‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Gets Divided First Reactions, From a ‘Thrilling Adventure’ to ‘One of the Weakest Star Wars Movies’ and a ‘Snooze Fest’

May 14, 2026 11:28pm PT ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Gets Divided First Reactions, From a ‘Thrilling Adventure’ to ‘One of the Weakest Star Wars Movies’ and a ‘Snooze Fest’

By Zack Sharf

Plus Icon

Zack Sharf

Digital News Director

ZSharf

Latest

• ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Gets Divided First Reactions, From a ‘Thrilling Adventure’ to ‘One of the Weakest Star Wars Movies’ and a ‘Snooze Fest’ 32 minutes ago
• Hannah Einbinder Says Hollywood Blacklist Fears Won’t Stop Her From Saying ‘Free Palestine’ as She Champions Melissa Barrera, Javier Bardem and More: ‘The Cost of Not Speaking Is Higher’ 17 hours ago
• Paul McCartney Says ‘Republicans and Democrats Are at Each Other’s Throats’ in ‘Trump’s America’ but Not When He Plays ‘Hey Jude’: ‘Suddenly They Forget’ About Politics 19 hours ago

See All

©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection

“Star Wars” has officially returned to the big screen courtesy of “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” and members of the film press are calling the franchise’s comeback “a thrilling adventure,” “a perfect summer movie” and “a lot of fun,” although overall reactions are divided.

“It’s less about the lore and more a fun, freaky romp across the galaxy. I really dug that about it,” Fandango’s Erik Davis posted on X in one of the most positive takes. “Also really dug Ludwig Göransson’s score, especially the parts that felt like an homage to ‘80s synth-driven horror and action thrillers… It reminded me how fun ‘Star Wars’ can be when it stops worrying about canon homework and just cuts loose. Treat it like a pulpy Saturday matinee ride and you’ll have a blast.”

Related Stories

Aina Clotet Talks Portraying an Older Coming-of-Age in Critics' Week Title 'Viva': 'We Are Still Missing So Many Stories About Women'