Review of “STAR WARS: The Mandalorian and Grogu” in 4DX
I have been a fan of STAR WARS from the very beginning so, even though I was not invited to a Press screening, I bought my own theater ticket and saw STAR WARS: The Mandalorian and Grogu.
By doing so I got to choose which kind of theater experience I wanted. I had never seen a film in 4DX and had been waiting for a special effects-rich film to do that. STAR WARS: The Mandalorian and Grogu would be the one — but more on my 4DX experience later. First, let’s discuss the movie.
While prior knowledge of the many stories of STAR WARS certainly does add to one’s understanding and appreciation of this latest epic adventure, that is not necessary to enjoy STAR WARS: The Mandalorian and Grogu. All one really needs to know is explained in on-screen text at the beginning of the film (stationary, not moving up the screen like the earlier STAR WARS films), and this, from https://www.starwars.com/films/star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu.
“The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.”
If, before watching the movie, you want to learn even more about STAR WARS: The Mandalorian, as streamed on Disney+ for three seasons, visit this excellent 20-minute YouTube video backgrounder from Looper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn9INA7qUew.
STAR WARS: The Mandalorian and Grogu has it all: a monumental challenge to overcome; heroic, familiar characters; evil villains; familiar STAR WARS tech used to fight epic battles; humor; and awesome special effects throughout. This movie is non-stop action and adventure. Fans of STAR WARS will love it.
The two principal characters have a father/son dynamic. The Mandalorian takes the young Grogu under his wing, teaching him ‘The Way’ and protecting him. As the adventure intensifies and Grogu matures, we not only see Mando taking care of Grogu, but Grogu looking out for Mando. I began to see Grogu more and more like my recollection of Yoda.
Sigourney Weaver’s Colonel Ward, with her portrayal of a take-charge, brave, action-oriented, daring-do rebel leader, reminded me of Princess Leia Organa, the rebel leader portrayed by the late, great Carrie Fisher.
4DX adds variable seat movement (up/down, tilt and vibration), simulated weather (wind, water mist and fog), strobe lighting, pokes from the seat back and leg rest, and more, synchronized with action sequences in the movie — sort of like taking a motion simulator ride in a theme park.
In my local theater (Regal Edwards Mira Mesa, in San Diego), there were two versions of 4DX: regular 4DX (2D) and 4DX in RealD 3D.
According to my online research, RealD 3D significantly darkens the on-screen image, due to a combination of the 3D system and the polarized lenses of the 3D glasses. Also, 4DX screens are significantly smaller than IMAX screens.
Wearing prescription eyeglasses in combination with 3D glasses, while watching a 4DX RealD 3D movie, is uncomfortable. The glasses move around as the seats shake, and the interaction between two stacked pairs of eyeglasses can create distracting reflections.
The best place to sit is right in the middle of the theater. The seats are in groups of four. The movements of seats on the ends are more exaggerated.
The verdict? I thought that 4DX would further immerse me in the movie and make it seem more real — hopefully justifying the hefty premium ($30 for a matinee ticket) to see STAR WARS: The Mandalorian and Grogu in 4DX. Unfortunately, the more extreme movements of the shaking seats did not particularly complement the on-screen action, and I kept having to wipe the water mist off of my glasses.
When the fans ran during outdoor scenes it got a bit chilly. Also, the seats are harder than usual, likely to accommodate the poking hardware, and I kept slipping forward a little. I prefer IMAX, with its larger, more immersive screen, more comfortable and reclining seats, and lack of distractions.
Afterwards, I bought two pricey souvenir popcorn buckets: A STAR WARS AT-AT Walker and a Mandalorian bust with Grogu, complete with a small projector on Mando’s helmet that projects the movie’s title graphic on a wall.
To watch a trailer for STAR WARS: The Mandalorian and Grogu, visit: https://www.starwars.com/films/star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu.
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Jan, I was aware of this new Star Wars movie but didn’t realize it was already in theaters. I don’t think I’m ready for 4DX, whether in 2D or 3D. I don’t like distractions during a movie so all those features are not attractive to me. Has 4DX been used on other films before this one? Seems like a huge and risky investment for the movie industry. David
David,
I doubt I will ever see another movie in 4DX again. I think it makes seeing movies a worse experience, not a better one. IMAX is the best.
Jan