Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu – a Review
It was exciting to have Star Wars back on the big screen after a seven-year hiatus and it was no surprise to see two of the most popular characters in modern Star Wars in the starring roles. Mando and Grogu are broad crowd-pleasers and wherever their adventures were going take them, it promised to be fun. So how was the movie?
A Return to Pulpy Fun
To no-one’s surprise, there was a lot of action, laser bolts and explosions in this movie. Also to no-one’s surprise, there was plenty of humor and over-the-top silliness. Grogu was charming as always, Mando was cool as a cucumber and the supporting cast played their roles perfectly. For the most part, the movie progressed at a brisk pace, serving up a steady stream of perilous situations for our heroes to navigate with the occasional tense talking scene sprinkled in to move things forward.
The Mandalorian and Grogu was different from most Star Wars movies in that it wasn’t concerned explicitly with the fate of the galaxy. One could argue that it was a “low-stakes” movie – although the stakes no doubt seemed pretty high to Mando and Grogu as they fought for their lives on multiple occasions. Rather than being a sweeping epic, this movie was a personal tale of struggle, survival and triumph, focusing on the ties of family. Maybe the fate of a galaxy wasn’t at stake, but that doesn’t reduce the importance of the here and now that individuals fight against. In that way, The Mandalorian and Grogu was one of the most intimate, relatable movies in the franchise. Sometimes the galaxy can go F itself – what matters is what’s happening right in front of us.
Some Serious Action
Just a quick note on the intensity of the action scenes. This movie overall might be fairly lightweight when it comes to big, brooding themes, but boy, did it deliver on the action scenes. The chases were thrilling, the aerial combat was stunning and the hand-to-hand fighting – particularly between Mando and Embo – was some of the fastest and most intense we’ve ever seen in Star Wars. The overall stakes might not be high, but the personal stakes are visceral and blood-pumping.
A Unique Musical Score
One of the defining characteristics of Star Wars was always the iconic John Williams soundtrack, but with The Mandalorian streaming show Lucasfilm decided to go in a new direction, bringing in composer Ludwig Goranssen. Goranssen is certainly capable of replicating the style of Williams, but he also brings an edgy, contemporary tone that has always set the Mandoverse apart. He’s back with gusto in The Mandalorian and Grogu, delivering a powerful, compelling score that drives the story forward as much as the action on screen.
Lots of Treats for Die-hard Fans
Another strength of this movie was its expert blend of approachability and deep lore. Mando and Grogu have long been the gateway drug to entice casual fans, and anyone watching this movie with no real knowledge of Star Wars can do so without too much trouble. This dude and his adopted kid are wandering in a generally lawless time. There are good-hearted people trying to rebuild society after a war. There are bad people trying to steal what they can and hurt who they must. No further context is needed to watch this film and appreciate it on its merits.
But for those of us who are die-hard fans…. Wow!
First, it was just awesome to see X-wings, Y-wings, B-wings and U-wings all part of a squadron based on a beautiful beach. The rugged, can-do style was evocative of A New Hope, with traces of Return of the Jedi and Rogue One seamlessly woven in.
The Hutts had a great outing, as we saw for the first time ever in live action multiple hutts living their slimy lives in remarkably realistic CGI. The Twins are a nod to The Book of Boba Fett, and who didn’t love Rotta the Hutt, son of the infamous gangster Jabba? This calls back of course to Return of the Jedi, but for fans of animation it connects directly to The Clone Wars movie, where a young Ahsoka Tano rescued baby Rotta from the Separatists.
And speaking of Clone Wars, how about that bounty hunter Embo? He is one of the coolest bounty hunters you’ve never heard of… unless you’re a fan of the Clone Wars animated TV show. He was awesome in cartoon form and he was equally awesome in live action.
But the biggest leap from animation to live-action was, of course, Zeb Orelios from Star Wars Rebels. We caught a glimpse of him in The Mandalorian Season 3, but he returned in the flesh as Mando’s sidekick and friend.
Add to that the Anzellans from Rise of Skywalker, the AT-ATs from The Empire Strikes Back, the B2 Battle droids from Revenge of the Sith, the AT-RT recon walker from Clone Wars, and you’ve got a smorgasbord of Star Wars fun for fans.
Nothing, though, was better than the Dejarik match, when every one of the creatures from Chewie and R2’s Millennium Falcon holo-game – in one of the most ground-breaking 1977 special effects shots and one of the most famous moments in the saga – were brought to life in all their terrifying glory. I was giddy as I watched each holo-piece burst onto the scene!
A Solid Outing
I have no doubt that the interweb waves are crashing as pundits race to comment on this new movie, with opinions shared and agendas pushed. I confess I haven’t paid any attention to the kerfuffle, because I just wanted to experience the movie for what it is – not what I might want it to be or what I might want Star Wars to do. So if you’re wondering why I’m not commenting on whatever the hot topic regarding Mando and Grogu currently is… It’s because I don’t care. I just like Star Wars movies.
Was The Mandalorian and Grogu the best Star Wars movie ever? No. Did it have a few moments that didn’t land, or a scene or two that struggled with pacing, or a few lines that were kind of cheesy? Yes. But overall, it was a solid outing that entertained me tremendously for a couple of hours and gave me another glimpse in that galaxy far, far away that I love so much.
So if you want some good-hearted, action-packed fun in your favorite galaxy, I recommend treating yourself to The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Bennett R. Coles is an award-winning, best-selling author and ghostwriter of science fiction and space fantasy series. His newest novel, Light in the Abyss, is now available here.
