Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Director: Jon Favreau

The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and his young ward, Grogu, are now working for Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver) of the New Republic, contracted to hunt down the remnants of the now defeated Galactic Empire. Ward’s next mission for them is to hunt down the kidnapped, only living heir of Jabba the Hutt, Rotta (Jeremy Allen White), on behalf of the Hutt twins,  now running Jabba’s crime syndicate. In return the Hutts have information on an Imperial warlord, Coin, a chief target of the republic. But when they find Rotta, things are not as clear as they seem, which leads the Mandalorian and Grogu into conflict with the Hutts, an adventure that takes them across the galaxy and a fight for survival and freedom.

I had a lot of fun with Mando and Grogu’s latest and probably last outing together. But I get people’s mileage may vary with this. If you’re looking for the dark side of the Star Wars universe, it’s not here. This is a popcorn adventure, action filled, and fast paced.

It’s not perfect, but more of it worked than didn’t. It’s tonally uneven, starting in classic Mandalorian style, an homage to westerns as the Mando with no name moves from high octane opening through a Blade Runner like dismal cityscape. It ends with an equally high octane battle. But in the middle, it works less well, as roles are reversed and we see Grogu as the protector.

The film is at its best when the action is focussed on Mando’s skills, coupled with Pascal’s (alongside Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder) enigmatic performance, provides an intriguing lead. It
plays less well when its focus is Grogu and his cute friends. A bit too cutesy, even if we do see Grogu at his most Yoda! But maybe it is caught trying to please everyone, cute characters for the younger kids, action hero for the older, but doesn’t quite nail either.

That aside, it is a fun space adventure, action packed and never drags over its 132 minute runtime. And even it lacks depth, that doesn’t stop this being a solid and enjoyable addition to the Star Wars universe.