Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
(Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, et al / PG-13 / 2hr 12mins / Walt Disney Studios)
Overview: The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.
Verdict: Yes, you are safe to get up and walk out after the opening sequence of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. Just drill whatever commemorative popcorn carton you just spent $50 on into the ground; grab your Grogu doll; blast the screen with two middle fingers; and jet!
The best stuff in the movie happens in those few minutes; then the film becomes a monotonous streak of Mando (Pedro Pascal) fighting a variety of creatures, along with many shots of Grogu (Baby Yoda!) eating. Lots and lots of shots of him eating.
Yes, some of the creatures are fun to watch. Yes, Grogu (Baby Yoda!) is cute as fuck — especially when he is eating! But there is no real movie here. Instead, we get a paper-thin plotline with no relatable human characters; it’s more of a Mando-Grogu sizzle reel than a movie. This might’ve been OK at 90 minutes, but at two hours-plus, this winds up feeling like a whole lot of nothing. Sorry. Not sorry. [B.G.]
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu