Review by Claire Hoenecke

Solo: A Star Wars Story is non-stop fun from start to finish.

Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo has the same charismatic swagger that Harrison Ford brought to the role. Ehrenreich owns the role and demolishes any doubts fans had concerning his ability to pull off the iconic role. Donald Glover is brilliant Han Solo’s fellow outlaw and frenemy Lando Calrissian. He nails Calrissian’s sophisticated arrogance while allowing for moments of true tenderness and vulnerability. It is a joy to watch these two actors and the rest of Solo’s talented cast embark on their journey.

Solo: A Star Wars Story is just that: a story.

It is not the classical space opera that the classic Star Wars Saga is nor does it try to be. Solo is gritty, bold, and just plain fun. It fits perfectly within the elaborate tapestry of the Star Wars, but it does not fade into the background. The writers stay true to the characterization of these classic characters and give them the origins that will keep audiences in rapt attention for the film’s entire runtime.

There are plenty of nods to the original trilogy and to the Star Wars Expanded Universe, but they do not detract from the plot or interrupt the film’s flow. For all the film’s greatness, the writer’s rob it of the explosive climax it deserves in order to set up a sequel. However, there is enough heart-pounding and hilarious action in this film to make up for its slightly disappointing ending.

Rating: 7/10

Solo: A Star Wars Story is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action/violence.