It’s been days since I attended an event I will never, ever forget, the SOLO premiere. Though I won’t divulge any spoilers (you need to enjoy this fully), I’m sharing my Star Wars SOLO movie review – what you really want to know before walking into that theater.
(Disney invited me to California on an all-expenses paid trip, in exchange for our coverage of events. As always, all opinions are my own.)
Star Wars’ SOLO Movie Review (NO SPOILERS)
Here’s what you want to know and yes, you will want to buy your tickets now. Having seen this movie twice (SO FAR), you don’t want to miss out, if only for the jaw-dropping moments.
Does Alden Ehrenreich live up to Han Solo?
Unequivocally YES!
Truth be told, I was worried before I walked in the theater. I mean, how can one live up to Han Solo? Harrison Ford is a legend and for Alden to take on this role was both brave and refreshing.
With a bit of guidance from Ford himself, along with master Director Ron Howard, they pull it off.
No worries, people. No worries.
Ehrenreich has the good looks. He has the swagger. He has the humor. But most importantly, he has the charm.
You see, Han Solo didn’t get to be the cocky, smuggler, only in it for himself man overnight. So the beauty in Ehrenreich’s performance is that we actually see a young Han (even before he was Solo) come into his own, fighting for survival, and motivated by something more than himself. What is that? You’ll have to watch to find out.
Do we get answers about Han? Missing pieces?
Overall, SOLO: A Star Wars Movie is fun. Some of the greatest moments are simple statements in the film that fill in missing pieces we’ve had over the years, while others are events we can see with with our own eyes now and experience firsthand.
That is fun. That is SOLO in a nutshell.
How did Han and Chewie meet? Yes, you’ll see with your own eyes.
How did Han get his hands on the Millenium Falcon? Yes, you’ll watch with excitement.
There are others. Oh, there are others. You’ll love every minute of those moments.
Since we know the future, are there surprises? Jaw dropping moments.
I recall one moment in the trailer, where Chewie seems to be in danger of getting hurt, or worse. My family and I all laughed when we saw that, because, well, we know how this story ends, right?
We’ve watched for decades as films from A New Hope to The Last Jedi take us on this epic journey watching our beloved heroes and villains too.
But do we know the story? Yes and No.
Don’t think you know the story from the trailers. You don’t.
Don’t think you know how this story ends. You won’t.
Jaw dropping moment? Yes! Did the crowd make a sound? Yes, though I won’t tell you what kind.
That my friends is the beauty of this story. Twists. Turns. Betrayals. Friendships. It’s why we have always loved Star Wars. It’s why we’ll love SOLO.
Is it appropriate for children?
The official rating is PG-13.
As I always say, you know your children best. If your child has seen previous Star Wars films, SOLO contains nothing that will be a surprise to them.
The rating is for epic battle scenes. Violence in a nutshell. The usual Star Wars kind, nothing more, nothing less.
Having seen the movie twice, I recall two kisses, nothing sexual or inappropriate at all.
My 10 year old saw the movie yesterday, and I’m very careful with what she watches. To put it in perspective, I skip certain scenes in a few Marvel movies.
Who steals the show?
While I can’t tell you the why’s, I most certainly can tell you that I am impressed by the entire cast. Most new to the franchise, each and every one of them brings something necessary to this film. Lando (played by the talented Donald Glover) is hilarious and shows sides to him we don’t expect, stealing the show in gambling scenes and on the Millenium Falcon.
Qi’ra (played by Game of Thrones legend Emilia Clarke) is one you will instantly like. Tobias Beckett (played by Woody Harrelson) is ruthless, yet a guiding force to young Han. Chewie, well, no explanation needed.
Perhaps the most surprising character to me, who really steals the show in her scenes, is L3-37, played by the talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She’s probably the most human-like droid you’ll ever meet, a feminine one at that, with attitude! I adored her.
What did Harrison Ford think about it?
Well, see for yourself, as Harrison Ford was actually down the hall from ME on Saturday, surprising Alden Ehrenreich with his thoughts on the movie…
To get his blessing first, and his approval afterwards. Alden is on cloud nine – and I’ll tell you more about that when I share my interview with him on Thursday!
Are we left with any questions?
Yes! I hate to tell you this, but you don’t know the story. That’s good, right?
Ron Howard has definitely left me questioning (and I headed right to my old favorite Star Wars movies to check on a couple things, to see if I remembered them correctly).
I believe we will see another film to pick up where this one left off. Did I ask Ron Howard during our interview that question? No…it’s time for SOLO to fly on its’ own. But mark my words, they will be back!
About SOLO: A Star Wars Story
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 befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes. The film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Paul Bettany.
SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY opens in theatres May 25th.
Take a look…
Visit the SOLO website and Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
SOLO Premiere:
Check out my recap of the SOLO premiere – the celebrities, the after-party, and the Millenium Falcon details!
Now for some extra Star Wars fun…
EXTRA FUN: Get in the Star Wars mood by creating these incredible Star Wars Themed OREO Cookie Balls and have a little Wookie fun with a Wookie Milkshake from my friend Julie!
I can’t wait to go see it again.
I went to the local screening just so I could Choya! Now waiting for May 25th so I can go AGAIN!!!
OOOOOHHH!! My husband and I were just talking about buying tickets and making a date night out of it. I guess there’s no question (as if there ever was!) now!
No question! Go! Go! Go!