MOVIE REPORT CARD: SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY

Date: 5/25/18
Title: Solo: A Star Wars Story
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clark, Donald Glover, Paul Bentany, Joonas Suotamo

GRADES

ACTING: 90
DIRECTING: 90
SCREENPLAY: 75
EDITING: 85
CINEMATOGRAPHY: 85
SOUNDTRACK: 95

​FINAL: 86/B+

COMMENTS

While Rogue One was wholly unnecessary as a film, Solo is even less warranted. However, Solo wins points on sheer entertainment value. No film is really "necessary" and I feel, that is not a valid criticism of any film. Sure, nobody needed to see a backstory for one of the greatest cinematic characters of all time. Nevertheless, Disney made a film about it. And you know what? It's highly entertaining. Almost every frame of Solo: A Star Wars Story, oozes charm. Everyone seems to be having a great time on screen, and it's infectious. Alden Ehrenreich, is actually really good in the titular role. While he will never be Harrison Ford, he does a great job with the character. Woody Harrelson and Donald Glover are fantastic supporting characters here. Glover, is doing a bit more of a Bill Dee Williams impression, but it works for him. While there are some elements of the story that feel like we are merely hitting predetermined beats, for the most part it works. The third act drags a little and it's a bit predictable, but it doesn't take away from the film as a whole. I found myself smiling a lot throughout Solo. It's a very lighthearted film and in a way, Star Wars needs that coming off of The Last Jedi. It's a very enjoyable film and I wish it had done better because, no joke, I kind of want to see more. I am just as surprised as any at how much I enjoyed the film.