The Mandalorian and Grogu Review: A Fun Summer Adventure That Remembers What Star Wars Does Best-MOVIE REVIEW
The Mandalorian and Grogu Review: A Fun Summer Adventure That Remembers What Star Wars Does Best
By Paul Perez & Jason Geller
This Memorial Day weekend, my friend Jason and I headed to AMC Times Square to check out The Mandalorian and Grogu, the latest big-screen adventure from a galaxy far, far away.
The good news? We both walked out smiling.
While our scores differed slightly—Jason gave it an 8.2/10, and I landed at a 7.5/10—we agreed on the most important thing: this movie is a fun adventure that's great for audiences of all ages.
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I got this poster at the same theater where I saw the The Mandorian and Grogu. Except I got it when i went to see a totally different movie. |
A Return to Classic Adventure Storytelling
One of the first things that stood out to both of us was how much the movie felt like a classic adventure film.
For me, it brought to mind movies like Indiana Jones and The Mummy—stories where heroes travel to dangerous places, face impossible odds, make new allies, and embark on a thrilling journey.
Jason saw similarities to The Goonies, particularly in the sense of discovery and adventure.
Regardless of the comparison, we both agreed that the movie succeeds because it focuses on having fun rather than trying to save the universe every five minutes.
A Movie That Knows Its Job
Jason described the film as the perfect start to the summer movie season.
“It’s a very family-friendly movie,” he said. “A lot of kids are going to dig this, and Star Wars fans are going to enjoy it too.”
I agree.
Here's our 1 minute review.
The pacing rarely slows down. There are quieter moments, but the movie constantly moves forward. Whether it’s a chase, a monster encounter, a bounty hunter showdown, or a new world to explore, there’s always something happening.
I was never bored.
The Visuals and Sound Are Outstanding
If there’s one thing we completely agreed on, it’s how incredible the movie looks and sounds.
The environments feel massive. The action sequences have scale. The sound design shakes the theater in all the right ways.
This is one of those movies that benefits from the theatrical experience.
Watching it at home will still be enjoyable, but seeing it on a giant screen with premium sound makes a huge difference.
Here's the final trailer for Star Wars latest to hit the big screen.
The Hutts Stood Out
One of the biggest surprises was Rada the Hutt.
For decades, Star Wars fans have associated the Hutts with gangsters, crime lords, and villains. This movie flips those expectations and introduces a Hutt who quickly becomes one of the most entertaining characters in the film.
Jason especially loved the character and pointed out how unusual it was to see a Hutt portrayed this way.
I enjoyed him as well. He’s one of those characters who starts as an unknown and gradually earns the audience’s trust as the adventure unfolds.
The Mandalorian Universe Continues to Feel Unique
One thing I appreciated throughout the movie was how grounded much of the world feels.
At times, certain locations reminded us of Blade Runner. There were trains, city streets, underground fighting arenas, and environments that felt lived-in and believable.
That’s something I love about the Mandalorian corner of Star Wars.
While Jedi and Sith stories often focus on mythology and destiny, these stories feel closer to the everyday people trying to survive in the galaxy.
Grogu Continues to Grow
Another highlight is Grogu’s development.
He’s no longer simply the adorable sidekick. Over the course of the film, he demonstrates how much he’s matured since we first met him.
His relationship with Mando remains the emotional core of the story, and several of the film’s best moments revolve around that bond.
Practical Effects Bring the Galaxy to Life
As fans who grew up with The Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock, and classic creature effects, both Jason and I loved how much practical work appears throughout the film.
From Grogu to the various creatures and alien characters, the movie embraces puppetry and practical effects in a way that feels refreshing in today’s CGI-heavy blockbuster landscape.
The result is a galaxy that feels tangible and alive.
Where We Disagreed
Our biggest difference came down to one issue: the Mandalorian himself.
For me, he felt a little too indestructible.
Yes, he’s supposed to be a legendary bounty hunter. Yes, he’s a skilled fighter.
But there were several moments when I felt the movie removed too much tension because he never seemed truly in danger.
Jason wasn’t nearly as bothered by this and was more willing to embrace the fantasy-adventure nature of the story.
It’s a minor criticism overall, but it was enough to slightly lower my score.
Final Thoughts
What makes The Mandalorian and Grogu work is that they don’t try to be the most important Star Wars movie ever made.
Instead, it focuses on delivering an entertaining adventure with memorable characters, exciting action, impressive visuals, and plenty of heart.
Jason’s Rating: 8.2/10
My Rating: 7.5/10
Overall Verdict: If you’re looking to get out of the heat and sneak into a nice cool movie theater Mando and Grogu on the big screen, it's an easy recommendation. It may not reinvent Star Wars, but it absolutely reminds us why spending time in this galaxy is still so enjoyable.
Thoughts? Comments? Do so below.
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