Almost seven years after we last saw a Star Wars film on the big screen, the franchise returns with The Mandalorian and Grogu, fulfilling George Lucas’ original vision for cinematic episodic content. The Mandalorian was originally released on Disney+ in November 2019 and went on spawn three series and a spin-off in The Book of Boba Fett, which felt more like season 2.5 of The Mandalorian to many fans. Additionally, we have seen Ahsoka and Skeleton Crew expand of the timeframe of The Mandalorian, set five years after the events of 1983’s Return of the Jedi.
Creator Jon Favreau has previously explained how he had written the fourth season of the show before the idea of taking it to the big screen came up. With that, the scripts for season four were pushed aside, and a new story was created. This new story allows those that have never seen The Mandalorian on Disney+ to jump right in without feeling they have missed something, whilst fans from the beginning will feel right at home.
This new adventure begins much like a James Bond film, seeing our titular characters fulfilling their current mission before meeting Colonel Ward, played by Sigourney Weaver, for details of their next assignment. The action is almost non-stop, jumping from the planets of Hoth, to Adelphi, Nal Hutta, Shakari and Nevarro in the first 80 minutes. It is on Shakari that we get to meet the Ardennian fry cook Hugo Durant, voiced by Martin Scorsese, and a grown-up Rotta the Hutt, voiced by Jeremy Allen White. Many of the characters in The Mandalorian and Grogu have been brought to life by the wizards of Industrial Light & Magic along with Legacy Effects who have done a wonderful job of almost seamless integration with the other real-life actors and environments.
We will not go into details of the story here, except to say that unsurprisingly, the good side prevails and the galaxy is a safer place after the events of the film. The ending seems somewhat reminiscent of the original Star Wars film, although it also evoked the feel-good factor and positive energy of A New Hope, not a bad thing for a franchise that is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. It is a safe film that will be enjoyed by many and whilst is does not further Mandalorian lore or move the story of our titular characters forward it does show off the bond between Din Djarin and Grogu, and how they truly care for one another.
The roles played by Sigourney Weaver and Martin Scorsese are far too short, but both add to the film’s narrative. Watch out for a few cameos, some of which are a little too obvious, although nice to see. There are numerous light-hearted moments from the Anzellans and Grogu, but the standout is the music. Composed by Ludwig Göransson, who wrote the original theme for The Mandalorian, the score builds on what we already know but adds so much to the film’s narrative. It is good to see Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder given second and third billing behind Pedro Pascal for their role as The Mandalorian; with Wayne wearing the suit, Crowder performing the stunts and Pascal providing the voice and face of Din Djarin.
The box office success of Star Wars can be attributed to multiple repeat viewings, and I am not convinced The Mandalorian and Grogu will succeed in this area, except from return visits by die-hard fans. The Mandalorian and Grogu offers something for everyone; it’s a fun almost non-stop adventure and the perfect popcorn movie. There will inevitably be critics, but it is a film which can be taken at face value and simply enjoyed by all.
See Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu at cinemas and IMAX from May 22nd.
