Solo: A Star Wars Story

REVIEW:

Solo answers questions nobody was asking… and that’s part of the problem.

There seems to be a real divide when it comes to this film. Fans tend to fall into one of two camps, they either enjoy it for what it is or dismiss it entirely. I find myself somewhere in the middle. I think it works as an enjoyable sci fi adventure, but as a Star Wars film, it just doesn’t quite land. And I’ll admit, that probably comes from my attachment to the lore and the characters that made me love this franchise in the first place.

To give the film its due, there is plenty here to enjoy. The cast is strong across the board, with Donald Glover stealing every scene he’s in as Lando Calrissian. It’s one of those rare casting choices that feels completely effortless, he captures the charm and swagger of the character perfectly. Woody Harrelson brings a grounded presence to Tobias Beckett, and Emilia Clarke adds intrigue as Qi’ra, even if the script doesn’t always give her enough to work with.

The biggest hurdle the film faces is its central character. I don’t think Alden Ehrenreich is a bad actor, far from it, but stepping into the role made iconic by Harrison Ford is an almost impossible task. Han Solo isn’t just a character, he’s a presence. That rogue charm, that smug persona, the sense that he’s always one step ahead, but underneath it all, you can still see that he’s a good person. That balance is what makes him so compelling. And unfortunately, I just couldn’t connect to this version. It never feels like the Han I grew up with. There are moments where it almost clicks, but more often than not, I found myself pulled out of the film.

My biggest issue with the film lies in its story, and this is where my frustration really starts to build. The central plot revolves around Han trying to reunite with Qi’ra, framing their relationship as this deep emotional core. At first, it feels like an interesting angle, but the more the film leans into it, the more it starts to unravel. This isn’t just a minor gripe, it’s the thing that holds the entire film back for me.

Because the more you think about it, the less it works. Han’s relationship with Princess Leia in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is one of the most iconic romances in cinema. It’s built on tension, chemistry, and growth. By centering this story around another supposed great love, it completely undermines that arc. Instead of building the foundation of the Han we know, it feels like it’s rewriting him. This should have been a story about his rise as a smuggler, navigating the criminal underworld, building a reputation. Let him be flirtatious, reckless, and independent, but not emotionally anchored in a way that contradicts who he becomes.

Then there are the smaller decisions that continue to chip away at the film. Giving Han a backstory for his surname feels completely unnecessary. It’s one of those moments that doesn’t add anything, and if anything, takes something away. “Solo” works because it sounds cool, it fits the character, it doesn’t need explaining. The same goes for elements like his brief time in the Empire or the idea that he can speak Wookiee. None of these ideas are terrible on their own, but together they start to feel like a collection of random additions rather than meaningful storytelling. It just feels like a group of ideas thrown together instead of a clear vision.

That said, there are still moments that genuinely work. Seeing how Han meets Chewbacca is a highlight and one of the few moments that actually feels connected to the character we know. It’s handled in a way that feels earned, and it’s one of the rare points where the film captures that sense of Star Wars identity.

There are also missed opportunities, particularly with the film’s antagonist. Paul Bettany is a fantastic actor, but he feels completely underused here. With such limited screen time, he never really establishes himself as a true threat. This could have been a perfect opportunity to bring in a more recognisable figure from the criminal underworld, someone like Jabba, to tie the story more closely to the wider Star Wars universe.

As expected, the film introduces its comedic droid in L3-37, voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She has her moments and a few lines genuinely land, but the constant innuendos start to wear thin. It feels like the humour is being pushed too hard rather than coming naturally through the characters.

Visually, this is one of the more underwhelming entries in the franchise. The planet designs feel bland and uninspired compared to what we’ve seen before. There’s a lack of that imaginative spark that usually defines Star Wars. However, the Kessel Run sequence is a clear standout. It’s easily the best part of the film, both visually and in terms of excitement. And when the Imperial presence finally kicks in, with the Star Destroyer and TIE fighters closing in, it briefly starts to feel like Star Wars again. But you can dress it up with stormtroopers and TIE fighters, the DNA just isn’t there.

And then there’s the surprise appearance of Darth Maul. It’s a cool moment and it hints at a larger story that could have been explored further. It does make you wonder what a sequel might have looked like, even if it’s not something I’m particularly desperate to see.

Ultimately, Solo is a decent adventure film with moments of entertainment and flashes of potential, but it never fully comes together. As a sci fi adventure, it works. As a Star Wars film, it’s a disappointment.