Review of 'Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu'

One of the reasons we subscribed to Disney+ was to see some of the amazing Star Wars content they offered including “Obi-Wan Kenobi”, “Andor”, “The Mandalorian”, and, more recently, “Ashoka”. Of these it was “The Mandalorian” that was our favourite with it's unusual mixture of action (bounty hunter with morals, Mando) and cuteness (Grogu, his “foundling” accomplice – otherwise known as “baby Yoda”). This is also true of the ratings where this show was the standout hit. After the final episode was aired, we looked forward to the film titled somewhat awkwardly as “The Mandalorian and Grogu”. Was it as good as the show? Read on.

Following the demise of the Galactic Empire “Mando” (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu pick up jobs for the New Republic. They are offered a large bounty by New Republic Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver) to find the mysterious warlord Commander Coin. They are told the Hutt Twins, children of the deceased crime-lord Jabba (see “Return of the Jedi”), are willing to share Coin's whereabouts in exchange for rescuing Jabba's son and heir Rotta (voiced by Jeremy Allen White) from the planet Shakari. When they arrive on Shakari they find Rotta a happy prisoner and minor celebrity in a brutal fighting syndicate operated by crime lord Janu (Jonny Coyne), waiting for his final fight after which he has been promised his freedom. Janu plans the final fight to be to the death so Mando and Grogu team up in the ring to help. Rotta informs Mando that the twins want him dead to prevent his leading the Hutt Cartel. Mando is left having to make a difficult choice whether to complete the job or face the wrath of the twins…

It all seems very much like an extended, self-contained, episode of the television series, albeit with quite a lot more action and big-screen special effects that, yes, look great. Even the Hutts, surprisingly, feature in the action despite being massive slug-like creatures, particularly muscle-bound Rotta who is just as agile as Mando. Speaking of surprises, there are a couple here that many may spot a mile away that make the story a bit more interesting but at the end of the day it does seem like more of what we have seen in the series just in a slightly longer format.

It is great to see Sigourney Weaver back on the big screen with another strong character role which really suits her. Pedro Pascal, again, does not disappoint as the Mandalorian and here we even get to see his face in an action sequence at the twins' palace (with results predictable to those series viewers that know what this means).

Grogu still seems slightly unconvincing as the small “Yoda” character with his movements somewhat stilted and often seeming to be around more for a touch of fun than anything else. There is a whole sequence where he teams up with the tiny aliens tasked with repairing their ship to, of course, save the day in their own tiny spacecraft…yes, so far, so cute. Why is it that this has to feature in all Star Wars films? It seems to jar against the action and things going on but, I suppose, it does appeal to some viewers and it does help add a bit of levity to the proceedings. Yes, he is still touching spacecraft controls he shouldn't be…the on-going series themes continue.

Meant to appeal to a general audience, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is a bit of fun and looks great but ultimately unsatisfying as it feels like more of what we have already seen in the television series. Still, that was, and still is, one of the best series on the box in the past few years. Character progression? Nope, none of that here though Mando does get a shiny new spacecraft…

Rating: “It is OK but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2026-05-31

Directed by: Jon Favreau

Studio: Lucasfilm

Year: 2026

Length: 132 minutes

Genre: Science Fiction

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30825738/

• Iron Man (2008)
• Iron Man 2 (2010)
• Cowboys & Aliens (2011)
• The Jungle Book (2015)