'SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY' (2018) REVIEW

This film was fun and an adventure. There are many things that I loved even though I was one of those people who went in to watch it as 'just-another-film' rather than my having a 'this-is-freakin-star-wars' moment.

I was still excited as I am a huge Sci-Fi fan but I knew this was more of a heist film. Regardless, I still enjoyed the space adventure aspect which includes its use of visual effects and PRACTICAL effects/props. Director, Ron Howard said during an interview that the cast had the opportunity to interact with the set props. For example, they didn't have to visualise a hyperspace scene during filming as they were able to see on a screen in front of them on set during the 'hyperspace' moment. It's a shame that many sets do not use a lot of props and practical effects because of advanced technology and the use of digital effects. I think Star Wars do actors a favour and is nostalgic for the reason that there are props still being used and it aids actors and for them to visually see what is going on during production.

Alden Ehrenreich actually did a really good portrayal of Han Solo. All the hate he received even before teasers were released were unnecessary. Alden did not do an impression of Han Solo but portray his own version of the young scoundrel. He did what he thought was right of the character and it definitely did not disappoint. He was most of all, funny. He does not need to look like Harrison Ford to play Han Solo; he proved to be great at the role. Without him, I think I wouldn't have enjoyed the movie as much as I do now.

I was really excited for Donald Glover to portray Lando Calrissian. I thought he was really good but Alden took the spotlight in my opinion. Many have said that Lando stole the show but I would disagree as we didn't see too much of him. He was a major character during the 2nd act but again, he wasn't in for some of that scene which was a turning point of the film. I thought Donald was a perfect young Lando; his character development and his relationship with other characters like Han Solo and L3 was spot on, especially Solo as they were having frenemy moments which were funny.

As for L3, I did find her funny. Even my younger brother was laughing at the way she talks to the other characters. She speaks her mind even though she's a droid. However, I felt her character was just there to make a political statement which was not necessary. We understand she was protesting for droid rights but that was all we knew about her. Apart from her unnecessary romance with Lando, their friendship was all that was needed.

Qi'ra was an interesting character. Emilia Clarke who portrays her, presents mystery to the character and as an audience member, you don't know what her next move will be - is she good or is she bad? However, I did not understand the point of a love relationship between herself and Han. We already know that Han ends up with Leia in the original trilogy. In my opinion, it would've been better if they were just close friends.

On the topic of feminism, Qi'ra got a lot of hate due to the fact that she can fight. Feminism shouldn't be a negative thing in this film as it wasn't promoted like in the sequel trilogy. I understand that feminism was a major concern in the sequels because it did not make the plot any better - making the male characters look like idiots and making wrong decisions within the plot. However, for Solo, Qi'ra was portrayed as a strong character. If a guy did the things she did, no one would complain because it is conventional for male characters to be strong 'fighters' but since it is a woman - "feminism is taking over"? I really liked that she wasn't a stereotypical female lead who needed to be rescued. She is very capable of looking after herself.

I didn't understand who Enfys Nest was. Only during the 1st act when her 'gang' were up against Han Solo and his crew, was probably the only part she had a point in the movie. The idea of a rebellion in the film was not needed as that was the main franchise narrative. We don't need too many of the same story lines. Therefore, her part during the last act was unnecessary but I still liked her character I'm general and the plot twist. I think she could have had a better story.

Paul Bettany is winning in both Marvel and Star Wars at the same time. He is living the dream, my dream to be specific.

The film explains too many things that was shown or mentioned in the original trilogy which was nostalgic but not needed at the same time. Some parts were really cool like the kessel run and the relationship Han Solo and Lando Calrissian before the events of 'Empire Strikes Back' (1980).

I've noticed a lot of flaws with many of these characters but it doesn't mean they are terrible characters. I really do like them especially Qi'ra and I do find L3 hilarious. By far, Alden was a really good actor for the role of Han Solo. All these characters fit in the narrative and that makes the whole film great.

I still don't understand why Star Wars fans boycotted this film because it is not like 'The Last Jedi' (2017). It is more of a space western film than a Sci-Fi film. It does not take the space fun and adventure away nor is it different from the Star Wars films we know. The main criticism for episode 8 was that it was too different and therefore, fans were angry. There is nothing wrong with experimenting and I still enjoyed TLJ even though I wished Luke's character didn't finish off like that but I still liked it.

'Solo' is a heist film which I also love and people who boycotted this film are missing out. Alden and Donald are getting praise for their acting now and Ron Howard has always been a great director. This film is worth a watch, definitely!

I enjoyed the action and adventure. My favourite parts were Han's relationship with Chewbacca and Lando. Most memorable moment was the plot twist at the end and the cameo appearance from Darth Maul, a beloved character. I love the link it made to the prequels.

IMDb rating: 7.1/10

My rating: 7.5/10

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Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom review will be posted very soon!

Adding to the list of posts I want to write about, I might add a music playlist of movie soundtracks; from any decades and of any genres. 👋 But it may not be happening anytime soon. Just a thought.

Sabina 🦁