The Mandalorian and Grogu: A Mixed Bag of Fan Service

7 out of 10 Fan-Service Monsters

Things could certainly be worse.

Mortal Kombat 2 managed to snag a 6 out of 10 from my inner nerd. Meanwhile, the bounty hunter and his telekinetic frog, Grogu, have achieved a score of 7. As the summer movie season unfolds, there's hope for even greater heights.

If Masters of the Universe manages to pull in at least 8 out of 10 nostalgic 80s kids when it premieres next month, I might just die a happy fan. Could He-Man really become the summer blockbuster surprise, even before Supergirl?

Yet, it’s somewhat disheartening to see a new Star Wars film hit theaters, only to scrape by with a meager 64% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. It's widely acknowledged that Disney has, thus far, unleashed a torrent of politically motivated and poorly crafted content. Rumors are swirling about potentially erasing the trilogy featuring the likes of Luke, Rey, and Kylo with a retcon hammer.

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT???

Nevertheless, The Mandalorian stands out as one of the few bright spots in Disney's offerings. It’s all the more painful that Mando and Grogu weren’t elevated to more glamorous heights.

The unfortunate truth is:

The Mandalorian and Grogu Lacks Depth, but is Enjoyable

The film feels like an extended episode of the series, lacking a significant plot, emotional depth, or any real substance.

We follow near-Boba and Kermit on two bounty hunts, and before we know it, the film ends with someone stating, “Your dad is one of the good guys.”

That much is true.

Especially since the film opts to feature Mando from Season 1 and (mostly) Season 2, rather than the diminished version from Season 3.

This means we have the tough-as-nails gunslinger we’ve come to love, while Grogu remains the adorable, button-pushing mini-Yoda who nearly causes fathers to choke on their popcorn.

I can’t help but wonder if that’s enough. Or have I become too lenient in my expectations from Disney?

Mando and Grogu: Pure Fan Service

Spoiler Alert!!!

I’m not sure if anyone else noticed, but when the arena where Grogu and Rotta fight is shown from above, it reveals a checkerboard pattern.

After a brief moment of confusion, it hit me…

YES! The entire arena is essentially the holographic chess from the Millennium Falcon, and they must battle against ALL the chess piece monsters. How cool is that?

The film is packed with fan service.

From the dragon snake serving as a Rancor substitute to the targeting computer used during the Death Star approach, it feels as if the creators truly understand and cater to Star Wars fans.

Personally, I adore the classic Star Wars craftsmanship.

When Grogu rushes to help in a shopping cart-sized spaceship alongside a group of space mechanic Muppets, my silly grin could only be flattened by a hot iron.

But why does the film fail to reach the realm of truly great 8, 9, or 10-point movies? The answer lies in:

Logic and Length

When Mando lies incapacitated, waiting for Grogu to revive him, the film drags on like an over-chewed piece of gum that lost its flavor hours ago…

And how does Grogu even manage to feed him food and water?

I suppose logic is irrelevant here.

It’s a “swallow or perish” scenario for both Mando and the audience.

However, the climax becomes almost unbearable. Mando’s armor seems to be made not of Beskar, but of plot— the legendary material that grants immortality.

“We can fly away and have a brief moment of peace. Or we can launch a frontal assault on the Hutts, who will always be hunting us.”

That’s the choice the seemingly dim-witted Mando presents to his green sidekick.

But why doesn’t he first fly away for that brief moment to gather better weapons and reinforcements?

No, that would be less dramatic than…

…flying a half-damaged ship to the Hutt palace and merely hoping not to be torn apart by enemy fire.

…then crashing into the palace, hoping it withstands the impact rather than the ship.

…and taking down hordes of enemies alone, even defeating the two massive guard droids with sheer luck.

…and then, with the remaining strength, dispatching the bounty hunter who previously defeated him with ease, along with the Hutts themselves.

…all this solo, only occasionally aided by Grogu’s cuteness and a Jedi trick.

…after already overcoming hordes of enemies, surviving the dragon snake, and lying in the jungle weakened by its venom for days.

Sure.

Why not.

Turn your brain off.

Despite its flaws, the film is entertaining. It’s like a long episode of Mando. For those who can overlook a more complex plot and logic in favor of “Pew Pew” and monsters, this film is a solid choice— as my unspoiled son would attest, who would rate the immortal Plot-Armor-Man and Super-Baby at least an 8, likely a 9.