrative risks or move the story forward. That said, Ludwig Göransson’s synth score brings a cool energy and the utilization of practical effects works well here. Overall, its safe storytelling approach lacks depth or conflict, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t walk out with a smile on my face.
ROBERT
I remember how excited I was at the Disney+ launch in 2019 because The Mandalorian was the flagship show, and it was promoted awesomely. I remained heavily invested until midway through Season Three; but a movie promised more spectacle, and if director Jon Favreau saw enough story for theaters, it surely must be necessary, right? Not particularly, as plot was secondary to booms and noise and Grogu coos. Plus, I counted at least three points of the film that reminded me of other Pedro Pascal vehicles, which speaks to his saturation of the market. Beyond the music, nothing much locked my S-foils into attack position.
Want to hear even more of our thoughts? Nick, Harrison, and Ace Cabrera join Amarú to take A Bigger Bite out of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu HERE.