Solo
3/5
Directed by: Ron Howard
Rated: PG-13
In the deepest far reaches of space only the most daring pilots fly. The infinite black skies are home to scoundrels, treacherous rogues and harsh environments. Ordinary pilots face death against these almost unnavigable dangers. Anyone with a brain stem would never voyage into the galaxy's deadly outer rim, if it were not for the valuable resources found there and the crime lords who will pay to get them. Though the rewards from lawlessly venturing in the outer rim are plenty, the risk of losing life, limb, your ship and not getting paid is high. The odds are never in anyone's favor, but there's a pilot who doesn't want to hear them. He's going to become the best pilot in the galaxy, and his name is Han Solo.
Solo is the next exciting adventure in the Star Wars universe. The titular role is played surprisingly well by Alden Ehrenreich. He offers charm and charisma consistently showing faint glimmers of his future self, while also giving attention and weight to his current self. Along Solo's journey he encounters a gallery of different characters. Joonas Suotamo plays Solo's Wookie companion, Chewbacca, with a level of humor and heart crammed into one walking carpet. Emilia Clarke plays Solo's dear friend Qi'ra, making the character appear interesting but somewhat flat. Woody Harrelson plays the outlaw Beckett, in a careless manner making it possible for some audience members to forget he is in the film. Paul Bettany offers an intriguing portrayal of crime lord Dryden Vos, but his lack of depth and control of a room mark him as a lesser threat. Donald Glover plays the galaxy's most charming swindler, Lando Calrissian, but his performance seems to ride by on sweet looks, insatiable coolness and looking like he knows what he's doing. Although Solo is lead by an alright cast, only performers playing characters attached to future versions in the Star Wars saga give iconic performances, because they adopt their future characters' traits.
Solo is the next exciting adventure in the Star Wars universe. The titular role is played surprisingly well by Alden Ehrenreich. He offers charm and charisma consistently showing faint glimmers of his future self, while also giving attention and weight to his current self. Along Solo's journey he encounters a gallery of different characters. Joonas Suotamo plays Solo's Wookie companion, Chewbacca, with a level of humor and heart crammed into one walking carpet. Emilia Clarke plays Solo's dear friend Qi'ra, making the character appear interesting but somewhat flat. Woody Harrelson plays the outlaw Beckett, in a careless manner making it possible for some audience members to forget he is in the film. Paul Bettany offers an intriguing portrayal of crime lord Dryden Vos, but his lack of depth and control of a room mark him as a lesser threat. Donald Glover plays the galaxy's most charming swindler, Lando Calrissian, but his performance seems to ride by on sweet looks, insatiable coolness and looking like he knows what he's doing. Although Solo is lead by an alright cast, only performers playing characters attached to future versions in the Star Wars saga give iconic performances, because they adopt their future characters' traits.
The best this movie has to offer is its action sequences. Though the pacing and dialogue between these scenes can drag, Solo's adventurous aspects are adrenaline pumping. Shootouts between the film's heroes and their foes are full of energy and punch. Gambling matches between unlikely allies are fast paced and fascinating. Better than all of these are Solo's chase scenes. From speeder cars racing through the streets to one really lucky spaceship soaring through a storm of trouble, Solo's chase scenes deliver nonstop thrills, laughs and excitement, rivaling those from other Star Wars films. As Solo is aware audiences will not worry whether Solo dies or not, as his character is alive in later Star Wars films, the film makes up for this, by placing Solo in impossible danger. As audience members not ask, "Will he survive?" the film makes them ask, "How will he survive?" This not only makes Solo's action scenes memorable, but also makes them worth the price of admission.
While Solo is an adventurous romp audiences can enjoy on its own, it is apart of the larger Star Wars saga. Any entry in this massive series will naturally be met with expectations. In comparison with previous Star Wars films, Solo's experience has good pay off for fans, including dialogue, sight gags and running jokes similar to those found in the other Star Wars films. Solo even features a high spirited original score from John Powell echoing John William's grand orchestral style. Solo also includes an original composition from John Williams that stands alongside his other great themes. Unlike other Star Wars films, Solo does not have the depth or story richness its counterparts do. While the film's story does a good job leading into its next action sequence, the parts in between feel slow and repetitive. Couple this with an ending stunning and confusing audience members, and it adds up to Solo being an unimpactful film. If Solo was not a Star Wars film, audiences would not consider watching it. Since Solo is lucky enough to be apart of the Star Wars saga, it has the budget to create its incredible action set pieces and it has the familiarity that any fan of the franchise will be able to jump into it and can have a blast experiencing it in theatres.
Verdict: Solo is a fun adventurous romp with well intentioned characters, being placed in daring situations and dangerous chase scenes, altogether offering pay off and possible enjoyment for Star Wars fans.
While Solo is an adventurous romp audiences can enjoy on its own, it is apart of the larger Star Wars saga. Any entry in this massive series will naturally be met with expectations. In comparison with previous Star Wars films, Solo's experience has good pay off for fans, including dialogue, sight gags and running jokes similar to those found in the other Star Wars films. Solo even features a high spirited original score from John Powell echoing John William's grand orchestral style. Solo also includes an original composition from John Williams that stands alongside his other great themes. Unlike other Star Wars films, Solo does not have the depth or story richness its counterparts do. While the film's story does a good job leading into its next action sequence, the parts in between feel slow and repetitive. Couple this with an ending stunning and confusing audience members, and it adds up to Solo being an unimpactful film. If Solo was not a Star Wars film, audiences would not consider watching it. Since Solo is lucky enough to be apart of the Star Wars saga, it has the budget to create its incredible action set pieces and it has the familiarity that any fan of the franchise will be able to jump into it and can have a blast experiencing it in theatres.
Verdict: Solo is a fun adventurous romp with well intentioned characters, being placed in daring situations and dangerous chase scenes, altogether offering pay off and possible enjoyment for Star Wars fans.
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