In many ways, Solo: A Star Wars Story feels like a sci-fi adaptation of Casablanca. Boy loves a girl. They get separated. Boy tries to rescue the girl. The girl shows up unexpectedly.
The main problem with Solo, and there are a number of problems, is that it tries to connect too many connect-the-fan-service-dots, that it deviates from the central arc. Another main problem is that it reveals the mysteries and scruffiness of Han Solo in matter-of-fact ordinary scenes. Perhaps the film would've been more successful if it is told from a third perspective. Possibly Lando Calrissian, who is one of the best things about the film.
Considering all the production troubles, it is a small miracle that Solo is as coherent and watchable as it is. It mostly avoids cringeworthy moments (with an exception of L3-3L) and for the most part, feels fresh.
The film has few heist scenes, but they come across as ill conceived and poorly executed. I think they would've been a lot more successful with Ocean's 11 style story telling.
All in all, I think I enjoyed the film. There are several sprinkles of great potentials, such as Qi'Ra, Beckett, and Lando. Sadly, the film focuses too much on Han, without developing his arc and transformation.
Review by nutmacBlockedParent2018-05-29T17:01:58Z
In many ways, Solo: A Star Wars Story feels like a sci-fi adaptation of Casablanca. Boy loves a girl. They get separated. Boy tries to rescue the girl. The girl shows up unexpectedly.
The main problem with Solo, and there are a number of problems, is that it tries to connect too many connect-the-fan-service-dots, that it deviates from the central arc. Another main problem is that it reveals the mysteries and scruffiness of Han Solo in matter-of-fact ordinary scenes. Perhaps the film would've been more successful if it is told from a third perspective. Possibly Lando Calrissian, who is one of the best things about the film.
Considering all the production troubles, it is a small miracle that Solo is as coherent and watchable as it is. It mostly avoids cringeworthy moments (with an exception of L3-3L) and for the most part, feels fresh.
The film has few heist scenes, but they come across as ill conceived and poorly executed. I think they would've been a lot more successful with Ocean's 11 style story telling.
All in all, I think I enjoyed the film. There are several sprinkles of great potentials, such as Qi'Ra, Beckett, and Lando. Sadly, the film focuses too much on Han, without developing his arc and transformation.