Discover the new “Star Wars” film “The Mandalorian and Grogu”

“The Mandalorian and Grogu†movie is heading to theaters with a PG-13 rating and a simple pitch for families and longtime Star Wars fans: a bounty hunter and his small companion take on a new mission in a galaxy still dealing with the fallout of the Empire.

According to Rotten Tomatoesthe film follows Din Djarin, played by Pedro Pascal, and Grogu as they help the fledgling New Republic track down Imperial warlords scattered after the fall of the Empire. The story is directed by Jon Favreau and runs 2 hours and 12 minutes.

The movie is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action, as reported by USA Today. The publication says the film is recommended for children ages 11 and older. It also notes there are starfighter battles, laser fire and creature-filled action, but no lightsabers in this Jedi-free story.

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New mission, familiar duo

The plot centers on a rescue mission involving Rotta the Hutt, the son of Jabba the Hutt, who has been forced into gladiator-style fights. “The Mandalorian and Grogu†are enlisted to bring him back in exchange for key information, according toThe Atlantic.

USA Today says the film opens in theaters on Friday, May 22, with early screenings at most locations on Thursday, May 21. The movie continues the Disney+ series in a more self-contained way, while still taking place after “Return of the Jedi.â€

The Atlantic reported that the film leans toward a smaller, more contained adventure than some recent Star Wars entries, with Grogu taking the spotlight in part of the third act. The result, according to that review, is a story built around action, monsters and familiar franchise characters rather than a large-scale galactic shake-up.

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What parents should know

For parents, the key details are the PG-13 rating, the sci-fi action and the length. The movie’s running time is long enough that families may want to plan ahead, but the content is described as lighter than that of many recent franchise films.

The film opens as The Mandalorian and Grogu remain at the center of a new chapter in the Star Wars universe, with the New Republic trying to hold the line against Imperial remnants.

The source material says the movie is built around familiar characters, a rescue mission and a galaxy still shaped by the old war. For moviegoers wondering whether the latest Star Wars chapter is family-friendlythe answer depends on comfort with PG-13 action and space violence.