I saw Solo: A Star Wars Story quite some time ago and while I would have liked to say the reason for waiting so long was that I was deep in thought about the film. That isn’t the case. Frankly, I’ve just been very busy.

I have to start by saying I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this film. Yes, Alden Ehrenreich is a perfect casting choice as the young Han Solo. Yes, the visuals were as excellent as you expect in the Star Wars universe. More than anything however, it is the writing that makes Solo so good. For the first time since Obi-Wan’s dramatic passing, I caught myself being surprised by things in a SW film.

Yes, actual plot twists and surprises in a Star Wars film. Crazy, right? I big shoutout to Ron Howard for directing first, an interesting film and second, a Star Wars story.

It does a good job of tossing in just enough callbacks to previous films to keep the fanboys giggling – the dice, the Kessell run. Yes, writers, Lawrence and Jonathan Kasden, toss in an expected amount of political correctness – that’s a factor of the times.

Donald Glover, too is perfect casting as Lando Calrissian, with the right blend of charm and slime to match BIlly Dee Williams‘ portrayal we came to know and detest. All around, the performances were excellent. Woody Harrelson continues to get better as an actor and Emilia Clarke shows she is much more than a Mother of Dragons.

If you haven’t seen it because of the reviews of haters, forget them and go watch a fun flick.

by Chris Doelle

RATING 8 out of 10

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