Solo: A Star Wars Story Review

Solo is a film directed by Ron Howard. Amid the controversies surrounding the making of this film, I was in doubt whether this film will be good or not. The trailers looked OK and I decided not to raise any of my expectations. After watching the film, I can say that it was pretty entertaining.

Plot: Explores the adventures of young Solo when he meets his friends during a heist within the criminal underworld.

Story and direction: No one is a stranger from the troubles when this film was made. And this is very clearly visible during the course of the film. Some story-lines feel very under-developed and half-hearted. The story has quite a promise to be improved on as it was looking promising. But I guess Disney opted to make it a money making vehicle. The film has fantastic action scenes and was excellent when watched in 3D. I have loved Han Solo in the original films and that’s because he was characterized so nicely. You kinda feel for him. But here they for opt the safe route which has no risks. Although this film does have some moment, I wanted more of them because that’s what makes Star Wars exceptional. It adds nothing to the Star Wars universe to make it special. It was good to listen to John Williams’ score in between the films but I did think that John Powell also has done an excellent job on his score as well.

Performances: Let’s be honest. No matter how many actors come and go, no one plays Han Solo as great as Harrison Ford. But if I judge independently, Alden Ehrenreich did a fine job. Woody Harrelson also did a fine job although I didn’t get the mentor part that was in the promos. Emilia Clarke was good but I wanted her character explored much more. Donald Glover was perfect. Each time he was on the screen, the scene was lightened up. Thandie Newton and Paul Bettany were hugely under-utilized.

Favorite Scene: It would be the first interaction between Chewbacca and Han. That scene showed why the bond between them was so strong and why they have that kind of respect for each other.

Verdict: I have no problems with Disney bringing Star Wars’ films each year. But just making them money spinning ventures is. I hope that Disney takes this as a warning signal and invest as much quality onto these Anthology films. Out of the 2 anthology films that have come I would say that this one is the weakest. I had a good time but that is not just enough in case if a Star Wars film. I want the experience to be remembered by me. I want to rejoice the experience of seeing the Star Wars film.

I am going with a 7/10.