Solo: A Star Wars
Story, a spinoff
film in the Star Wars series, focuses on the origins of the legendary Han Solo.
Scripted by original screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and his son, Jonathan, with
last minute substitute director Ron Howard, the final result is an entertaining adventure that connects the
dots of this character’s beginnings.
Han
Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) is a young thief in the criminal world who lives by his
wits and cunning. When he falls in with
a group of smugglers and its leader, Beckett (Woody Harrelson), for a major
heist, there are enormous consequences that reverberate for all. Along the way, he meets a charming gambler, Lando
Calrissian (Donald Glover almost steals the film), and a giant, hairy warrior named Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) before becoming
pilot of a certain iconic spaceship.
With
good action scenes and a dark tone akin to Rogue
One, the film has moments that ought to register more, but it’s hard to
recapture the Star Wars magic in a bottle.
It’s like a good joke that works but not quite as well as it should.
Ehrenreich does not
mimic Harrison Ford’s take on Solo but rather compliments it nicely with cocky,
self-assuredness. While
Harrelson is always a joy to watch, I wish there was a bit more of Thandie
Newton as Beckett’s partner in crime. Emilia Clarke plays Solo’s romantic
interest with a secret, and Paul Bettany registers as a menacing crime boss.
There
are a couple surprises here for fans and Easter egg references sprinkled
throughout. With a storyline that builds to a strong finish and loyalties tested,
this film is a nice addition to the Star Wars mythology. Director Howard
gets the save here.
***
of **** stars (add ½ star for Star Wars fans)
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