The Mandalorian and Grogu

 

The first new Star Wars movie since 2019s The Rise of Skywalker has hit the big screen causing me to emerge from the shadows of real life and hit the theater to take it in. This time around the galaxy far, far away continues the story of the show and the latest adventure of Pedro Pascal’s Mandalorian and his apprentice/son Grogu, aka “Baby Yoda”, as they help stamp out the remains of the fallen Galactic Empire.

The Mandalorian and Grogu plays it safe and doesn’t try to reinvent the Star Wars wheel. Sticking close to the familiar and proven in what’s basically a two-hour and twelve-minute extended episode of the popular Disney show.  Proving to be a smart move on writers Dave Filoni, Noah Kloor, and writer/director Jon Favreau’s part as they’ve delivered a solid, entertaining, fun, humorous, and heartfelt addition to the Star Wars franchise. 

Beautiful cinematography. Stellar set designs. Plenty of action-packed sequences balanced with character moments/development. All the great special/visual effects/animatronics we’ve come to expect, a soaring score by Ludwig Göransson, and creatures both old and new galore make TM&G a film Star Wars fans will enjoy, and the simple straightforward storyline allows accessibility to the less hardcore movie goer to enjoy.

Interesting and fun new characters are introduced and open up future possibilities. Not gonna lie, while a little disappointed that Sigourney Weaver didn’t figure more prominently in the film. Love her Colonel Ward and hope this is a character that returns. Familiar characters ground this film in the “old school” feel. The tone is lighter, the pacing well executed, a thoroughly enjoyable watch from start to finish.

While The Mandalorian and Grogu doesn’t add much to the overall Star Wars lore, I really didn't care. It’s a highly entertaining film that brings thrills, joy, humor, heart, and a spark of hope for the future. I had a smile on my face and happiness in my heart the entire time. In my book, that makes it a good addition to the overall franchise and a stand-alone film worthy of a trip to the theater to view on the big screen as intended. 

I’m giving The Mandalorian and Grogu an 8.5 and hope this is just the beginning of more films to come. This is the way.

#TheMandalorianAndGrogu

The Devil Wears Prada 2

 

Movie Review: The Devil Wears Prada 2

I’m fashionably late with my emergence from real life with my impromptu trip to my local theater. Once again answering the call to gird my loins to catch up with Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and the rest of the Runway gang (Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci) after a twenty-year absence in The Devil Wears Prada 2.  I’m no fashion maven, never have been, never will be but I adored the original film and had high hopes that this long-awaited sequel would be given the justice it deserves.

I’m thrilled to report that I was not disappointed.

David Frankel’s direction is spot on. The costuming and set design rich, textured, and lavish. Editing and pacing make for an enjoyable 1 hour 59-minute viewing experience that’s never boring and keeps you fully engaged.

Writers Aline Brosh McKenna and Lauren Weisberger have taken a very smart approach in this film in bringing the characters/backdrop we love up to date with the current times we’re living in and the trials and tribulations of culture, politics, and sensibilities. Giving us a sequel that’s truly a sequel, not simply a bigger more expensive rehash of what’s come before.

The characters of the original cast once again deliver across the board. Wonderful chemistry, witty dialogue, biting wit, warmth, and emotion all on full display wrapped in gorgeous trappings. 

Fun callbacks blend nicely with new characters and situations. Cameos galore and there’s even a nice little story twist at the end.

Some will be no doubt be upset that Streep’s Miranda has been cobbled somewhat in her blatant toxicity due to “modern sensibilities” but watching her try to navigate the PC landscape is a joy to behold. 

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is nostalgic yet fresh and opens up and expands the world of the original film in a way that feels accessible and relatable to everyone. It’s fun but less fantastical, grounded in reality and resonates accordingly. It doesn't recreate the magic of the original, it redefines it. That works for me, and it’s well worth a trip to the theater to see on the big screen. 

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets a 9 from me and a sincere hope for a third film. 

That’s all.

#DevilWearsPrada2