The Mandalorian & Grogu reviews are in, and Disney and Lucasfilm may not be getting the big-screen Star Wars comeback they wanted.
The first Star Wars movie in theaters in seven years is currently hovering at 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, putting it right on the edge of rotten status.
The score is a big deal for Lucasfilm. The Mandalorian & Grogu marks the franchise’s first theatrical release since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, and it arrives during a major leadership change. Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from Lucasfilm leadership, with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan taking over as co-presidents, while Kennedy returns to producing.
The movie also follows the backlash to The Mandalorian Season 3. Fans loved the first two seasons, but Season 3 split the audience and cooled off some of the hype around Din Djarin and Grogu heading to theaters.
What The Mandalorian & Grogu reviews say
The overall reaction to The Mandalorian & Grogu is mixed.
The positive reviews say the movie works as a fun, kid-friendly, action-heavy Star Wars adventure. Critics who liked it praise the creature work, the big-screen visuals, Ludwig Göransson’s score, Grogu’s cuteness, and the lighter pulp adventure tone.
The negative reviews are much harsher. A lot of critics say the movie feels less like a real Star Wars film and more like a few Disney+ episodes stitched together for IMAX. Common complaints include a weak story, bland writing, little character development, forgettable action, and a lack of major stakes.
Several reviews use the same basic criticism: The Mandalorian & Grogu is fine, but it is not the big cinematic event Disney needed.
What the negative reviews say
The negative reviews argue The Mandalorian & Grogu is too safe, too small, and too disposable for Star Wars’ return to theaters.
FandomWire gives it a 4/10 and says the writing is “bland, stale, and expository.” CNET says the movie lacks real character development and fails to create the emotional connection needed to make the story work. IGN gives it a 5/10 and says it is missing thrills, surprises, challenges, and anything meaningful for the franchise.
Other critics go even harder.
Jeremy Jahns calls it “safe, disposable sci-fi slop.” io9 says the movie “doesn’t even try.” The Playlist argues Star Wars is mistaking brand extension for imagination. TheWrap is more positive overall, but many negative reviews hit the same point: this does not feel like a bold new era for Star Wars.
The Associated Press review also criticizes the film as a clumsy big-screen debut, saying it feels disjointed and overlong, with too much reliance on effects and not enough emotional pull.
A big complaint is that the movie feels like TV content blown up for theaters. Critics from outlets including The Verge, Mashable, Inverse, and others compare the film to an extended episode, a theme park attraction, or video game cutscenes instead of a major Star Wars movie.
Several reviews also say the movie lacks importance. Digital Spy calls it possibly the most inconsequential Star Wars movie. ComingSoon says it is generic and safe. Looper says it lacks the risk and ambition usually associated with Star Wars, even when the franchise misses.
What the positive reviews say
The positive reviews are not calling The Mandalorian & Grogu a game changer. Instead, they say it works best as a simple popcorn movie.
USA Today gives it a 3/4 and calls it an enjoyable throwback romp with action and weird creatures. Empire gives it a 3/5 and says it is lively, if inessential, while noting Mando remains cool and Grogu remains cute.
Some critics praise the movie’s creature-feature energy. The Los Angeles Times points to the wordless scenes and creature work as a strength. The Guardian says the film is watchable and moves along, though it lacks some of the humanity, humor, and space melodrama that made Star Wars lovable.
Other positive reviews say the film delivers exactly what it needs to deliver. VitalThrills calls it pure popcorn entertainment. NME says it proves there is still cinematic life in Star Wars. Nerdist calls it pure fun with heart. Screen International says it is well-crafted, brisk, and entertaining, even if it is inessential.
A few reviewers also say the film may play better for families and younger audiences than for older fans expecting a major Star Wars event. Film Threat says kids will eat it up, while adults deserve better. The Bulwark says the movie seems designed for kids and that they will likely enjoy it.
