This is the ‘Star Wars’ movie I was looking for: ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’

Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.

SALT LAKE CITY — Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau are some of the biggest “Star Wars” fans in the world. You can tell with every “Star Wars” project they have worked on that they want to give the franchise the love and care that it deserves.

They both push the boundaries of the lore and canon of the “Star Wars” universe while giving the fans callbacks, nostalgia and respect. “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is one of the best “Star Wars” projects ever made. Yes, I will repeat it, one of the best “Star Wars” projects ever made.

The Mandalorian is back with his little guy Grogu and they are out in the universe fighting the bad guys in the best way ever. In the film we meet the two main characters in the same world that they created in the TV series.

 

Now that the Mandalorian is no longer working for the dark underworld of personalities and characters, he is working for the New Republic, trying to find imperial warlords that are attempting to bring the galaxy back under the rule of the Galactic Empire.

In this film you find the duo hunting down two main warlords, and sometimes it gets messy. The Mandalorian always gets his guy, but sometimes — not alive.

While you get to see some of your favorite characters from the series, we also get introduced to some new characters, including one major new addition: Rotta the Hutt (voiced acted by Jeremy Allen White.) He is the son of Jabba the Hutt and is kidnapped and being held captive by the main villain, Commander Coin. He is not the only one out for Rotta. It’s up to the Mandalorian to decide who is good and who is evil, and if the bounty purse is worth his choices.

And let’s be clear: Grogu is not a sidekick in this film. He has important scenes, more character building than anything we saw in the series and he is a real player in the story. One section of the film in particular gives a big nod to Master Yoda, and my heart skipped a beat and my head nodded with approval. If you have ever loved Yoda, you will feel it too.

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The film has heart, action, excitement and some of the best fight choreography ever seen in the “Star Wars” galaxy. I am a big fan of World War II movies, and this film is up there with the 1970s film “Tora! Tora! Tora!” Picture “Top Gun” (1986), meets “Battle of Britain” (1969), then add in some space western vibes and we still aren’t done describing the amazing sky battles in this film.

I did mention space western, and this film fills that cup if that is what you are looking for. The original Mandalorian Bounty Hunters’ Guild is heavily based on classic American and Spaghetti Westerns. If you have watched the series you can see it.

Filoni and Favreau went even deeper for the film, bringing in an iconic western star’s grandson to wear the Mando suit to get it right. Meet Brendan Wayne — grandson of John Wayne — as one of the body doubles for the Mandalorian. He brings the cowboy swagger like no one else could.

I mentioned the western feel, but we also get cyberpunk “Blade Runner” vibes, James Bond-style fighting, a city that looks, sounds, and feels like Tokyo, “Gladiator” nods, music that strays from John Williams but fits every world we visit, and one of my favorite moments: a ninja-style fight.

I have wanted a Mandalorian ninja crossover for a long time. Fan fiction character Mando-Shinobi is out there in the world, but this is the closest we get on the big screen. I have Mandalorian armor that plays ninja meets cyberpunk meets cowboy, so you can see how my nerd side was really excited when I saw this film.

Saying that, I am what I call a surface nerd when it comes to “Star Wars.” I don’t read fan fiction, “Star Wars” books, or comics. I watch the films and TV series, and I know this could get me in trouble — I don’t care about canon. So when a “Star Wars” film like this is made and we get something new but respectful at the same time, I lean forward in my theatre seat and enjoy the ride.

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It is violent, especially in the first 10 minutes of the film. The body count is the most I have seen by one character at once in the “Star Wars” franchise in hand-to-hand combat. Not bloody, but fun — and without lightsabers. Who would have thought that was possible?

Add to that shiny new ships, weapons galore, and hyperspace heaven, and there are touching moments, humorous one-liners, and so many pew-pews I don’t know how any audience member would not enjoy it. With “Star Wars” fans I know we will see some pick it apart, but I choose to enjoy and ride the galaxy cheese all the way to planet Nevarro.

One of the moves that the “Star Wars” franchise has always gotten right is the marketing value. You will see new toys of characters and monsters on the shelves, new adventures on Disney’s Star Tours ride, and a soundtrack that many will listen to (I hope).

While you are enjoying the well-paced, well-written experience, take time to notice the many well-laid Easter eggs that go all the way back to the originals — deep cuts and some big nods to some of our favorite “Star Wars” characters.

This is all I can say without spoilers — I will be seeing it again, hopefully in IMAX. This is an action-packed film, fun for the entire family, that hits you in the heart, and in my opinion, the best addition to the “Star Wars” franchise we could have hoped for.

“The Manalorian and Grogu” (A) Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action. Main actors include Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and Jeremy Allen White. Directed by Jon Favreau. Written by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, and Noah Kloor. Lucasfilm/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Running time: 2 hours and 12 minutes.

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