Solo: A Star Wars Story
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover
Directed by: Ron Howard
Rated: PG-13
Let me start this review with the answer to the question you're all wondering. No, Jar Jar Binks does not make an appearance in this movie. I'm so sorry to be the one who has to break that news to you. It's been 12 years since we last saw Jar Jar Binks in a Star Wars movie and 2018 is not the year the silver screen is delighted once more with his presence. Maybe 2019 will be the time.
Since The Force Awakens was released, we've seen a massive Star Wars resurgence in the film industry. Every year we get a new movie, some are connected to the original trilogy and some are side stories.Solo: A Star Wars Story is a prequel film about the character we know and love, Han Solo. Before this movie was released it was plagued with rumors of major production problems. The original directors, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller left the movie halfway through filming due to creative differences. After their departure, Ron Howard was brought in as lead director. The last time we saw that happen on a major blockbuster wasJustice League, which was pretty much a disaster. Does Solo fall into the same territory?
I admit that when Solo first started, I was a little worried. The beginning takes place on a planet called Corellia that is ruled by a giant caterpillar woman. When I saw that, I thought all hope was lost. But it wasn't! As soon as that scene ended, this became a really fun movie! Please understand, I'm not prejudice against caterpillars. I think, in general, they're wonderful creatures. I just don't love the idea of Han Solo taking orders from a giant subterranean caterpillar. Once the film finds its footing, we get to see several big moments connected to the iconic character like Han's introduction to Chewbacca and his first flight in the Millennium Falcon.
Alden Ehrenreich has major shoes to fill as Han Solo. People were initially very skeptical of his casting since Harrison Ford's portrayal is so iconic and Ehrenreich isn't a household name. However, he has been a standout in small films like Hail, Caesar andRules Don't Apply, so I had hope that he could pull off a good portrayal. In my opinion, he is great as Han. He gets the characterization of the charismatic outlaw who ultimately wants to do the right thing. Ehrenreich captures certain mannerisms of Harrison Ford as well. It also helps that the film's characterization is well done. They haven't changed Han in a bunch of crazy ways. It's very believable that this is a young version of him.
Speaking of good characterization, Emilia Clarke plays Qi'ra, a scrapper in Corellia and Han's love interest. Qi'ra's story arc is one of the most intriguing elements in the film. She's a survivor in the harshest of conditions. Her relationship with Han is one of the best romances I've seen play out in a Star Wars movie in awhile. A major reason for that is because there is so much genuine chemistry between Emilia Clarke and Alden Ehrenreich. I won't talk too much about this aspect of the movie because it could lead to spoilers.
Woody Harrelson is Beckett, a thief who works for an organization called Crimson Dawn. He becomes Han's mentor as they attempt to pull off a major heist. The two have an interesting relationship throughout the film.
Donald Glover plays Lando (formerly played by Billie D. Williams in the original trilogy.) Glover plays the character quite dramatically. From the second we see him at a card table, we know all of his scenes will be entertaining.
My main complaint with this movie is Lando's robot assistant, L3. Almost every word out of the robot's mouth is eyeroll inducing. There's a side plot that involves L3 attempting to organize a "robot revolution" that is very unnecessary and drags a good action sequence down. The movie wouldn't have lost anything if it had scrapped this robot.
I really appreciated the cinematography and landscapes in Solo. The trailers make every set look incredibly dark, but the film wasn't like that. We get to see beautiful snowy mountains, a beach, and art deco influenced spaceships. This is an adventure movie with impressive visuals to back it up.
You may be hesitant to see this based on negative press, but Solo is summer space fun that Star Wars fans can enjoy.
My Rating: 7/10