REVIEW: Solo: A Star Wars Story Is Entertaining, But Unnecessary
Solo: A Star Wars Story is the latest addition to the ever-growing Star Wars franchise. Directed by Ron Howard, this new flick tells the origin story of everyone’s favorite smuggler Han Solo as he journeys from a low-life street rat to the man he is in Star Wars: A New Hope. Joined by a charismatic pilot/gambler, a selfish pirate, Han’s first love, and a lovable wookie, Han sets out on a journey of discovery that will bring him face to face with the Empire and the Rebellion.
Ron Howard, who took on the job as director midway through filming, did a good job of checking off all the Han Solo boxes established in prior Star Wars films. From Han Solo’s first meeting with Chewie to his introduction to the Millennium Falcon, these important moments are scattered throughout the film. Fans will appreciate the lengths Howard went in order to ensure plotpieces, such as a future planet visited by Solo, flowed well within this introduction story. Even with all of these pieces in place, the story still falls flat. Han’s background isn’t explored beyond a base level. The desire to learn why Han has spent his entire life running or the importance of becoming the best pilot in the galaxy is touched upon, but never truly dissected.
The additional characters of Lando (Donald Glover), Beckett (Woody Harrelson), and Qi’ra (Emila Clarke) are lost in the action that seems to be around every corner. The antagonist of the film, the violent space pirate Crimson Dawn, doesn’t even appear to be all that evil. Han and Chewie’s friendship, seen throughout the Star Wars films, seems a little too quick and forced. Certain character decisions are also never explored or explained.
As to the film’s performances, Alden Ehrenreich (Han Solo) is nowhere near as charming or endearing as his predecessor Harrison Ford. He tends to play the role with the same smirk and easy-spirited tone throughout, which adds little to Han’s development. Donald Glover’s laidback demeanor and almost flirtatious performance as pilot/gambler Lando was a definite burst of much-needed energy. Emila Clarke as Han’s first love , Qi’ra, lacks the fire needed to make this character more than just a plot piece used to advance Han’s story.
Solo: A Star Wars Story is entertaining, but unnecessary. It has its twists and turns and enough name drops to keep die-hard Star Wars fans on their toes but leaves little for the general audience.
Grade: B-