Solo (2018)

written by Jonathan Kasdan and Lawrence Kasdan

based on Star Wars characters by George Lucas

directed by Ron Howard

Solo is the first Star Wars movie I watch that seems completely superfluous to the franchise. Taking place ten to fourteen years before the events of the very first Star Wars (now called A New Hope), Solo introduces us to a younger version of the eponymous character portrayed by Harrison Ford in four previous films. Ford’s shadow hangs heavy over this, with Alden Ehrenreich not quite capturing the essence of the older criminal-turned-rebel. And maybe that would be fine if only Solo had a better script, pace, and tone. As it stands, it’s just a passable flick that would’ve probably been better as a disconnected adventure from the rest of the saga. And how the hell is Darth Maul still alive?

Rating: **

Carlos I. Cuevas