Move over Harrison Ford, Alden Ehrenreich is coming in for a landing. An intergalactic star was born in the most recent installment of the famed “Star Wars” franchise. Oscar-winner Ron Howard’s look at the history behind one of George Lucas’ most beloved characters, gives audiences a long-awaited peek into the life of Han Solo and how the hero’s purpose came to be.
Of course, the great Lawrence Kasdan, writer of 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” 1983’s “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” and 1980’s “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back,” brings his own magic touch to “Solo.” His son, Jonathan, also helped pen the project. Lawrence Kasdan’s incredible work on movies such as “The Big Chill” (a film where a young Jonathan can be seen in front of the camera) is indicative of the deeply-layered characters he is just so good at constructing.
Alden Ehrenreich as “Han Solo”
Along with Ehrenreich, who stars in the main role, the cast is joined by Emilia Clarke (Qi’ra), Woody Harrelson (Beckett), Donald Glover (Lando Calrissian), Thandie Newton (Val) and Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca). Phoebe Waller-Bridge adds some sassy flair as L3-37. Paul Bettany moves from “Infinity War” to “Star Wars,” this time as bad guy Dryden Vos. While (get ready for a major spoiler) Maul (yes, Darth Maul) played by Ray Park/voiced by Sam Witwer, sets up teasers for potential storylines most fans thought to be long gone.
Donald Glover as “Lando Calrissian”
Woody Harrelson as “Beckett”
Paul Bettany & director, Ron Howard
Emilia Clarke as “Qi’ra”
Maul’s (now very talked-about) cameo comes near the end of the two-hour and fifteen-minute adventure. The surprise appearance caught viewers off guard, as the last time we saw the character was in 1999’s “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” when Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) supposedly took him out. Of course, the “Star Wars” universe goes beyond live-action, so fans who follow closely, know Maul still exists in the animated world. As to what this means for the future of “Star Wars” crossovers, only time will tell.
In 2012, when Disney first bought Lucasfilm, it opened up the floodgates for new twists on old tales and this film is no exception. The plot, while rather straightforward, allows for some major character building and a few pretty significant revelations. During the boy loses girl, boy tries to rescue girl, boy finds girl, boy discovers himself in the process saga, audiences learn a lot about Han Solo and his longtime comrades. As this is an origin story, we discover how our hero earned his name, we learn about his endearing first encounter with our favorite Wookie, Chewie, we get a look into the incredible beginnings of the Millennium Falcon and we meet Lando. Glover’s portrayal of the role that once belonged to Billy Dee Williams added a certain humor and familiarity to the film that was very much a highlight.
Joonas Suotamo as “Chewbacca”, Harrelson, Clarke, & Ehrenreich aboard the Millenium Falcon.
Overall, the movie takes viewers on an enjoyable journey. It’s filled with several aha moments and manages to sprinkle little bits of nostalgia throughout. There are cool Easter eggs, fun references, and plenty of inside jokes that will delight any real fan. As the second in the anthology series (after 2016’s ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’), “Solo” follows suit in the standalone theme. Not typical of the giant blockbuster archetypes “Star Wars” audiences may be used to, “Solo” takes its gamble on the relationships it shines a light on. To some, it’s about an intergalactic heist where one learns to walk the line between being a gangster and being a good guy. To others, it’s a true love story. However, at its core, most audiences will likely find that it’s really about friendship. Witnessing the bond between Han and Chewie is enough to make you leave the theater and want to immediately buy a Hallmark card for your oldest friend as a reminder of just how much you love them.
