Solo: Movie Review
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Erin Kellyman, Paul Bettany (Rated M – 135 min).
As much as I enjoyed this for the pacing, lighter side and referential aspects, it is no secret that Star Wars fatigue may have finally set in for many, especially since Episode 8: The Last Jedi sent audiences wildly into opposing factions.
Troubled behind the scenes incidences, never usually good for any project, however having Ron Howard coming in to direct, damage control is surely a safe bet and turns out a decent choice to show fan favourite, hugely sacred character Han Solo evolving within the early years before catching up with the Skywalkers.
Not important to get into plot description other than mentioning hyperfuel is in demand, Han is a reckless likeable thief on the run from galactic gangsters while smitten with a beautiful girlfriend who seems equally as unpredictable. Under extreme circumstances, Han is separated from his love, meets a new hairy love, the mighty Chewbacca (they share a shower, really) joins forces with a team of fellow scoundrels preparing for a heist, then amongst other fluximations, being introduced to smooth operator Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover). Addressing this film as a comedy action is the best way, it just happens to be within the Star Wars universe with many, many problems that I won’t entirely get into here.
Alden Ehrenreich is a top notch actor in the making, see Hail Caesar (2016) for proof of that. I like him as energetic Han, it works to the best it possibly could for any actor slipping into the vest of Harrison Ford. Many of the creatures are enjoyable to watch, diverse arrangements of human characters too are a bonus including Mad Max style marauders and a singing duo to rival the Tatooine Cantina band.
The amazing Thandie Newton is underused, I guess with this delayed production she was due back in Westworld while Woody Harrelson is worth the price of admission in almost anything (not Anger Management 2003 – Surfer Dude 2008) and fast rising Donald Glover is positively perfect as Lando channelling Billy Dee Williams to a tee, which works.
Not perfect, not great, although entertaining enough not to deserve absolute dismissal. For the record, I liked The Last Jedi more than this.
Shane A. Bassett
