
Year: 2018
Rated PG-13
Rating: * * * Stars
Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke
Solo: A Star Wars Story is not as epic as the first three Star Wars films nor does it contain their legendary amount of build-up. There are no lightsaber fights or battles to defeat the Empire. Plus, there's no sightings of Darth Vader, the Death Star, C-3PO, or R2-D2 this time around. Oh well. "Solo" omits these attributes and still feels like a formidable Star Wars movie anyway. In fact, "Solo" is probably the most entertaining and invigorating "Wars" installment since 1983's Return of the Jedi.
During the production of "Solo", Ron Howard took over for directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie, 22 Jump Street). Lord and Miller were fired over creative differences and it doesn't help that they are essentially comedic helmers.

Howard gives Solo: A Star Wars Story an incredibly brisk pace. Saddled with a trademark Lawrence Kasdan script, he adds relentless movement, some nifty hand-to-hand combat sequences, and some nasty, freakish creatures. His look for "Solo" tends to be a little foggy at times but he makes up for it. Ron uses three dimensional space well and stages intergalactic warfare with veritable aplomb. Oh and I almost forgot, "Solo's" editing in certain match cuts by Pietro Scalia, is smooth as silk.
In terms of casting, "Solo" contains Star Wars universe newcomers (Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover) and Ron Howard regulars (Paul Bettany, Woody Harrelson, Clint Howard). Alden Ehrenreich in the lead as young Han, doesn't look, act, or completely strut like Harrison Ford. Still, he's likable and his performance while snarky, is enjoyably quick-witted.

Written by Jesse Burleson