Solo: A Star Wars Story

These Star Wars Stories are interesting creatures and still seem somewhat risky to me. 

Maybe not risky in the financial sense, but more so in a potential for oversaturation of the brand. Could there be such a thing for Star Wars?

Each Story has had its fair share of issues behind the scenes, with Solo sounding like a dumpster fire and director's being replaced with a nearly final cut of the film. How much of the film Ron Howard actually had to reshoot -- it's supposedly the majority -- not withstanding, Solo is a film that I didn't hear anyone asking for in the first place. 

So then why make it? 

Funny how I seemingly felt the same way about Rogue One and not only was it a fantastic film upon first viewing, it's aged tremendously well with repeat viewings. Put my back up against a wall and I'd probably even call it my favorite Star Wars film these days *gasp!* 

I don't see the same happening with Solo despite how surprised I was that it surpassed my expectations which were decently low to start with. It comes on the heels of some minor disappointment in The Last Jedi, a film that has seemed to divide the fan base (more than those who loved the film would care to agree) but wasn't a series killer (despite what some of the most intense haters want to declare). Still though, I'm intrigued to see how audiences will respond to the next Star Wars film after these two films in particular, but that's a conversation for the future. 

Solo: A Star Wars Story is definitely no Rogue One because where that film earned its right to exist by telling a highly interesting story with lots of connections, Solo never solidly defends its right to exist. Fans weren't clamoring for a Han Solo movie -- many were even outright against it -- and the film acts as filler where filler wasn't needed. A harsh sentiment, but it doesn't mean it's a bad film. Respectfully, it'll probably be the only Star Wars film I don't care/need to see twice. It's a bit refreshing having some lower stakes and no Skywalkers or Death Stars for miles, but in general this is still a cinematic universe (it's clear they're trying to build it out at this point) that's stuck in the past. 

"This is Star Wars" -- music video dropping soon

Talk to me that way again
and I'll get my dragons

Luckily, that's the worst criticism I have for Solo as the film is a fun, but forgettable adventure that feels like a entertaining mix of Indiana Jones and Star Wars. The story is straightforward and simple, basically one elongated heist film in an early-Empire setting and it provides some fun context for a lot of Han Solo's legendary tales. Those worrying that this film would soil the memory of the character (for starters, what a weird thing to worry about) will be pleased to know that it does no such thing and, if anything, adds some value to who he becomes in the later films. I imagine the film used to be funnier given those that were at the helm, but Solo is now a little more serious, but not afraid to crack a joke or two. Most of the humor is well-timed and non-excessive, but it's rarely spit-your-popcorn-out hilarious. The same sentiment could be said for the action scenes; they're impressive and entertaining, but nothing will blow your mind or have you on the edge of your seat. 

Solo earns the most points for itself -- outside of being a highly technically impressive film -- with its well-chosen cast. Alden Ehrenreich is nearly perfect as Han Solo and brings a lot of the same mannerisms Ford had, but is also clearly a much younger, and optimistic Han. He's a pleasure to watch and leads the film well with some help from other friends like Chewbacca and Woody Harrelson! Harrelson is fairly unremarkable, but was perfect for the chosen part. Emilia Clarke - Mother of Dragons - does a lot better here than the most recent film outing I can recall for her and builds probably the most mysterious character of the film and one that we could potentially see more of. Donald Glover who, given the success he's seen in the last 12 months alone, can seemingly do NO wrong, is amazing as Lando, smoothly sliding into the role and taking command of many of his scenes. 

Star Wars producers watching the Box Office this weekend ^^

Solo ends in an intriguing way with a cameo that comes out of left field to a certain extent, but one that really excited this particular Star Wars fan. Where they'll go from here is unclear as there are several other "Stories" being planned it would seem but no official Solo 2 even spoken about yet. Perhaps it was simply just a fun "Hey look who it is!" moment, but that would seem to be a tremendous waste. Either way, Solo continues to prove that these "Stories" can be worthwhile even if they're wholly unnecessary like this one. Whereas I can think of at least 10 different ideas I'd rather have be one-off tales, it's clear that there may be a larger picture here, as there usually is. It'll likely continue to find success, but the true question will be if it results in over-saturation as a side effect. 

CONS

• Doesn't ever really warrant a reason to exist. Feels like filler where filler wasn't needed
• Sufficiently good in most everything but categorically great in nothing (except maybe the cast)
• Drags near the end
• Paul Bettany's villain is one of the most forgettable in the entire franchise and several other non-key characters are dreadfully one-note

PROS

• Entertaining throughout with some minor laughs here and there and some cool action setpieces. Feels like a mix between Indiana Jones and Star Wars
• Fantastic cast with Ehrenreich, Glover, and Clarke all easily elevating the film with their dedication to their characters
• A lot of their interactions are fun too. Han and Chewie or Han and Lando leads to some memorable scenes that have only been alluded to in the past 
• No Skywalkers or Death Stars to be found anywhere :-) 
• Awesome special effects
• Great original score
• Adds interesting context to one of the franchise's favorite characters
• A last-minute cameo piqued my interest and I'd be interested to follow these characters in more adventures simply to see what comes of it

Rath's Review Score | 7.5/10