Solo: a Star Wars Story
Mini Non-Spoiler Review
[24th of May, 2018]
[PG-13, 2hr 15min, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Star Wars, Science Fiction]
Having a much more troubled production than Rogue One, this novel effort (some would say a cash grab ... but isn't that every movie ever?) to go through the backstory of our favourite scoundrel was a mired in controversy and "creative differences" and had the worst possible situation to premiere in with the divisive reception of the Last Jedi that caused a negative atmosphere to surround the franchise. Granted that the worldwide audience still view the Star Wars universe favourably but the vocal few diehard fans that don't agree with the direction it's going have retract their support and that affect the conversations online around Star Wars in general and affects Solo in return.
Regarding the film itself, it's a solid film in and of itself, a fun galaxy-expanding and space-faring adventure full of action, heist and intrigue without considering the universe it is set in. The simple storyline of the quest from rag to riches while being under the thumbs of much bigger criminal minds, it was filled with the charms of the characters that we both know and loved albeit in their younger version, playing in situations that they would grow to be familiarized in and with a new cast that help to mold them to be who they are now. While Chewbacca is the highlight of the film alongside Lando Calrissian who is played perfectly by Donald Glover in every scene they are in, you should go in knowing that these are the younger version of the iconic characters and rather than completely copying the original version, they gave it their own personal twist and flairs, for better or for worse. This is the most apparent in Alden Ehrenreich's portrayal of Han Solo whereby he understands and embodies the charms and traits of Harrison Ford's original version while giving his own personal take of the demeanour and sense of humour, being a much more sprightly and upbeat scoundrel comparatively that would be changed at the end of this spin-off. If you can't buy into his performance from the get go, then this won't be a pleasant viewing experience for you.
Having to stitch the story from two different version of directions with the reported reshoots consuming almost over half of the film, Ron Howard did a miraculous job in saving it from the brink of devastation, conjuring a competent story fr us to sink our teeth in although it is safe to say that it's the weakest outing yet after the recent modern revitalization/sequel. The supporting cast are a delight to see playing in this vast Star Wars universe, with Emilia Clarke's Qi'Ra not being just another love interest for the main protagonist and Woody Harrelson's excellent gun-wielding Beckett as the reluctant mentor that Han based his approaches on onward (for better or for worse). Paul Bettany's main antagonist role is serviceable at worst and conniving at best, making me wonder how Michael K. Williams would have done in the original role before being replaced in the reshoot.
All in all, this is not the start that Lucas Arts was expecting for the inevitable incoming Star Wars solo spin-offs, with Boba Fett and Obi Wan being furiously reported to be worked on. It's not looking good for the future of the franchise especially in the veins of the Star Wars Story line but I hope they can bounce off of this setback wonderfully after this.
- IMDb - wiki -
P.S. Oh, how much I hate how he got his name! Just like in Rogue One, it disappoints me to no end ...
P.P.S. That at the end of third act reveal/cameo though! Wow! Those two characters might return in some capacity later!
P.P.P.S. I wrote some simple subtitles for the pictures as context! It's a first time that I can go full fanboy really.
P.P.P.S. The reception might not be as hot as the Episodes films ... I reckon they might end unfortunately their run well under a billion dollars in earnings.
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