Pop Culture Happy Hour Pop Culture Happy Hour

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu and What’s Making Us Happy

May 22, 2026 · 19m

Summary

Glenn Weldon is joined by Jordan Morris and Chris Klimek to review *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, which they find competent but unremarkable, resembling a long TV episode rather than a special theatrical event. The hosts critique the film's reliance on CGI over practical effects and its lack of narrative depth. In the "What's Making Us Happy" segment, they recommend Julia Wertz’s graphic novel *Bury Me Already*, Boots Riley’s film *I Love Boosters*, and a powerful Spanish-language performance of a Stephen Sondheim song.

Topics discussed

NPR Tiny Desk Contest Tour announcement Intro: Star Wars movie and guest introductions Plot summary of The Mandalorian and Grogu Review: Is it just a long TV episode? Audience reaction and Easter eggs Critique: Lack of depth and repetitive action Casting: Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White Visuals: CGI Hutt and physics complaints Praise for practical effects and puppets Box office potential and Disney strategy Sponsorship and news briefs Happy: Bury Me Already graphic novel Happy: I Love Boosters movie recommendation Happy: Vane Butera Sondheim performance
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