After the huge disappointment that was "The Last Jedi", I'm really glad to say that "Solo" is once again a Star Wars movie that captures the spirit of Star Wars! It doesn't try to "kill the past", but shows a decent amount of respect for its original characters.
Alden Ehrenreich does a good job as Han Solo, though - of course - he is no Harrison Ford. But it doesn't take long until you accept him as a younger Han Solo. Donald Glover, however, is brilliant as Lando Calrissian and truly embodies the smooth playboy with his extravagant clothing style. I loved every second he was on screen. Woody Harrelson was also great as Han's mentor - a role very similar to the one he played in "The Hunger Games". The only cast member who wasn't able to convince entirely was Emilia Clarke as Qi'ra, though I don't know if it's her fault or the script's fault. Too much about her character was left in the dark and even in the end I never understood her goals or motivations.
The movie is an action-packed adventure and it never gets boring. However, sometimes the action gets in the way of the character development. As an audience, we have too little time to get to know the new characters in the beginning, which makes it difficult to sympathize with them during action scenes.
The established characters, on the other hand, are all beautifully portrayed and there are some great Star Wars moments in this movie that fans have imagined since back in 1977. Some might call it fan service, but these scenes are never over the top or in-your-face, but well woven into the story.
The humor is also dead-on! I laughed a lot during the screening and I can't remember a single joke that didn't work. Most importantly, there is no self-referential humor and people also don't act out of character just for the sake of a joke (as was the case in "The Last Jedi"). I especially enjoyed the numerous instances where Han tries to talk himself out of dire situations by making ludicrous claims or excuses. Typically Han!
Though "Solo" surely isn't a revelation and can't make up for the mess that is the sequel trilogy, the movie has given me hope again that Lucasfilm might be heading into the right direction in the future. The atmosphere in "Solo" just felt right, as did the characters. The "Star Wars feeling" has returned!
Alden Ehrenreich does a good job as Han Solo, though - of course - he is no Harrison Ford. But it doesn't take long until you accept him as a younger Han Solo. Donald Glover, however, is brilliant as Lando Calrissian and truly embodies the smooth playboy with his extravagant clothing style. I loved every second he was on screen. Woody Harrelson was also great as Han's mentor - a role very similar to the one he played in "The Hunger Games". The only cast member who wasn't able to convince entirely was Emilia Clarke as Qi'ra, though I don't know if it's her fault or the script's fault. Too much about her character was left in the dark and even in the end I never understood her goals or motivations.
The movie is an action-packed adventure and it never gets boring. However, sometimes the action gets in the way of the character development. As an audience, we have too little time to get to know the new characters in the beginning, which makes it difficult to sympathize with them during action scenes.
The established characters, on the other hand, are all beautifully portrayed and there are some great Star Wars moments in this movie that fans have imagined since back in 1977. Some might call it fan service, but these scenes are never over the top or in-your-face, but well woven into the story.
The humor is also dead-on! I laughed a lot during the screening and I can't remember a single joke that didn't work. Most importantly, there is no self-referential humor and people also don't act out of character just for the sake of a joke (as was the case in "The Last Jedi"). I especially enjoyed the numerous instances where Han tries to talk himself out of dire situations by making ludicrous claims or excuses. Typically Han!
Though "Solo" surely isn't a revelation and can't make up for the mess that is the sequel trilogy, the movie has given me hope again that Lucasfilm might be heading into the right direction in the future. The atmosphere in "Solo" just felt right, as did the characters. The "Star Wars feeling" has returned!
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