It was 1977 and I was a 3-year-old tyke, watching the original Star Wars at a drive-in theater with my dad until I fell asleep (during the opening freaking credits mind you). That was probably my earliest childhood memory and now 5 decades years later I'm reviewing another pic from this franchise, about a galaxy bounty hunter and his little humanoid resembling good old Yoda. The Galactic Empire has fallen, Rotta the Hunt needs to be rescued, and imperial warlords must you know, bite that imperial dust. "Before going into harm's way check your armor." Indeed.
Reflecting on Star Wars vehicles of the past and near present, 2026's The Mandalorian and Grogu is definitely an add-on, trotting out that Lucasfilm logo, featuring nasty sapient creatures, wringing in those dark hues, and getting its rev on with the occasional X-34 Landspeeder. The runtime is 132 minutes, the soundtrack is killer Kavinsky-like, and the director is Jon Favreau, he of Marvel and space Western fame.
So OK, there are critics out there who say The Mandalorian and Grogu is generic, that there's nothing at stake cinematically. I say easy guys, just chill. I mean "Mandalorian" is a pure action flick, blaster firefights and off-road speeder pursuits and Ardennians oh my! It's like the space opera gods after seven years decided to whisper to their fanboys, "hey, come hither."
Peter Travers wannabees and six-limb creatures aside, helmer Favreau (mentioned earlier) fashions The Mandalorian and Grogu as a rock 'em, sock 'em, Buck Rogers-ish actioner, with a look that suggests a little Blade Runner and something out of an old, Vietnam war movie from the 70s (hint hint). I recommended Solo: A Star Wars Story some years back so yeah, I don't have a problem recommending this. "Do or do not, there is no try." Natch.
Written by Jesse Burleson
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