Review of Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) by Benjamin B — 30 May 2018

Surprisingly good.

Solo doesn't subvert your expectations, it double crosses them. As a standalone star wars movie, it does very well. It takes place in the same universe we've grown to know, and expands it. The movie feels like it takes place in a large universe, apposed to recent episodic films that feel like they take place in a secluded void. There are plenty of tie-in references to places from the old and new cannon of novels that serve this feeling.

The humor is fun, and has an old-trilogy feel to it. Laughs are not handed to you on a platter with a wink and nod. You won't groan re-watching hamfisted laugh moments because, they aren't here.

Largest downside to this movie is the lack of time spent letting characters breath. While this serves into the plot, I would have liked to see some more character growth. Most of the characters' "Character" is revealed through their actions (WHICH IS GREAT) but, no-one seems to change over the course of the film.

Overall, this is a fantastic addition to the new Star Wars canon, and I truly hope they create more of these. I would much rather watch a Solo trilogy than the sequel trilogy.