Solo: A Star Wars Story

© by Gerald So | 5:00 AM

Casting a wry, contemporary eye on a long time ago in galaxy far, far away, Han Solo is my favorite Star Wars character. And despite the rumors of production turmoil we seem to hear about more and more movies, Solo: A Star Wars Story did not disappoint.

My concerns about Alden Ehrenreich were like my concerns about Daniel Craig before I saw Casino Royale. Ehrenreich didn't quite make me forget Harrison Ford, but his performance was the right mix of fresh and tribute. What I like most about Han is his reluctance to play the part he's expected to play. At every turn he tries to rip up the script and write his own story.

Han's character arc is nicely contrasted by that of his love interest Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke). Early on, they try to escape dismal Corelia together, but a snafu traps her while leaving him free to run. As much as it is the brash heist movie advertised, Solo also features characters more layered than any other Star Wars movie has.

If you happen to know most of Han's story—I only knew what was shown in the original trilogy and The Force Awakens—you still don't know many other characters' motivations and where their loyalties lie, giving you reason to watch and find out.