Solo: A Star Wars Story

Released 25th May 2018, Solo: A Star Wars Story follows Han Solo as he orientates the galaxy’s criminal underworld. Being set in the Star Wars universe, it is able to both draw on pre-existing characters to give life to while also expanding the universe through the film’s more nuanced, grimy atmosphere. Whilst this atmosphere is able to establish a unique identity amidst the Star Wars canon, the grimy atmosphere sometimes works as a detriment with its dark lighting which obscures several scenes here and there. The film decides to tackle the ideas of morality and loyalty through its array of morally-grey gangsters and street-urchins.

Alden Ehrenreich delivers on a cocky, somewhat-naïve Han Solo; he encapsulates the poise and gestures of Harrison Ford’s original template with ease while also giving his own take on this younger version of the cinematic icon. Donald Glover also brings a natural, and much needed, suave to Lando Calrissian which makes him a joy to watch at all times. Emilia Clarke is also quite good as Qur’an; she has solid chemistry with Ehrenreich and provides a pleasant demeanour. However, her writing is rather hit and miss with simply referring to her tragic past without much insight; that and the fact that she is treated like a damsel in distress for most of the runtime. Woody Harrelson and Paul Bettany do well as Beckett and Drydon Vos, respectively, with their misleading personalities which make you unsure of their true intent through the narrative.

Whilst Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s L3-37 droid is enjoyable enough, she often feels like ‘political messaging: the character’; something which sucks the audience out of the film. Naturally, being Star Wars (with a Disney budget), the visual effects are astonishing and practically flawless all around; costumes and makeup too! It is key to note though that the soundtrack is mediocre. It reuses tracks from the wider franchise really well but anything else is either melodramatic or forgettable. Overall, Solo: A Star Wars Story is surprisingly good with a decent cast and fun narrative.