It has been nearly seven years since the last Star Wars film was in theaters. Historically, that is not quite that long (sixteen years between Return of the Jedi and The Phantom Menace; ten years between Revenge of the Sith and The Force Awakens), but for modern audiences, it’s like a lifetime. Popular events and cultural milestones fluctuate at the speed of figurative lightspeed, so it’s easy to get distracted by the rich tapestry of entertainment. When considering how streaming services have changed how we consume the zeitgeist, this is even more pertinent.

Along those lines, when Disney+ first debuted, the first Star Wars television show to hit the long-anticipated platform was The Mandalorian. Disney+ crashed on the service’s premiere date, largely due to excitement about a new Star Wars adventure featuring a mysterious new character adorned with armor similar to fan-favorite Boba Fett. We would not learn his name until the last episode of season one (Din Djarin), but it did not matter: the Mandalorian would soon become a household name. However, it was the shocking reveal of “Baby Yoda” (Grogu, whose name we did not discover until The Mandalorian season two episode, “The Jedi”) that became an instant sensation, permeating the zeitgeist like never before. People of all ages could not get enough of Grogu.

The Mandalorian lasted three seasons (no word on if or when season four will air, but Jon Favreau (writer/director) has confirmed he already wrote the full season), and after attending an event, Favreau and Dave Filoni (writer, executive producer, Lucasfilm co-president) thought about how wonderful it would be to see these characters on the big screen. The catch was to bring in fans who were not familiar with the series, so Favreau and Filoni elected to create a story for the cinemagoer that would be an excellent starting point for new fans and a welcome opportunity to experience the unparalleled thrill of seeing a new Star Wars movie in a theater. 

The Mandalorian and Grogu is the result of that vision. As Coffee With Kenobi friends and family know, I am not big on spoilers (I probably say this on every film review), so I will try to steer clear of plot points. The Mandalorian and Grogu is a celebration of seeing Star Wars on the big screen for families. It is full of visual delights and spectacle that will have you applauding, smiling, laughing, and reveling in how much fun it is to see a Star Wars film on the big screen. ILM continues to push the boundaries of visual effects, creating instantly memorable characters (Rotta the Hutt, voiced by Jeremy Allen White) and thrilling sequences that Star Wars is known for.

The Mandalorian and Grogu is also a fantastic action film. My colleague at Jedi News, James Burns, pointed out to me that the opening is like the beginning of a James Bond film, and he is exactly right. The first twenty or so minutes are my favorite of the movie. Brendan Wayne (the actor who performs inside the armor) brings so much style and swagger, and the cool factor of Din Djarin to another level. Wayne’s performance is not talked about enough-he is incredible. Lateef Crowder (the stuntman who does the combat, acrobatics, and intense action sequences) is one of the best in the business and shows audiences why the Mandalorian is exactly who you want in your corner. And of course, Pedro Pascal is the voice, face, and personality behind Din Djarin. He brings gravitas and presence in pivotal moments, as one would expect. 

Naturally, many moviegoers will race to theaters for Grogu. In The Mandalorian and Grogu, the lovable titular character has several endearing moments and provides enough charm, charisma, and joy to quell even the most staunch critics. Grogu is an absolute movie star thanks to Favreau and Filoni’s creativity and the delightful puppetry of Lucasfilm and ILM. Grogu brings the happiness quotient to a whole new level, making children and adults alike smile for days. The Mandalorian and Grogu is Grogu’s movie.

The real showcase here is Oscar-winning Ludwig Göransson. Göransson’s film score is fantastic from beginning to end and adds so much power to the film, especially his themes for Skakari, Rotta’s hype music, and several new variations on The Mandalorian theme. Göransson is a worthy heir to John Williams’s legacy and has a lot of fun with his latest masterpiece. 

Still, The Mandalorian and Grogu has its flaws. The film does not advance the Star Wars mythology or lore much, if at all. If you are looking for significant character development or integral plot details surrounding Din Djarin, the Disney+ series is a much better litmus test. For some, this will be a sticking point, and it is a legitimate one. I was anticipating learning more about the Mandalorian, Grogu, and the galaxy at large during the rise of the Imperial remnants factions. 

However, that is not the story that The Mandalorian and Grogu provide. Still, what the new Star Wars film offers is an incredibly fun, thrilling, action-packed joy ride that is perfect for families and children of all ages. While I was hoping for more of a deep dive, that’s my own preconceived notion, and I own that. 

The Mandalorian and Grogu is different from recent Star Wars stories like Andor, which is much more of a mature, complex narrative, but the new film more than makes up for the fun and joy missing from Andor. Each style has its place in Star Wars. One size does not fit all, and it need not. Go see The Mandalorian and Grogu for the love of movies with your family, and you will not be disappointed.

Grade: B-