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Worried about Solo? Solo A Star Wars Story Review

May 15, 2018 By Ashley 19 Comments

Unless you have been living in a cave on Hoth, you know that Solo is coming to theaters May 25th 2018. Well this Star Wars fan was lucky enough to screen Solo yesterday and woah. That's right, I'll say it: I had a blast watching Solo. Read on for my Solo a Star Wars Story review. First off, I think we should talk about the giant Bantha in the room.

Solo A Star Wars Story Review

Worried about Solo? Don't Be.

I will be the first to admit I wasn't above worrying about this film. Just like you, I saw the rumors flooding Twitter and since Han is one of my favorite characters I was cautiously optimistic about this film. Once Ron Howard took the helm I breathed easier. Ron is a legend, he's got this under control. As we began to see more of the film and I pulled myself from the Infinity War rabbit hole, I thought, Solo is looking better and better. 

After screening the movie I can tell you it was great. A true love letter to Star Wars fans that honestly didn't feel like your typical Star Wars movie. This film focuses on the mob, gangsters, and seedier individuals you find hanging out in the Cantina. Solo is not just great, it is heck of a lot of fun for everyone in the family. 

New Solo Clips and Movie Stills

Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo

Alden Ehrenreich stepped into some big shoes and he delivered. He had the mannerisms, the swagger, everything we love about Han from the originals down. If Alden's portrayal of Han has you biting your nails, stop gnawing. I loved him as Han and that's high praise from someone who swore no one could ever pull off a performance even close to Harrison's original. 

He is playing a younger Han Solo than what we are accustomed to. Going by the time period of the film and Han's age, Han was born toward the end of the Old Republic. That puts him in his late teens/early twenties in this film, whereas he is 29 in New Hope. So while New Hope Solo is an arrogant scoundrel who only does nice things when he thinks no one is watching, this Solo is unsure of himself and his place in the world. But underneath it all he maintains a good heart and some serious cunning.   

Solo A Star Wars Story Review

The Extended Universe (EU) back in canon

When the sale of Star Wars took place the EU was pretty much thrown out. Bits and pieces have made their way back into the canon over the years. I was curious if Solo would address any of Han's EU backstory and now we know as much as I think we will ever know, officially, about him.   

In the original EU, Han was an ex-Imperial soldier who rose through the ranks thanks to his pilot skills. He then left the Empire because they are evil and Han is a good guy. That story is changed slightly to better service the film. Han wasn't always a smuggler, but he did grow up on the mean streets of Corellia learning how to take care of himself. He dreams of becoming a pilot but finds himself stuck on Mimban as a ground trooper. 

Solo A Star Wars Story Review

This is where he meets Tobias Beckett and his crew. Seizing the opportunity to make a better life for himself, he joins up with Beckett. After ditching the Imperial life, Han goes on to meet Chewbacca. The two form a “life-debt” bond that sees them become the best of friends for the rest of Han's life (RIP).

Also from Star Wars Legends days comes Enfys Nest on their Swoop Bikes, Tag and Bink, and Han's first love interest Qi'Ra. The interesting thing to note about her, is one it is pronounced Kira and two, that is the original name for Rey. Could she end up being tied to Rey in the future? Maybe.

Solo A Star Wars Story Review

Millennium Falcon – Punch It!

Every Star Wars fan knows Han wins the Falcon from Lando Calrissian in a game of Sabacc, which Lando claims may not have been a fair game. In Solo, we finally get to see the infamous game go down and what really happens at the Sabacc table.

Solo A Star Wars Story Review

The other big Falcon moment we have all waited to see: The Kessel Run. No one ever wants to believe it, but Han maintained the Falcon made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. Does the run live up to the hype? I would say so. The third act of Solo is an awesome ride which naturally includes the Kessel Run and a mint condition Millennium Falcon.

Solo A Star Wars Story Review

Behind the Scenes “Scoundrels”

Other Things Worth Noting

Chewbacca stole every scene he was in. The Wookie sass, prowess, and loyalty make him a stand out character now as much as he has ever been. 

Donald Glover as Lando. I swear if I didn't know any better and couldn't see the screen, I would have bet money that Donald was Billy Dee. The inflections in his speech, swagger, and style all screamed Billy. 

