Sunday, May 27, 2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Long ago in a galaxy far away, were two pals kicking intergalactic butt and saving the galaxy. For over forty years cinema has given us the dynamic duo of Han Solo and his wookie partner-in-crime, Chewie aka Chewbacca. This film gives us an inside look of how the title character began and how the friendship of every ones favorite wookie and Han Solo came to be. Solo is surely to be one of many exciting spin off films in the world of "Star Wars".

Lurking from not so far away, is controversy. The early stages of the film experienced drama within the original helmers. "Jump Street" directors Christopher Miller and Phil Lord were originally tapped to direct the film but got fired for creative differences. Ron Howard was the replacement and oh man does Howard do this film justice.

Ron Howard is a director I couldn't imagine making a "Star Wars" film. But after seeing his first go at a Star Wars film, I was pleasantly surprised at Howard's vision and style. He makes the film with your typical iconic music and special effects along with the Millennium Falcon. Howard crafts by all means necessary, an exciting and exhilarating venture.

This cast is nothing short of fun. Playing young Solo, is Alden Ehrenreich. His portrayal of the iconic Harrison Ford character is awesome and memorable. Ehrenreich makes Solo a stand out character, rightfully so because it's the title character. He has a tough act to follow, and he makes out an impressive portrayal of the beloved character. Rounding out the cast:"Game of Thrones" Emilia Clarke, "Avengers" Paul Bettany and Hunger Games' Woody Harrelson. They are an exciting group in this backstory film of one of Cinema's most beloved characters.

Also featured in the film is a young Lando Calrissian, the iconic Billy Dee Williams character. Playing young Lando is Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino. In all honesty, young Lando is a selfish guy. But that doesn't stop Lando. Glover makes due as the iconic character in a love-hate kind of way.

Some of the best things in this movie are the small things. One of the most surprising things this film had to offer was humor. It offers humor in gabs at its characters. While also providing the audience with laughter not typically seen in the "Star Wars" films.  Standing out for me as the best parts of the film was Han and Chewies first encounter. That scene alone was the best part of the movie for me.

What's a "Star Wars"  movie without John Williams mesmerizing scores? Considered it not a Star Wars film at all. But I am so glad that this film has those iconic melodies. Scoring this new film is John Powell. Powell, with the assistantance of Williams, crafts a big and melodic sound for the film that keeps the film zooming in hyperspeed.

If there's any negatives about this movie, it's a useless droid. L3-37, a new droid not seen in other films in the space saga. L3 for short, makes this film annoying even without trying to. Her presence is not needed. We would have been better off if C-P30  was in this film instead of the annoying L3.

You can bet this film is a showstopper. This film in all honesty, is way better than the sorry-excuse of a spin off that is "Rogue One". The two films are unrelated but are complete opposites. One, being an enjoyable film (this one) and the other being complete trash. For over forty years, cinema has given audiences world wide one of the most iconic friendships of two amazing characters. This film doesn't disappoint in entertaining and giving audiences a first look at what is to come for the two friends. Even if that means including a useless character in the film that trys so effortlessly to make the film go from entertaining to boring.


Rate: 🍿🍿🍿🍿4 out of 5 popcorn buckets

Director: Ron Howard 

Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover and Paul Bettany

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sci fi action violence) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 15 Minutes

Synopsis: Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in Solo: A Star Wars Story, an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga's most unlikely heroes.



Photo Courtsey of Lucasfilms Ltd.




















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