Score: A-
Directed by Ron Howard
Starring Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover
Running time: 135 minutes
Rated PG-13
Long Story Short: Solo is the fourth new Star Wars film since Disney took over the franchise, and despite a number of challenges, it is quite a fun summer romp. This is about the origin of Han Solo, perhaps the most popular Star Wars character, and the new guy, Alden Ehrenreich, gives a fun (and familiar, but not imitative) take on him. Although the film changed directors midway through, the script and story hold together just fine in a more grounded (literally) and less epic film than its SW kin. Worth the trip to the theater, especially if you already like the character/franchise.
On a polluted, despairing world in a galaxy far, far away, a young man named Han (Ehrenreich) steals for crime lords to get by. Having just obtained a small but extremely valuable treasure, he decides to make his break for freedom with his partner, Qi'ra (Clarke). Their escape does not go as planned, however, and Han is forced to turn to the ubiquitous Empire for employment. A rogue at heart, Han cannot submit to the absolute control required by the galactic overlord. He again flees the restraints of organization, this time with a new, hairy accomplice at his side. Although now facing more danger than ever before, Han thrills at his new freedom as the the new characters in his life range from fleeting hazards to long-time allies - and thorns in his side. His new freedom also gets him involved in a fierce battle at the heart of the galaxy, and it's up to him what part he will play.
Solo has an interesting cast, with familiar characters but new faces, as well as an impressive array of all-new roles. Alden Ehrenreich steps into the famed boots of Han Solo, one of the most beloved characters in film history, and does an admirable job. It does take some time to get used to him in Harrison Ford's place, but he makes good on the promising talent he showed in 2016's Hail, Caesar! Alden hits a nice balance of picking up on the spirit of Ford's Solo and a few of his physical quirks, while not trying too hard to imitate. His Han is quite a bit more talkative, but it makes sense both because he's the main character here, and because in this origin story, he has the devil-may-care attitude without yet the cynicism and wariness borne of experience. Emilia Clarke is well-cast as Han's friend (and more) from childhood, Qi'ra. Perhaps the film's most mysterious character, she is able to shape shift effectively, sometimes within one scene, while maintaining integrity as the same woman. Donald Glover gets the most colorful role as the new Lando Calrissian, a limited (appropriately so) yet fun presence. His character also shows different faces, from care free smirking to penetrating, calculating gazes; although he thinks he's always in control, he's also able to adapt to changing situations. Woody Harrelson is a more straightforward character, a veteran smuggler who is a sort of mentor to Han as he begins to make his way in the galaxy. He's overshadowed a bit, but I found his presence quite welcome as usual. Chewbacca, Han's faithful partner, also gets a little more to do here than in the other Star Wars films, and there are a number of intriguing smaller parts, from Lando's headstrong, sassy droid L3-37 (voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) to Thandie Newton's Val, Woody's sharp, capable wife and partner-in-crime.
Solo is a well-made and very entertaining film, less ambitious and spectacle-filled than its Star Wars counterparts but still very much a part of that universe. Obviously, if you haven't seen the other Star Wars films (the originals), you won't get as much out of this one, though the Ford-to-Ehrenreich transition will be less jolting. One of the best things that Solo does, however, is make the larger Star Wars connections creatively enriching, rather than bogging it down obligatorily. There are plenty of small things - how Han got his name, met Chewie, first saw the Millenium Falcon; these bring a smile to fans' faces, but also fit cleverly and neatly into the story. The story is also mostly - and blessedly - free of the tired Rebel plotline, though there is a brief, interesting connection. There is some surprising character depth as well. Han wears his "Solo" moniker with pride, yet he is virtually never by himself; while he is an independent, often unpredictable character, he needs others in his life, whether as friend, adversary, or both (plus, it just makes the film more interesting that way). Focused on Han, Solo is an adventure film that often feels more in the mold of Indiana Jones (not surprisingly, another Ford role) than Star Wars, particularly in a fast-paced train heist and intimate duels with villains. There is good space action, too - the film does not forget Han's talents as a pilot - especially in a thrilling, inventive enactment of the famed Kessel Run. Ehrenreich's Han has good comedic timing, too, and the film is sprinkled liberally with humor from everyone from Harrelson to the droids. The film's pacing is sometimes poor (likely due to the significant reshoots and change of director), and it's a bit too long, but if you're watching it in a theater this isn't too bad. Yes, there's some sequel set up here, but not distractingly so, and the climax is refreshingly restrained and the resolution less important than the journey itself.
***
Solo is a perfectly good summer blockbuster film, one that will at least whet your appetite for some good action while still being good filmmaking. Of course, you'll get significantly more out of the movie if you've seen the other Star Wars movies, a trend that's increasing with these mega franchises, Avengers Infinity War being a perfect example. It's too bad that many seem to be passing up on Solo; despite a quality 71% Rotten Tomatoes score, its box office has been underwhelming. I'd say it's worth a shot - even if you're worried about "Star Wars fatigue", as Episode VIII came out just six months ago, this is a significantly different film and, in some ways, a better one. I also liked it better than the other one-shot Star Wars movie, 2016's Rogue One. It's been an up-and-down summer at the movies so far this year, but there are some more intriguing films coming up soon (and not all blockbuster action movies, either!) so stay tuned.
By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56323217
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