Movie Review: The Mandalorian and Grogu Deliver Action, but Little Reason to Care
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., May 26, 2026 — When Disney announced The Mandalorian and Grogu, it seemed like a natural next step for two of the most popular characters in modern Star Wars. Unfortunately, the movie feels less like an essential chapter and more like an optional side quest.
That's not to say the film is terrible. It isn't.
The biggest problem is that very little feels at stake.
Din Djarin, better known as the Mandalorian, begins the movie as the same character viewers know from the Disney+ series and ends the movie virtually unchanged. Grogu is along for the ride, providing occasional comic relief and helping move the plot forward in a few places, but he never feels central to the story.
In fact, that's one of the film's biggest weaknesses. The story never becomes personal for either character. There are battles, chases, and dangers, but none of it feels connected to meaningful character growth. By the time the credits roll, it doesn't feel like either character has learned anything, lost anything, or gained anything.
The plot itself is serviceable but forgettable. I found myself forcing my attention back onto the story more than once because there simply wasn't much pulling me in. The movie often swings wildly between slow, emotionless conversations and bursts of action. One moment, characters are delivering short, flat dialogue, and the next, the movie is racing into another action sequence. The pacing never finds a comfortable rhythm.
Visually, the film is a mixed bag.
There is no shortage of special effects. In fact, there may be too many. Nearly every scene is packed with digital imagery, but much of it is hidden behind dark environments and muted colors. Some of the brightest daytime sequences look fantastic, but too much of the movie feels buried in shadows.
The standout sequence comes during a gladiator-style battle that transitions into a chase scene. It's energetic, fun, and one of the few moments where the movie truly comes alive. The action throughout the film is generally solid, and fans looking for laser blasts, creatures, and fast-paced combat will likely find enough to enjoy.
Still, action alone can't carry a Star Wars movie.
Perhaps the most disappointing part of The Mandalorian and Grogu is that it never produced that moment — the one that reminds you why you fell in love with Star Wars in the first place. There was no scene that inspired awe, wonder or excitement. No moment felt iconic. Instead, the movie often feels like it is playing things as safely as possible.
That's the word I kept coming back to while watching it: safe.
The film doesn't take risks. It doesn't push the characters forward. It doesn't significantly expand the lore. It simply exists.
For hardcore Star Wars fans, that may be enough. Many viewers will happily spend more time with the Mandalorian and Grogu regardless of the story surrounding them.
For everyone else, I would recommend waiting until it arrives on Disney+.
You won't miss much by skipping the theatrical release, and you won't be left behind on any major developments in the Star Wars universe.
The Mandalorian and Grogu aren't a disaster. It has some entertaining action and a handful of visually impressive moments. But it is also boring, redundant, and surprisingly forgettable.
Rating: 5 out of 10.
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