FILM REVIEW: ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Is an Action-Packed Blast

In 2019, the world met Pedro Pascal’s Mandalorian. More importantly, the world also met the Child, AKA Baby Yoda, AKA Grogu. After three seasons of TV adventures (four, if you count the characters’ appearances in The Book of Boba Fett), this dynamic duo has finally hit the big screen in Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau. 

Fans of The Mandalorian will be happy to see their fave duo back in action, facing off against the remnant of the Empire and working for the New Republic. They are also joined by Zeb Orrelios, a character first seen in Star Wars: Rebels, who made his first live-action appearance in season 3 of The Mandalorian. 

The movie kicks off with an action-packed sequence where fans get to see all Mando is capable of as he blasts, explodes, and burns an enclave of Stormtroopers, including taking down three AT-ATs. Then, Mando and Grogu are tasked by Colonel Ward (played by Sigourney Weaver) to rescue Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba, for the Hutt Twins, who rule over Jabba’s underworld in Rotta’s place. When Mando, Grogu, and Zeb venture to Shakari to find Rotta, antics ensue as this mission isn’t what it turns out to be. 

To answer the question everyone is asking, yes, Grogu is incredibly cute in this movie. There are tons of adorable moments, from Grogu pressing buttons he shouldn’t on the duo’s new Razor Crest ship, to eating tons of delicious snacks. There is even a sequence where Grogu gets to shine beyond his cute baby tendencies, potentially teasing a future where a more mature Grogu wins our hearts over in a whole new way. One of the only things missing from this movie was Grogu’s first words. Keeping Grogu perpetually a baby feels like a mistake, with so much opportunity to learn who Grogu is as a person beyond his adorable qualities. 

The shining point of this film is easily Ludwig Göransson’s score. Fresh off his third Oscar win for Sinners, Göransson delivers a score that separates this Star Wars movie from the classic stylings of the legend John Williams. Of course, the score features the iconic notes that make up The Mandalorian theme, but the electronic elements are a standout, particularly in the scenes on Shakari. While Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu isn’t the movie that will land Göransson an Oscar this year (he will almost certainly receive a nomination for his work on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, which comes out in July), this score will definitely be doing numbers on Spotify. 

Another highlight was all the amazing creatures and aliens. From the Hutts’ iconic Dragonsnake to the creatures in the fighting pits on Shakari, there are lots of interesting new creatures joining the Star Wars canon. Fans will also see the return of the Anzellans, tiny alien mechanics first seen in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. These little guys have some great moments with Grogu. It would also be a mistake to mention the four-armed food truck owner, Hugo Durant, voiced by the Martin Scorsese. Though he only has a few minutes of screentime, it is always a great time to see the acclaimed director in front of the screen or in the recording booth. 

Star Wars fans who haven’t been able to see The Mandalorian for yourself, fear not. The movie opens with a few frames of exposition, explaining the setting, and previous plots from the show aren’t mentioned, so you don’t need to have intense background knowledge going in. Of course, you should still watch the show, because it’s awesome, but it’s not required reading. 

If you are looking for a family activity for Memorial Day weekend, look no further. Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu is the perfect romp to enjoy with your fellow Star Wars fans. If you have the extra money, it is especially worth it to see the film in IMAX or another premium format. This is the way. 

3/5 stars.