Star Wars returns to theaters after a seven-year absence with a known commodity that will delight die-hard fans and newcomers alike, but probably fail to impress the haters who've lost faith in a galaxy far, far away. The Mandalorian and Grogu is a rousing standalone adventure loaded with impressive action scenes, stunning monster visual effects, and enough cute aliens to inspire audible cheers. The adorable Grogu and a pack of diminutive, whiskered Anzellans steal the show with much more screen time than expected. It's not all Mando (aka Din Djarin) kicking a** and taking names.

The Mandalorian and Grogu opens on a frigid ice world where an Imperial Warlord (Hemky Madera) is shaking down the locals for more tribute money. His extortion scheme is short-lived as Mando (Pedro Pascal) crashes the party with guns and flamethrower blazing. He shreds a garrison of snowtroopers like confetti while Grogu dutifully stays in the background and springs into action when needed. This astonishing first act scene is quite involved with multiple vehicle chases and an extensive use of Mando's Beskar armor. The film establishes Mando as supremely skilled and formidable for neophytes unaware of his full capabilities.

Mando and Grogu then travel to the New Republic's Adelphi Base for a meeting with Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver). She congratulates him for removing another villain from her "deck of cards" but it would have been nice to have a prisoner to interrogate. Mando couldn't care less if he brings Imperial criminals back alive or dead. Ward then has an intriguing bounty with a whopper payout. The New Republic has been searching for a shadowy Imperial mastermind that they've failed to identify. The Twins, vile Hutt gangsters who took over their deceased cousin Jabba's underworld business, have a clue to the whereabouts of this dangerous enemy, but want something done in return. Mando at first refuses. He doesn't work for gangsters anymore, but changes his mind once he sees what Ward has to offer.

A common criticism lobbed after the trailer launch was that The Mandalorian and Grogu would be an extended TV episode. Many were not happy with The Mandalorian's third season, and believe this narrative should have been a natural continuation. The film does feel like a four-episode arc stitched together, but that's really not a negative. What happens takes familiar characters in a new direction that doesn't require a fount of previous knowledge. The Mandalorian and Grogu is completely accessible to those who know the Mando-verse and casual viewers. Children will especially be able to watch, understand, and enjoy without baggage. That's a significant achievement that shouldn't be understated.

The biggest and most pleasant surprise is how much Grogu contributes. He's front and center during a lengthy climax that shows his progress as a Mandalorian apprentice. He's no longer just cute, gurgling, and in constant need of protection. Grogu acts strategically and, gasp, actually uses critical thinking in a dire situation. He's learned enough to act accordingly without Mando's supervision. There's an evolution in a relationship where Mando's teachings finally come to fruition. This is fascinating to behold and sprinkled with light humor when the plot gets heavy.

The Mandalorian and Grogu has a solid production design with several new settings in disparate environments. The film dives deep into the swampy layers of Nal Hutta, the Hutt planet, and Shakari, a bleak, rainy and neon-drenched cyberpunk city. Action abounds as our heroes face threats and duplicity from all sides while meeting new allies who prove to be much different than expected. Jeremy Allen White co-stars as Rotta the Hutt, Jabba's son. He's not a greedy and devious chip off the old block and represents a different kind of Hutt personality. This is a breath of fresh air in Star Wars and introduces a muscular Hutt with a welcome degree of complexity.

Mando and Grogu battle behemoth critters in epic encounters that warrant IMAX or the best theater possible. The monster madness is on full display with thrilling fight scenes worthy of blockbuster summer cinema. Director Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Jungle Book, The Lion King) kicks his CGI and VFX experience into beast mode. The savagery escalates with colossal and hungry baddies. The violence isn't bloody or graphic, but has snarling teeth, tentacles, and claws. Favreau and the wizards at Industrial Light & Magic also capture creature glory in small ways, with the Anzellans contributing in clutch moments.

There's honestly so much to like here. Anyone who walks in with an objective mind will surely enjoy the film. Yes, the plot could have been stronger and more detailed, but it's not simplistic and the characters have good exposition across the board. Those who foam at the mouth against everything Disney and Lucasfilm need to take a chill pill. The Mandalorian and Grogu is fun and entertaining with protagonists you want to root for.

The Mandalorian and Grogu is a production of Lucasfilm and Fairview Entertainment. It will be released theatrically on May 22nd from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Rating: 3.5/5