Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) Review

The second spin-off from Disney's Star Wars line-up focuses on Han Solo's early life and his path to becoming the lovable scoundrel we know. Like Rogue One, this film's production history was met with some troubling issues from directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller leaving due to creative differences and reshoots by replacement director Ron Howard. With a lot of people predicting total failure for this movie, I, on the other hand, was muchly curious about what it would be like, but I had some doubts. I couldn't picture anyone else playing Solo other than Harrison Ford, but my optimism remained. After watching it, I walked out feeling apathetic. I was really hoping this would be the Stars Wars spin-off film I would enjoy since I did not like Rogue One, but Solo is kind of on the same level as it for me.

Alden Ehrenreich had some huge and I mean HUGE shoes to fill, playing Solo. A lot of fans love to be judgemental and nitpicky, while I aimed to be supportive. I hoped that Ehrenreich would not try to imitate Harrison Ford and do his own thing in the role, much like the cast of the Star Trek reboot (with the exception of Simon Pegg). And Ehrenreich definitely brought some things to his role. Several times he would give a glance that would make me say, "Now, that is Han Solo right there." I could see what the producers saw in him when they were looking for actors. He also had good chemistry with Chewbacca, Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke), and Lando (Donald Glover). The scene where Han and Chewie first met was a highlight for me. It was reminiscent of a scene in Return of the Jedi. However, as much as Ehrenreich does his best, his performance wasn't a home run. He didn't have the same gruff demeanor as Ford, and my suspicion of disbelief just couldn't overlook it. Still, I hope he'll get more roles that will utilize his talent.

For the supporting cast members, most of them do their job fine. Emilia Clarke plays a good romantic interest who to keeps Han grounded. There was a bit more that could have been explored between them and I think they left it open for a sequel, but after seeing the reception, I don't think it is very likely a follow-up would happen. Woody Harrelson plays a kind of mentor to Han and he does a serviceable job to what he's been given to do. Paul Bettany plays a crime lord who sends Han on a small mission and he doesn't stand out that much, not being in the movie a lot of the time. But the one performer who truly stood out was Donald Glover as Lando. When his casting was announced, I felt it was a good move. His performance oozes with a lot of charisma. A companion of Lando is a droid named L3-37 who is rebellious and fights for droids' rights. I'll be frank here, I don't like this character. You know how a lot of people say Star Wars is becoming SJW propaganda? Well, this character was an indication of it. But I follow some wise words that Lando says, "I don't like it, I don't agree with it, but I accept it." I wish the people who hated The Last Jedi could heed these words, but no they have to raise money to remake it. What are you all expecting to accomplish from all this? Just let it go.

But unlike The Last Jedi, which had a lot going on, Solo aimed to go for something simple and fun. While it does have some adequate action scenes, the whole movie feels a little jumbled and the pacing goes back and forth. It indubitably had to do with the switching of directors and inference from the studio. The one instance I could tell Ron Howard did a scene was when his brother Clint appeared as a ringleader for droid fights. There were also a bunch of Easter eggs that would make some people roll their eyes, but they made me grinned in a dorky way. There was a huge cameo near the end that truly surprised me and boggled me at the same time. If you have seen the Clone Wars series, you would get it.

In summation, I felt Solo A Star Wars Story was a dispensible movie with some cool callbacks. It goes to show that some characters' backstories don't need to be told because they have such a unique identity. I feel like this is the first Disney Star Wars film that I agree with the majority of fans, but I never know if it's the very loud negative side of the fandom. Some might have fun with it, as I know some people did. But for me, this film's hyperdrive just wasn't up to speed for me. JJ Abrams, please bring balance back to the fandom.

RATING: SEMI-APPROVAL (C)