Solo: A Star Wars Review

When it was announced that a Han Solo origin story was next in the Star Wars Anthology series, enthusiasm hit an all-time low. The last time Star Wars tackled an origin story on one of its iconic character's, it didn't bode well with most audiences. Things weren't any better behind-the-scenes when the film's original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller clashed with the producers that they were booted off the project; fours months after production began. (The duo do receive an executive producer credit). With Ron Howard stepping in the director's chair, does Solo: A Star Wars Movie  mange to be a fun ride or completely pointless?

Years before he met Luke and Leia, young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) had nowhere to go after being kicked out of the Imperial Academy. His luck changes when he stumbles across a criminal gang lead by Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) pulling off a heist for the big man Dryden Voss (Paul Bettany). From there, Han's life as the galaxy's best smuggler commences from his first encounter with Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), obtaining his signature blaster, and winning the Millennium Falcon from Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover). We also get to see the Falcon fly in 12 parsecs as he stated to Luke and Obi-Wan in A New Hope. 

“It’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs! I’ve outrun Imperial starships, not the local bulk-cruisers, mind you. I’m talking about the big Corellian ships now. She’s fast enough for you, old man.”

One aspect I liked about Rogue One, the previous Anthology film, was exploring new territory in the Stars Wars universe that didn't involve the trilogies. The only problem I had with said film was caring for its main lead; with Solo that wasn't the case. Alden Ehrenreich is no Harrison Ford but conveys the same charisma from Hail, Caesar! that retain's the iconic character's cocky but lovable charm. The friendship he forms with Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) is a genuine highlight. As for Donald Glover as young Lando Calrissian, believe everything you've heard about it; Glover is so spot-on that you swear the same de-aging technique from Ant-Man and Tron was applied on Billy Dee Williams.

Top: Rio Durrant (Jon Favreau), Val (Tahndie Newton), Beckett (Woody Harrelson), Lando (Donald Glover)

Bottom: Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke), L3-37 (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany), Enfys Nest.  

Among the new sleight of characters is Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke), Han's first love interest who are unintentionally separated only to be reunited when Han joins with Beckett. From the get-go you have an idea of her arc that it render's her part of the story a tad predictable. As for the rest of the cast, everyone does a good job though I wish some were given more screen time. Beckett is an interesting character almost parallel to Han as he acts as a sort of mentor/father figure to him. My favorite of these new characters would have to be Enfys Nest who isn't what the mask is lead to believe. 

Beckett vs Nest

While I'm downcast that we'll never see Lord and Miller's vision of this story, Howard manages to salvage the film. I find it appropriate that he made this movie. He collaborated with Star Wars creator George Lucas a couple of times with American Graffiti and Willow. Working with him garnered Howard permission to use a famous Star Wars quote in his movie Cocoon (Howard's first foray in science fiction) and was considered to direct The Phantom Menace. Solo may not be the best Star Wars film but after all the production trouble that occurred, in a movie that no one wanted and expected it to crash and burn (myself included), I'd say the end result is definitely damn impressive. 

There are a couple things that do merit criticism. The pacing does tend to be slow but not in the matter of of Howard's other film In the Heart of the Sea, as he makes up with some high speed action courtesy of his work on Rush and Grand Theft Auto. Solo also marks the first Star Wars film that is dark, in which I mean 90% of the movie is dimly lit like in a bad DC movie. A little bit of color wouldn't have hurt. 

A neat observation was seeing Howard's style in the Star Wars universe with his use of the color yellow, dark shots, car action (or in this case speeder action) and the customary Clint Howard cameo where he argues with Lando's droid assistant L3-37(Phoebe Waller-Bridge).

L3 and Clint Howard going at it

Solo was movie that I didn't expect to succeed but it did. It's on a smaller-scale compared to the rest of the saga but like Rogue One ties in nicely to the original trilogy. As the movie ended it opened a door of possibilities to what next adventure can take place in a galaxy far, far, away. You can bet that I'll be there.

Final Verdict: (B-)