Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future co-pilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.
Review:
While "Solo: A Star Wars Story" was not the spinoff many wanted, it's a highly enjoyable origin story of the charming and arrogant hero who wound up as one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.
The origin story sets up what made Han into the hero he became, and even slyly gives insight into why Han shot first.
The movie has faced an intense level of scrutiny - besides giving a spinoff that many fans seemingly were disinterested in, it also had a troubled production. 21 Jump Street directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were close to completing production on Solo: A Star Wars Story, before they got unceremoniously fired.
There was a lot of things stacked up against the movie for it to have been a flop, but after having seen Solo: A Star Wars Story, it really delivers.
After they departed, Ron Howard (The Da Vinci Code, Apollo 13) was signed on to the film, and reportedly reshot 60% of footage. It didn't also help that after Lord and Miller were ousted, news also leaked that producers were not happy with lead actor Alden Ehrenreich's performance and hired an acting coach.
There was a lot of things stacked up against the movie for it to have been a flop, but after having seen Solo: A Star Wars Story, it really delivers. The film is fun and riveting on its own merit, regardless of how it ties into the Star Wars lore. The movie can be watched by anyone even if they aren't a Star Wars fan, but having some Stars Wars knowledge is a definite plus.
Alden Ehrenreich really delivers. The actor had the difficult task of delivering a performance that strongly echoed the portrayal of Harrison Ford, but still had to make it his own. Han is as charming and arrogant as what he was shown to be, but he is also less jaded as we first meet him. He truly managed to encapture a young Han while still hinting at who the character eventually becomes when we meet him in Episode IV.
Cast member Ehrenreich poses for a portrait while promoting the movie "Solo: A Star Wars Story" in Pasadena
Donald Glover is Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Picture: 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. via AP
A stand out in the movie has to go to Donald Glover who portrays Lando Calrissian. Glover shines on screen and brings a welcomed burst of energy when he arrives. However, the scene-stealing performance has to go to Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the hilarious droid L3. The character joins the Star Wars tradition of humorous and iconic droids.
The film also includes a noticeable cameo but that should best be experienced when watching the movie.
Solo: A Star Wars Story, is a fun and engaging addition to the Star Wars universe. For all the challenges the production faced, it could have easily gone wrong, but managed to turn out as an exciting film.
The film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, and Paul Bettany. “Solo: A Star Wars Story” opens is officially in theatres on May 25, 2018.
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