Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

June 26 – July 2

Fri June 26 – 3:30 & 7:00 pm
Sat June 27 – 7:00 pm
Sun June 28 – 1:30 & 7:00 pm
Mon June 29– 7:00 pm
Tues June 30 – 7:00 pm
Wed July 1 – 3:30 pm
Thurs July 2 – 1:30 pm & 7 pm – LAST SHOW

Rated PG – 2hr 9min
SciFi / Adventure / Action / Fantasy

For the first time since 2019, a new live-action Star Wars movie is heading to theaters, with The Mandalorian and Grogu positioned to usher in a new cinematic era for the franchise. While the titular bounty hunter and his adopted son have already become a classic duo on TV, the movie elevates their bond and their action-packed adventures to new heights. The result is a fun, family-friendly ride. The film follows the pair as they work with the New Republic to take down Imperial warlords spread across the galaxy. With help from allies like Star Wars: Rebels’ Zeb Orrelios, voiced by Steve Blum, and Sigourney Weaver’s Colonel Ward, the duo find bigger and badder dangers lurking in the dark corners of the galaxy. The movie offers some of the most fun a Star Wars fan can have.

The real standout is the film’s action. These set pieces are raw and visceral, elevating what fans have come to expect. While Mando was always a juggernaut in the show, the movie truly makes him feel like a one-man army. It’s immensely satisfying to see the Mandalorian take on countless imperial foes and underworld scum, proving why he is the best at what he does. The movie understands what fans love about Mando and delivers it in spades. From gladiator fights to deadly dogfights, the film moves along at a swift pace, keeping the hits coming and immersing audiences in the action of Star Wars. That breakneck momentum does come at a cost, though. The film’s quieter moments can feel jarring by comparison, even when they are among the story’s most important beats. After so much nonstop spectacle, the slower scenes occasionally struggle to settle into place.

The plot is a little on the thin side, but that’s not really a mark against the film. It feels very much like an old Western. The Gunslinger versus the evil Rancher (or space crime syndicate bosses, as the case may be). Bounty hunters facing off, nearly invincible against normal bad guys, but hard-pressed in an even match. The Mandalorian has always embraced the Western roots of the original trilogy, even in the soundtrack. Speaking of which, Ludwig Goransson really outdoes himself with the score. We get all the familiar themes from the show, but with a bunch of variation and some cool techno stuff as well.

It’s a genuinely entertaining Star Wars film that doesn’t rely on the Force or Skywalkers or emo Sith lords or subverting expectations. Honestly, if Disney had just made more fun Star Wars movies like this instead of the messy sequel trilogy or the countless lackluster Disney+ shows, I think the franchise would be in a much healthier state right now. Here’s to hoping this sets a new tone for what’s to come.