Over the last 10 years, Stars Wars television shows and films have been hit or miss with fans. The Mandalorian was one show that was critically acclaimed and praised by fans. The series about a lone bounty hunter traveling with a “baby Yoda” was hailed as the best thing Star Wars has done since the original trilogy. Instead of a fourth season of the series, Star Wars delivers a feature length film titled The Mandalorian and Grogu.  

For people who haven’t seen the series, you’re in luck because that’s not necessary. The plot is very easy to follow.  Like the series, the story follows The Mandalorian on a bounty hunting mission. Under the command of Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver), Mando (Pedro Pascall) is tracking down various supporters of the Empire who are hiding on the outskirts of the galaxy. He’s assigned to track down a mysterious figure only known as Commander Coyne. To get information on his location, Mando must help The Twins by tracking down their nephew Rotta the Hutt (voiced by Jeremy Allen White) – the last surviving heir to Jabba the Hutt. The story follows as Mando and Grogu make enemies and allies on the way to securing his bounty.  

The Mandalorian and Grogu feels like a two-hour episode of the show. There are moments and action sequences that are cinematic, but the film doesn’t carry the weight or urgency of previous Star Wars films.  

The first 18 minutes opens with a Bond-esque sequence. Mando is slicing through imperial soldiers as he captures a bounty on Hoth. The snow and the AT-AT will remind the audience of Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. It’s a fun sequence, but not interesting…this would be a reoccurring theme throughout the film. Mando’s travels get more interesting when he gets to Shakari. The new setting felt different than what is in the show.  Shakari is a dark rainy planet with fluorescent lights, like something from the Blade Runner universe. The hip-hop/techno score by Academy Award winner Ludwig Goransson set the vibes and is perfect for a planet like Shakari. The film could’ve used more settings like this that help the film feel more original and less reminiscent of previous Star Wars films.  

After Mando’s trip to Shakari, the film settles into feeling a lot more like the show. Each act of the film is a different arc in a multi-episode storyline. The set up of Mando hunting down the lasting remnants of The Empire is interesting. Unfortunately, the film strays away from that for a story and becomes a charming adventure with Grogu and their new ally. The story line with the Hutts felt like a DLC and a side quest from a video and not the main story. 

For fans of Grogu, the begging of the third act is very whimsical and funny as it leans into Grogu being adorable while also being able to use the force. This is when the story starts to slow down a bit as it readies for the final fight. At this point, the story feels a bit long as it crawls towards a predictable ending.  A lot happens in the finale that’s fun but none of it is interesting or memorable. At the end of the film, you’re left waiting for the next episode.  

The Mandalorian and Grogu is a fun Star Wars movie. The amazing score and Predro Pascal’s performance are the two best things in the film. It has some nostalgia and some cool action scenes. Mostly it’s a fun family friendly and a good time. It’s a fun enough movie for the Star Wars franchise but not interesting enough to stand out.   

Grade: C