Like the Millenium Falcon, Solo: A Star Wars Story is a bit rough and clunky around the edges, but it's got it where it counts.
When word first broke about Solo: A Star Wars Story, many people (myself included) were apprehensive. Then, when casting news came to light, even more people began to get nervous, especially when rumors started about issues with the film's production -- the movie's original directors, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, got fired and were replaced by Ron Howard; all of the reshoots; a rumored acting coach was hired to help Alden Ehrenreich; and so much more. The odds were seriously stacked against it. And it seemed doomed to fail from the start. But somehow, someway, the cast and crew put together a decent film that kept audiences entertained and even threw in some twists and turns that many didn't see coming (um, that Darth Maul cameo?!?). Now, it's by no means the best Star Wars movie, but it's not the worst either. Because of all the rumors that plagued its production (and after the disappointment that was The Last Jedi), I went into Solo with very, very low expectations. And you know what? I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Sure, it got off to a slow, mud-filled start, but then, once it gained its footing, it definitely picked up speed -- especially during the Kessel Run sequence! We were promised a young Han Solo movie, and that's exactly what we got. We got a glimpse of a man who is trying to find his place in the galaxy before he becomes the confident, breezy smuggler we all know and love. And by the end of Solo, we're that much closer to seeing the Han Solo of the original trilogy.
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Courtesy of IMDb[/caption]
It definitely took a bit to get used to seeing Ehrenreich and Donald Glover as younger versions of Han and Lando, respectively. However, once I was able to convince myself that they aren't these beloved characters and they're simply new characters, it got easier.
And I'm not sure what it means when I found the supporting characters more interesting than the leading man himself ... Between Woody Harrelson's Beckett, Emilia Clarke's Q'ira, Paul Bettany's Dryden Vos, Joonas Suotamo's Chewbacca, and Thandie Newton's Val, there were so many intriguing characters and I wanted to know each of their histories.
The two characters I could have done without were Phoebe Waller-Bridge's L3-37 and Jon Favreau's Rio Durant. I found both characters boring and, frankly, annoying -- especially L3. Though, it was interesting to see that L3 becomes the heart and soul of the Millenium Falcon. Because of this, I can (sort of) forgive the rebellious droid.
Overall, I'd be willing to see Solo in theaters again, something I certainly didn't say when The Last Jedi hit theaters last year. And with the possibility of two more Solo movies -- Ehrenreich is signed for three films -- I can't wait to see where we'll go with our favorite smuggler and his Wookie sidekick.
What did you think of Solo: A Star Wars Story? Did it meet your expectations? Where does it line up in the Star Wars saga? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.