Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu

In what looks like what could be an all timer of a year for Blockbuster releases, there’s always going to be a couple which perhaps go a little underseen and undervalued.

The first unlucky candidate of 2026 strangely seems to be the first new Star Wars film since the pandemic.

Of course, Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu is a little different to its predecessors in the franchise and seems to suggest an initial investment from the viewer is required in the form of having seen the long running TV series.

Actually, whilst of course you’ll always get more out of something having watched any lead up, this is an almost entirely standalone story which is both to its credit and its detriment.

In fact, quite how you feel about this not really having any repercussions, reveals or story development in terms of the saga at large will largely correspond to how you rate it as a film.

Let’s start by saying, arguably most importantly, that this is an immensely fun, well made and likable action film.

With appeal for all of the family, this should be doing better at the box office and is a hugely entertaining way to spend a couple of hours.

Whilst it largely plays the frustratingly videogame alike beats of flying off to various locales to obtain various bits of information and interact with various characters, that largely fits the formula of the show and suits the character.

It looks and sounds beautiful with immaculate design throughout and that stunning score by Ludwig Göransson.

There’s a sense that Messrs. Favreau and Filoni are deliberately keeping things simple here, trying to create engagement, perhaps get audiences to invest in the ongoing television content and just strike a winning blow before the next slate of films.

There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with that but the absolute lack of stakes do lead to a few of the fight scenes lacking drama.

Sure, they’re muscular and interesting in the main, but you don’t really get the sense that Mando or Grogu are ever in serious peril.

Likewise, whilst both characters will continue to grow in stature within the fanbase, there also seems to be a sense of not quite knowing what to do with them. I’m sure Grogu merch’ is a big winner for Disney but what comes next?

It’s a tough one to call. Beauty but no stakes, heart but no depth, great characters but no development.

At once, the film doesn’t need to exist but at the same time you’ll be glad it does.

Praise is due for the commitment to just making this great as it is but no doubt there will be those who’ll knock it for a lack of progression.

Opinions will fluctuate and that’s ok but I think this will be a film perhaps more appreciated in the future than in the moment.

A final mention that, if you’re able, it is highly recommended that you see this movie in the ‘4DX’ format. Of course, a film’s quality should be judged purely on what you’re seeing on screen aside from anything else but, with this particular film, it feels like this is the format it’s made for. The chase scenes, fights and flying is greatly enhanced whilst you’re being thrown around in your chair, especially without that aforementioned lack of real plot detail to keep focused on. This is the way.

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