The Star Wars universe has of history and a lot of mythology. For fans, it also presents a lot of questions extending far beyond the films. What’s a Wampa? Where’d that blue milk come from? Who are Rey’s parents? Who shot first? Why Jar Jar Binks?
“Solo: A Star Wars Story,” or as it could also be called, “Hey, where did the Millennium Falcon Come From?” is finally some clarity on a famous Han Solo quote from the first Star Wars film way back in 1977. After Luke Skywalker called the iconic spaceship a “piece of junk,” Han bragged, “It's the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.”
So, what’s a parsec? What’s the Kessel Run? It’s time to find out and it’s time to get some more backstory on one of the most popular characters in film history: Han Solo.
“Solo” is the second side-story Star Wars film following 2016’s “Rogue One.” And, like that film, there was a bit of trouble in production. After many weeks of filming, director Ron Howard jumped in to finish the film after “The LEGO Movie” directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were expelled from helming the production over the oft-cited “creative differences.” And, like “Rogue One,” there was really nothing to worry about, we’ve got another ridiculously fun Star Wars movie. Maybe the most fun.
We really don’t get a lot of early information about kid Han Solo. The film starts with a young-adult Han, played by Alden Ehrenreich schemes to break out of a labor camp and take his friend Qi-ra (Emilia Clarke) with him. Han gets separated from Qi’ra and has to fend for himself as a fugitive.
Ehrenreich is not a dead ringer for Harrison Ford in either looks or delivery, but his tone and attitude feel right for Han Solo. He charming and entertaining, exactly what Han should be.
And who is Han without his furry Wookie pal Chewbacca? If you've seen the trailers, posters, or press junkets, you know Chewy is a big part of "Solo." Get ready to see a tougher, rougher side of the lovable fuzzball.
Emilia Clarke’s performance adds just the right amount of heroism and mystery. Her character has an interesting narrative arc that can’t really be discussed without giving too much away. Let’s just move on…
As the story starts to gain momentum, a lone Han hooks up with a band of criminals in hopes of eventually getting back to the love of his life. Woody Harrelson plays Beckett, the group’s leader, determined to pay off debt, cash-in and get out. The film has tones reminiscent of American westerns and classic Japanese cinema.
The bandits carry out a stunning action scene aboard a crazy monorail-type cargo train. The action is beat-perfect and full of thrills. It’s an old-fashioned train robbery but with blasters and spaceships. An absolute slam-bang sequence that’s chill-inducing and pure movie magic.
Keep an eye out for Rio Durand, a multi-armed alien voiced by Jon Favreau. He’s one of the coolest and most charming new characters introduced in the film. And that name… any Duran Duran fans out there? And, Westworld’s Thandie Newton (Val) introduces yet another Star Wars character worthy of her own lore and history. New questions, everyone!
Eventually, Han crosses paths with the legendary, Lando Calrissian, previously made famous by Billy Dee Williams in the “Empire Strikes Back.” This time, Lando is played by the wildly popular and super-zeitgeisty Donald Glover. Glover almost feels like he’s channeling Williams, but makes the character wholly his charming own. Yes, we really need a Lando movie.
And what’s a Star Wars movie without a dastardly villain? This time, it in the form of Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany), the man pulling the strings behind the group of thieves. He evil, he’s backstabbing and he’s got the coolest space yacht you’ve ever seen. Bettany is always awesome and you can rest assured, he brings something new to the Star Wars galaxy.
Also new to this universe is composer John Powell. His “Solo” score works best when it sticks to brand new original pieces. The music only stutters when it punctuates scenes with John William’s original theme song as if to say, “this is where something awesome is happening, pay attention!” it’s a little too much and a little corny.
The special effects are fantastic. Just like “The Last Jedi,” there are tons of new creatures, new sets, and new spaceships. Many of them look like practical effects and physical objects actually on set. Solo’s world feels less computer-generated and slightly more old-school. It’s awesome.
Prepare yourselves, you’re not going to get a lot of jaw-dropping revelations in “Solo.” There are a lot of “fill-in-the-blanks” moments for long-term fans and easy-on-the-eyes entertainment for everyone else. It’s a LOT a fun, a lot of laughs and a lot action. It’s exactly what a Star Wars film should be: wonderful Summer entertainment.
Four Sabacc cards out of Five
