Solo: A Star Wars Story Film Review: A Enriched Sci-Fi Summer Adventure

Solo: A Star Wars Story Film Review

Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in 'Solo: A Star Wars Story,' an 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 meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga's most unlikely heroes.

Disney has done absolute wonders for Star Wars since they bought Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion in 2012. Expanding the franchise for a broader audience and visiting areas we never saw during the classic 80’s saga. Newer films including Rogue One and The Last Jedi turned Star Wars on its head, which focused on new and fresh elements never seen before the deal took place.

And eyes have been on Solo: A Star Wars Story for some time now, as franchise overseer Kathleen Kennedy threw out directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller (The LEGO Movie) halfway through production, citing various creative differences and lack of overall direction. Replacing them with the Academy Award-winning Ron Howard who has always admired interested in the Star Wars saga.

Despite overflowing production issues which share similarities to 20th Century FOX’s Fantastic Four reboot, I have been optimistic about the final results as both Han Solo, and Lando’s rich personalities should make for some thrilling filmmaking. But can Solo: A Star Wars Story deliver the millennium falcon? It's hard for a film, to survive a disastrous production. But can this instalment fly in the sky? Or sink in the ocean with those pesky prequels? Find out in the official ComiConverse review.

Disney/Lucasfilm

Solo: A Star Wars Story is a spectacular, exciting journey in the universe, led by terrific cast members and bounds of fan service that should bring intrigue to even saga newcomers. The famous smuggler amazes in a smart and fun adventure in the long-running series, taking his rich background while telling us new stories. It’s western inspired tone make for one of the most entitling Star Wars titles in recent memory, with more laid-back charm. There are issues, however, which all lie within the new characters as they are not given much to do in the 2-hour romp.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) takes place sometime after Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, with the rebellious smuggler Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) fighting his way within the dark and dangerous criminal underworld, taking him to new places with fresh faces in the process.

The smuggler Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) is not alone in his quest, as he forms powerful bonds with famous pair Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) and his adorable fluffy sidekick Chewbacca. But can he trust these allies? A question that is at heart of Solo: A Star Wars Story and is addressed throughout 2-hours of drama, explosions and laughs. All working together in one of the most fun summer blockbusters in recent memory, giving fans a needed break from the tense Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Written by Jonathan Kasdan and Lawrence Kasdan (both no strangers to writing films in the Star Wars projects) Solo: A Star Wars Story tells a solid adventure in the universe, focusing on the criminal underground who roam planets to smuggle. It focuses on developing Han Solo into most talked about man in the galaxy while managing to not cram in pointless origin elements. It feels like the perfect blend of Star Wars traditions and a strong sense of excitement, all forming one stable dose of space opera goddess.

Disney/Lucasfilm

Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) is a young and cynical confident smuggler who is stuck in the dangerous criminal underground, fighting for his ideas while looking out for his own family. Alden Ehrenreich proves the haters wrong and delivers his spin on the iconic character making him stand alone from previous iterations (including Harrison Ford). Alden provides a more simple and old version of the famous smuggler, allowing for some emotional scenes between co-star Woody Harrelson who plays mentor figure, Tobias Beckett. Director Ron Howard makes sure to bring his moving direction to the table, allowing Han Solo to feel more human than his older and grizzled self.

New characters Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke), Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and L3-37 (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) range regularly but all have their quirks which allow Han Solo to bound on in various situations. I wanted to live newcomer Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) as Qi’ra who serves as the primary love interest for our protagonist, but the lack of romantic chemistry with Alden Ehrenreich's Han Solo left me feeling disappointed in the seat.

Disney/Lucasfilm

Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian on the other side of the coin blows everyone away with his charming attitude and a personal connection between Halo Solo (Alden Ehrenreich). Donald is a perfect addition to the Star Wars Universe, adding layers to an already impressive character in the original saga. Ron Howard gives time for us to understand his mindset, building bonds with the new characters and making us understand his Han Solo connection. I adored dynamics between him and cast members, as he shines with polished dialogue that brings him forward within the lore. The mainstay character gets an added sense of good nature, that needs another adventure within the Star Wars Universe.

Verdict

Solo: A Star Wars Story is far better than we had any right to expect, building upon the character while expanding on Star Wars cinematic vision and telling new chapters in Han Solo’s crazy smuggling life. There is something for everyone with hard battles, gangsters and a sense of adventure which has been missing for the longest time. It might not change up the saga much, but is so much darn fun! Disney has done it again and proven me wrong.

Ron Howard brings fans a western Star Wars film, which stays true to the iconic character while bringing new elements on the table. It might not have the pulse-pounding changes seen in The Last Jedi but does have a heart which should please fans across the universe. A treat for sci-fi and space opera lovers, which needs to be seen in your local IMAX format. So what are you doing reading this review, go and see the latest episode in the saga!

Solo: A Star Wars Story releases worldwide on Friday, May 25th. It runs 135 minutes and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, language and some crude references.

Jordan Samuel is a pop culture aficionado and content editor for ComiConverse. Follow him on Twitter: @JordanESamuel