THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU

Hmm.

Where do I start?

As a long-term, die-hard “Star Wars” fan (I saw Star Wars: Episode IV aka The Original, The First, The Best within days of its opening in 1977 in Paris)…

Er, where was I?

Oh yes, as a true fan, I was obviously very excited at the thought of a new Star Wars film.

But sadly I actually found myself checking my watch from time to time, as yet another fight took place between our hero Mando and a range of suitably repulsive-looking CGI beasts. There were quite a few fights between said beasties and our hero, and (plot spoiling here) Mando always won, but it did become a tad repetitive.

Imagine actually getting a bit bored during a Star Wars movie.

The film had its moments – mainly anything involving Grogu who is too cute for speech, and those 4 funny lil’ Anzellans “little iconic, pint-sized alien mechanics” according to Wikipedia AI. They are cute, as is Grogu so they at least keep the film chugging along, but otherwise…definitely underwhelming.

The story doesn’t really matter, to be honest – loads of fierce beasties, the repulsive Hutts sending Mando off to rescue their nephew who doesn’t actually want to be rescued. But there is one glimmer of hope for any future films – namely said nephew, Rotta the Hutt, who works a gladiator trying to earn his freedom. I didn’t realise at the time but Rotta is actually baby Stinky from the 2008 film. Anyway he’s all grown up now and actually quite likeable – so perhaps he’ll become a more important character in any future films.

Sorry, can’t summon up any more enthusiasm for a film that I found disappointing, even with dear little Grogu toddling around, cooing away and looking after an injured Mando.

Oh yes, Sigourney Weaver is in the film. She’s good.

And Martin Scorsese voices a funny 4 armed food vendor. So there’s always that.