Solo: A Star Wars Story is the second stand-alone Star Wars film that has been produced. It focuses on one of the most beloved characters from the original episodic trilogy. We see Han Solo before he becomes the smuggler turned rebel general that we’ve come to know and love. How does our new Solo, Alden Ehrenreich compare with our classic Harrison Ford Han Solo? Let’s dive in and find out.
Likes:
Adam
- In this film, we get to see a different aspect of the Star Wars Universe. The central focus of Episodes 1-8 is the galactic conflict between the light and dark side of the force. We get hints of the larger galaxy but it is in the background. Rogue One is a war movie, which was a major facet of the episodic films. This film focuses on smugglers, gangsters and the criminals of the Star Wars universe. There is no mention of the force in this film.
- The characters are interesting. I felt like most of the characters didn’t fit a stereotypical mold. Due to this, most characters are not completely good or bad. They were a complex mix in the middle, which is far more interesting and realistic. It honestly kept me guessing what was going to happen more often.
- The effects are beautifully done. This was a pleasure to watch and I can’t think of anything that took me out of the movie. It was well done.
- I like the character arc that Han went through. The way his character developed worked well and I think gets us to where we meet him in the original trilogy.
- I thoroughly enjoyed the new Lando and feel like Donald Glover nailed him.
Dislikes:
Adam
- There is a bit of a twist at the end that I’m not sure I’m 100% on board with. There are two parts of it and one has to do with a character’s motivation that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. The second part has to do with a reveal that I don’t know how I feel about yet.
Awkward Walk-in Meter: 2/5
Adam
There are normal Star Wars blaster fighting, explosions, and a little hand to hand combat but is milder than most Marvel movies. There is also a little bit of kissing and gambling, but all are relatively mild.
Overall:
Adam
I really enjoyed this movie. It is not the next Empire Strikes Back but I feel we all need to stop expecting that and just let it be a good Star Wars movie. It’s fun, exciting and has good characters. I feel like Alden Ehrenreich embodies a good young Han Solo. He shows a good interpretation of where Han starts and what things could lead him to gain the attitudes and beliefs that he has when Star Wars: A New Hope starts. I definitely suggest that everyone go see Solo: A Star Wars Story in theaters.
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