Western vibe to gun-slinging fun
Fellow film and TV fans, one of the better things about the difficult situation we all currently find ourselves in is it is gives us the chance to gather round the TV together to cast our eyes over the best home entertainment has to offer.
Over the next few weeks I will be recommending movies and TV shows for your viewing pleasure; whether you are a binge watcher. super streamer or Freeview fanatic, there will be something for everyone.
To kick things off, we’re on a trip to a galaxy far, far away – or the new Disney+ streaming service to be exact – for Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian.
Set five years after the events of the cinema saga’s Return of the Jedi, it features Pedro Pascal as the titular bounty hunter on a series of missions to protect a mysterious package he grows attached to.
All eight episodes of The Mandalorian are available to view now and with each a maximum of 40 minutes in length, this is a series you can breeze through.
With its predominantly practical effects, streamlined storyline and familiar faces, this has an old school Star Wars vibe which should satisfy those who weren’t massive fans of the new big screen trilogy.
Creator Jon Favreau and his team of directors – which includes Jojo Rabbit’s Taika Waititi – create a western-inspired world befitting the lead gunslinger.
Similar to Karl Urban in Dredd, bar one brief moment, Pascal’s face is covered by a helmet the whole time but he still manages to express his feelings as his tough exterior is often betrayed by his caring soul.
Carl Weathers (Greef Karga) is terrific, Nick Nolte (Kuiil) and Werner Herzog (The Client) try to out-growl each other, Gina Carano (Cara) is the most bearable she’s ever been and Giancarlo Esposito ( Moff Gideon) gives a tantalising glimpse into a potentially classic Star Wars baddie.
However, truth be told, as the hype suggested, Baby Yoda – or The Child as he’s actually known – does steal the show; it’s not often an instant meme is born but you can see why in this instance.
While very different from John William’s iconic Star Wars score, Ludwig Göransson’s flute-heavy soundtrack is perfect for these smaller scale, lived-in surroundings.
While one or two episodes are unnecessary to the overriding story arc, they still keep you entertained and never outstay their welcome.
We find out a decent amount about our antihero and his world but there are also plenty of unanswered questions and enticing teases for the inevitable second season.
It’s true to say Star Wars fans may get the biggest kick out of The Mandalorian but it works just as well as quick-fire, harmless family entertainment.