Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi joins Adam to break down the first theatrical Star Wars feature in eight years, The Mandalorian and Grogu. They discuss whether its wall-to-wall action reveals true character, how the helmet creates a literal performance straitjacket, and if the film works for anyone walking into the theater without three seasons of television homework. Then, they pivot to a very different kind of crew in Boots Riley’s politically uncompromising sophomore feature I Love Boosters.

This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off.

(Timecodes will vary with ads.)

Intro (00:00:00-00:02:11)

The Mandalorian and Grogu (00:02:11-00:35:33)

Filmspotting Family (00:35:34-00:41:54)

Poll: Paul Rudd's MVP Supporting Role (00:41:55-00:49:05)

'20s/'30s Madness, Filmspotting Fest II (00:49:06-00:54:52)

I Love Boosters (00:54:53-01:27:53)

New Releases / Outro (01:27:53-01:34:43)

Links:

-Roxana Hadadi at Vulture

https://www.vulture.com/author/roxana-hadadi/

-Matt Singer’s review of The Mandalorian and Grogu 

https://screencrush.com/mandalorian-and-grogu-review/

-Filmspotting Fest II: June 27-28, 2026

https://www.filmspottingfest.com

-Roxana on the ending of I Love Boosters

https://www.vulture.com/article/i-love-boosters-ending-and-skins-explained.html

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