Solo Shows the Man and the Icon #movie_review

It’s always a challenge to go back and introduce the world to a favorite character, but Solo does a nice job blending history of Han with the icon.
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Solo is the latest in the Star Wars’ franchise and features the origin story of braggart flyboy, Han Solo. After a life as a robber on a mining colony, Han escapes only to enter the Empire’s fleet, dreaming of becoming a pilot. Unfortunately, his inability to follow rules puts him on the front line where he meets Beckett, a smuggler out for a big score.

​Unfortunately the score goes sour and Han finds himself face to face with the woman, Qi’ra, (Emilia Clarke) who had captured his heart in the colony. He’d planned on always coming back for her, but now she’s the right hand man for the head of a big crime syndicate run by Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany). Because they failed to grab the highly profitable fuel, Beckett, Han and the rest of his team have a new plan to score unrefined fuel. But they need a ship and a boatload of luck.

​Solo gives the viewer a look at how Chewy and Han meet, as well as how Han gets his hands on the Millennium Falcon. Many of the classic Han lines are delivered with a straight face by Alden Ehrenreich who brings his own style to the Harrison Ford role. In fact, Ford reportedly enjoyed the new movie. But it’s a challenge to wrap your mind around someone other than Ford in the iconic role.

​A droid once again steals the show. L3-37 is Lando Calrissian’s (Donald Glover) co-pilot but seeks equal rights for droids and isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. She is brash and unafraid. There are also cameos galore. So keep your eyes peeled. From the original C3-PO actor, Anthony Daniels, who has been in every Star Wars movie to John Favreau from Marvel fame. My favorite was Warwick Davis (Willow fame). After all, both were Ron Howard and George Lucas movies. And which movie would be complete without a cameo by one of Ron’s family?? Clint Howard, Director Ron’s brother appears as Ralakili, the man organizing the droid matches.

​In addition, there are plenty of Easter Eggs for fans of the series. And I won’t even mention the big spoiler! But for people who aren’t as familiar, most of those, the movie still hits all the familiar notes of a down on the luck good guy who finds a friend and bluffs his way into the big leagues. While not the best in the franchise, the movie keeps you entertained and is clean enough for the whole family.