Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu – Hunters of the Galaxy … This is the Way

A story is as a story goes, one’s path to another’s perspective.  As you trail along in the endless array of journeys, you think about the sensations that begin as well as what is to come.  No matter the setting or circumstance, one wants to feel as if the story is worth falling into.  For adventure films, story becomes intertwined in what you see as fun.  In this review, I look at the latest entry in a popular IP.  From a galaxy far, far away … we head on adventure that is loose on detail but enthralls in other ways.  For all its simplicity, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is a fun adventure that shows what it means to be a bounty hunter in space. 

As a new day rises in the galaxy, so does a new mission for one bounty hunter and his apprentice.  From one planet to the next, will this unlikely pairing survive another hunt … or finally meet their match.  As I mentioned earlier, a story is as the story goes.  As you walk through the doors, sit down in the chair and stare at the big screen, what are your thoughts of the escape.  For any film, the daunting task is to prove that it was worth seeing.  For a film in the Star Wars Universe, there is a delicate thread of pleasing the fans while also providing a lucid escape in the imagination.  For this latest entry, it dances between being a unique stand-alone tale while staying grounded to its own identity.  We come into this latest chapter of Mando and the kid through an action-packed prologue, before moving into the main crux of the film: The New Republic is attempting to eliminate the last remnants of the Empire, and have hired Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his companion Grogu to assist in hunting them down (Plot Point).  From here, the film moves through a linear directive that follows are titular characters as they traverse the Outer Rim of the known galaxy.  From the simple foundation, the adventure takes off through a mixture of unique world building, action set pieces and whimsical character interactions.  It is in this balancing act that the story takes a backseat for the sake of the adventure.  For all that could have felt lackluster, it is that hearty connection between Mando and the kid that grips you to their mission, an aspect that’s distinct through the simple concept.  This sense of the everyday drives a connection between the fantasy and adventure elements, creating a grounded feeling that gives relativity to their interactions with other characters (view the actor/actress list at the film’s IMDb page – link).  There is a lack of real explanation, but it never takes away from our two leads and how they (through some convenient plot devices) get out of dire situations to accomplish their mission.

The centralized aspect helps provide a vibrancy of contrast in their exploits.  From the metropolitan world of Shakari to the sandy home of Nevarro, there is purpose of seeing true distinction of the galaxy.  As the adventure is the highlight, there are times when the thin plotline drags, adding to that marker of a ‘mission based’ directive.  Even when predictability starts to wane on the experience, we head into a third act that hits strong through action, suspense and thrills.  As things come to head, we end on a genuine climax and epilogue.  Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, for all its simplicity, is a fun adventure tale.  If you are a fan of Star Wars or adventure films, you should have a lot of fun here.  In the end, I think there is enough here for a good time at the theaters.

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)