Solo Review

“Never tell me the reviews!”

In the continuing adventures of the Star Wars Stories, we come to the origin story of everybody’s favorite scruffy-looking, nerf herder. Han Solo finally gets his chance to go solo in the limelight. How does it hold up? Let’s find out!

Story

The story is a fairly standard origin for a scoundrel. Plucky young whelp with a big ego goes on an adventure to prove he isn’t the rookie everyone thinks he is. Along the way he gains allies and enemies, but ultimately rides off into the stars alone except for Chewbacca.

It’s nothing special, but perfectly serviceable. I will admit, there were a few twists and turns that happened towards the end that threw me for a loop, but didn’t affect the overall narrative too greatly.

The story get’s a 3.5 out of 5.

Characters

I don’t think it’s going to be any big surprise to people that we know exactly what is going to happen to the side characters, especially since we see none of them in the original trilogy. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t a lot of fun. The banter between characters was some of the best parts of the movie and had just the right amount of Star Wars cheese.

My favorites were by far Chewbacca, L3-37, and Lando Calrissian. Chewbacca is always fun to hang around and L3 finally sates my desire to see a rebellious droid who realizes that they’re essentially slaves. Donald Glover is fantastic as Lando. He has all the right mannerisms, swagger, and charisma for the character.

Unfortunately, the movie’s titular character did not fare so well. For the most part, Han is written well. My only complaint with the writing is that I wish he and Qi’ra were siblings or just childhood friends rather than a romantic item. Maybe I’m alone in this line of thinking, maybe I’m tired of seeing the main man and main girl hook up, or maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic for Leia being Han’s one and only love. Regardless, my real issue is with Alden Ehrenreich. The guy is trying, you can tell, but he just doesn’t feel like the real Han Solo at any point in the movie. Maybe I’m just nostalgic about Harrison Ford, but I had to keep reminding myself that this movie was about Han Solo and not some other random bounty hunter. Again, well written, but not well acted in my opinion.

Due to Han’s actor, Characters get a 3 out of 5. My three faves were the only things saving it from being lower.

Visuals

Onto something much more positive. I absolutely love the visuals in this movie!

It is perfectly Star Wars while also being new. From the planets, to the ships, to the clothes, to the aliens, everything feels firmly entrenched in the grungier side of the galaxy. For any fans of Warhammer, I think you’ll enjoy some of these visual takes on the Star Wars universe.

Visuals get a 4.5 out of 5. They only get marked down a peg for some rather clunky CGI in a few parts.

Conclusion

Overall, I had fun watching this movie, but it does have significant flaws that hold it back. I might watch it for completion in a Star Wars marathon someday, but not just on it’s own.

In total, I give Solo a 3.5 out of 5.

SPOILERS!!!

HOLY CRAP, DARTH MAUL!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?!

Is this a hint towards the Kenobi movie? How does Qi’ra fit in? Where does this leave the Rebels canon? I have so many QUESTIONS!!!

Also, would have been great to see Han actually get those lucky dice in the first place. Instead he just has them already.