The other question I was asked besides is it good, is it kid-friendly? Rogue One was a deep, emotional ride and one that I have yet to let my kids see. Solo on the other hand is perfect for the family. It has some parts in the beginning that might drag a bit for the younger crowd-what backstory/origin film doesn't have these moments? but a quick promise that soon Chewie will be doing what he does best and the falcon will jump into light speed should hold them over. 

For a more in-depth explanation for the kids in the audience, my friend Patty has a great review: Is Solo: a Star Wars story kid friendly?

Solo A Star Wars Story Review

Solo: A Star Wars Story is in theaters everywhere May 25th 2018! 

Keep up with the best smugglers in the galaxy on Website| Facebook | Twitter#HanSolo | Instagram

Solo

Filed Under: Entertainment, Film Reviews, Movies, Star Wars Tagged With: Han Solo, Lucasfilm, movie reviews, movies, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for Meghan CooperMeghan Cooper

    May 15, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    This was me, I was worried about it. I’m so happy with how it came out.

    Reply
    • Avatar for AshleyAshley

      May 15, 2018 at 10:13 pm

      I was too. I can’t wait to take the family to see it.

      Reply
  2. Avatar for robin ruerobin rue

    May 16, 2018 at 7:25 am

    We will definitley be seeing this, but we will wait a few weeks until the crowds die down. I am so excited about this.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for candycandy

    May 16, 2018 at 7:27 am

    Alls well that ends well. They always come through. No need to be worried. Star War does it again with a great movie.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Alli SmithAlli Smith

    May 16, 2018 at 7:54 am

    I’ve never missed a Star Wars movie yet and I’ve been waiting not so patiently for this one. I’m excited about the entire family going to see this movie when it opens May 25th.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Amber MyersAmber Myers

    May 16, 2018 at 8:20 am

    I’m not worried about it at all. I mean, Chewbacca is in it, and he’s my favorite. My family will be going to see Solo for sure.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Joanna @ Everyday Made FreshJoanna @ Everyday Made Fresh

    May 16, 2018 at 9:31 am

    We are a huge Star Wars family! I hadn’t heard any rumors about worrying about the movie..I know we aren’t. My daughter is obsessed with Hans (she’s almost 13) I was only worried about her because it’s not Harrison Ford. However, after seeing a few more trailers, she’s excited..so near worries here!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Melissa ChapmanMelissa Chapman

    May 16, 2018 at 9:43 am

    I love a great prequel that gives the details of how a hero gets to be a winner. I like the original Star Wars so this will be a keeper.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for TasheenaTasheena

    May 16, 2018 at 10:31 am

    Thanks for your review. I can’t wait to see this movie with my family. We are huge Star Wars fans.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for chubskulit rosechubskulit rose

    May 16, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    My son and husband are waiting for this movie. My daughter and I are not Star Wars fan but the boys are.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for GlamamomGlamamom

    May 16, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Solo looks so good! I cannot wait to see. I think my sons will be into it too. Glad you enjoyed it.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Sarah BaileySarah Bailey

    May 16, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    My other half is a big Star Wars fan so I know he will be looking forward to seeing it. He seems to enjoy the Star Wars Stories as well as the main story lines.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Terri SteffesTerri Steffes

    May 16, 2018 at 5:58 pm

    I am eager to see this film! I loved seeing the original movie in 1977. Such a great memory!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Carol CassaraCarol Cassara

    May 16, 2018 at 10:52 pm

    I haven’t had the chance to watch it but I’m glad for this review. I’ve also been a little doubtful as to how they’re going to bring a young Han Solo to life. Sounds like it’s worth watching!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Nancy at Whispered InspirationsNancy at Whispered Inspirations

    May 17, 2018 at 12:02 am

    I have to watch this! I know I am kinda afraid of watching in fear of ruining a character but, Ron Howard. Yes!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for RicciRicci

    May 17, 2018 at 2:22 am

    There are a lot of the recent Star Wars movies I haven’t seen yet but I do want to see this one! It looks like it’s going to be so good!!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Kita BryantKita Bryant

    May 17, 2018 at 2:50 pm

    This looks like an awesome movie. I will be sure to see it as soon as it comes out!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Wendy PolisiWendy Polisi

    May 17, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    I have been waiting for this movie! It looks really great!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Jocelyn @ Hip MamaJocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place

    May 19, 2018 at 9:02 am

    My 13 year old who’s into super heroes and robots told me he wants to see this movie with us. Thanks for the great review, now you gave me a good sneak peek to the film. 🙂

    Reply

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Avatar for Jocelyn @ Hip MamaAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
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