Tag: Jeremy Allen White

Film Review: Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (Lucasfilm LTD/Fairview Entertainment/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

By: Jesse Striewski

After years of mounting fatigue for the now overly-saturated Star Wars franchise (thanks in large part to Disney), I was less than enthused for the latest installment within this once-epic universe, The Mandalorian and Grogu, to say the least. And judging by both the lower-end intake the film had at the box office this past opening weekend, and the very noticeable half-empty theater at the showing the family and I made it to, I’m not entirely alone when it comes to this sentiment.

That being said, the semi-recent Disney+ series The Mandalorian was a likeable enough addition within the world of Star Wars (despite a very un-likeable lead in the form of the pretentious Pedro Pascal in the title role) that wasn’t entirely forgettable as so many of the other recent spin-offs in the franchise has been.

Indeed, The Mandalorian and Grogu has its merits, following “Mando” (Pascal) and his non-speaking little sidekick as they track down and try to bring former Imperial leaders to justice (in a very post war kind of way) on behalf of the New Republic. Things go astray when they attempt to rescue Rotta The Hutt (son of Jabba and voiced by Jeremy Allen White) from captivity and an entirely new world of problems (and an unlikely alliance) quickly ensues for the duo.

Amidst the often over-the-top action and/or hokey characters, there’s nostalgic throwbacks to special effects and earlier films like The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and a retro fitting music score. There’s even an appearance from filmmaker Martin Scorsese (in a voice role), and Sigourney Weaver in one of her most cardboard (and laughable) roles to date.

As absurd as it all might be, once it does finally get going, its easy to get lost within its world; you’ve just got to have the patience/endurance long enough to let it get you there.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Film Review: The Iron Claw (A24/Lionsgate)

By: Jesse Striewski

As a wrestling fan, my only knowledge of the Von Erich family and it’s alleged “curse” are the things I’ve read about them in print or film over the years, considering they were just a tad before my time. But their story is nothing short of tragic, albeit it’s hard to find much “triumph” in it all as well. I can’t say I’ve ever gone out of my way to watch anything starring Zach Efron, either, but his portrayal here of the eldest brother Kevin Von Erich is so out of the norm, you forget it’s even him.

For those unfamiliar, the Von Erich brothers rose to prominence in the late ’70s/early ’80s under the leadership of their ruthless father, wrestling promoter and WCCW owner Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany in a particularly unlikable role). Each time seemingly on the cusp of greatness, tragedy strikes the brothers David (Harris Dickinson), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), and MiKe (Stanley Simmons), almost as though one-by-one (hence, the “curse”) while Kevin can only stand aside and watch all the carnage as a bystander more or less.

But there is beauty to be found among the tragedy, too. The budding young romance between Kevin and future wife Pam (Lily James), and the relationships between the four brothers and their tyrant father are relatable for just about anyone who’s lived the small town American experience. And I can’t even remember the last time I sat in a theater and could hear a pin drop the audience was literally so engrossed in the film. It’s not perfect, nor pretty, and it is no doubt emotionally draining on all levels. But it’s hard to walk away from The Iron Claw without feeling at least some sort of connection to the human elements witnessed on screen.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars