SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Hits the Right Notes

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)

The Excess Fun of DEADPOOL 2

Actor/producer Ryan Reynolds was vindicated by his filmic reinvention of the Marvel comic rogue hero of a different cloth in Deadpool and has pushed the boundaries of bad taste, graphic violence, and profanity in Deadpool 2, a wild journey of redemption.   

When tragedy strikes close to home, Wade Wilson aka Deadpool is at a crossroads.  He befriends a reclusive boy and meets a mysterious figure named Cable (Josh Brolin) who is on a quest. Meanwhile, Wilson embarks on a desperate mission with a little help from his friends.

The film has a good storyline and a touching love story to boot, while its theme about family bond resonates.  Sometimes the dialogue is sloppy and vulgar, but the laughs and puns come fast and furious (sometimes at the expense of DC and Marvel Comics).  Wilson may be nasty at times and hopelessly foul mouthed, but he has a heart.  

Plenty of humor is mixed with serious action scenes, not an easy trick, and there are some amusing moments like recruiting some mutant heroes that leads to outrageous results.  We also meet a cool mutant female named Domino and some fun cameos. Then there sight gags such as Wilson’s self-healing prowess and ability to regenerate his body that leads to some hilarious visuals.

From its James Bond homage, opening credits, pop culture references, and a cool soundtrack, the film exudes confidence and hipness. Consistently entertaining, and regularly breaking the fourth wall by directly addressing its audience, those who are game for an offbeat take on Marvel heroes, will be rewarded.  Reynolds has done it again. The mid credit sequence is one of the best for any Marvel film and a gift for true Deadpool fans.

***1/2 of  **** stars (for Deadpool fans)

Margot Kidder Soared with Superman

Film and TV star Margot Kidder passed away at 69 in her sleep. Hers was a story of tragedy and triumph. I remember seeing her in the Hitchcockian thriller Sisters from 1973 and then she broke out with the blockbuster Superman in 1978 as a definitive Lois Lane; I was there opening weekend waiting in a huge line! As her star faded and she suffered from bipolar disorder, she made a comeback on the big and small screen (winning an Emmy Award). I met her at Horrorfind Convention in 2009. Such a sweet person and still a beauty. She will always be soaring with Christopher Reeve's Superman as John WIlliams' "Can You Read My Mind" plays forever.