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

Series Review: The Mandalorian – Season 3 (Lucasfilm/Disney Plus)

By: Jesse Striewski

It’s been so long since the last season of The Mandalorian aired in late 2020, I honestly had a difficult time at first remembering where things had even left off. But rest assure there’s still plenty of Baby Yoda (or Grogu for those who like to be more technical) to go around.

This time around Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu are joined by fellow Mandalorian Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) on their travels after some initial hesitation. Right off the bat there’s plenty of giant monsters and fire fights involving lasers and sabers, perfect thirst-quenchers for any old school Star Wars fans.

There’s plenty of returning familiar faces (though sadly still no Gina Carano), including Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito, and even some delightful new ones (Jack Black and Christopher Lloyd are especially likable additions). The strangest moment of them all though is The Convert, an interesting enough stand alone episode featuring Omid Abtahi in the lead role that leaves viewers feeling empty without a proper ending or follow up.

It might be overly adorable at times thanks mainly to Grogu (at least the puppetry is actually done right with mainly practical effects instead of all-CGI as in most cases these days), and it’s far from perfect. But if nothing else, it is pure escapist entertainment worth occasionally getting lost in.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Series Review: The Mandalorian Season 2 (Disney+)

By: Jesse Striewski

Last year, series creator Jon Favreau surprised the world over with hands down one of the most imaginative additions to the Star Wars universe in recent memory, The Mandalorian. Favreau has opened up all new worlds, ripe with possibilities for the franchise, and it’s no surprise the show has taken off the way it has.

In the first season we met Din Djarin, or “Mando” (played by Pedro Pascal), a bounty hunter who is assigned a bounty known only as “The Child” (now of course known to fans as “Baby Yoda”), but rather than turning him over, ends up going rogue and protecting him in a very father-like role. Carl Weathers and Gina Carano helped round out that season.

Without giving too much away, season 2 expands on that same premise, and brings back a number of the same cast as the first season, and each episode still plays out like it’s own, separate mini movie. But what really moves The Mandalorian along is it’s use of drama, and the addition of such beloved characters from the franchise as Boba Fett, and even the one and only Luke Skywalker, that has propelled season 2 to new heights.

The response and momentum caused from this season undeniably infectious; at least three more spin offs like it have already been announced (The Book of Boba Fett, Rangers of the New Republic, and Ahsoka). From the looks of things, The Mandalorian was only the beginning. This is the way indeed.

Rating: 4/5 Stars