Frivolous fun, but far from perfect.
During an adventure into a dark criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future copilot Chewbacca and encounters Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebellion.
The messy production was always bound to be flawed - the entire film was supposedly re-shoot with new director Ron Howard after producers weren’t happy with the original film. There are good elements, but a lot is lacking. The script is hugely problematic with the opening act being barely tolerably. Things significantly pick up once Donald Glover’s Lando is introduced though. The performances are strong, Glover is a standout, but Emilia Clarke, Woody Harleson and Paul Bettany all shine too. Alden Ehrenreich is good, but he isn’t playing Han, it’s more of a young Indiana Jones than Han Solo. There’s no dry sarcasm or cynicism, you don’t believe he grows up into Harrison Ford. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is another standout, playing new droid L3-37.
The effects and costuming are brilliant, but the cinematography is varied. Ironically this doesn’t feel anything like a Star Wars story and I’m sure “fanboys” will be angry. Despite it’s misgivings Ron Howard has still pulled together a remarkably enjoyable film. It’s fun, colourful, filled with humour and has a couple of nice Star Wars plot twists to keep fans on their toes.
Overall harmless entertainment with some stand out performances!
3 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinemas
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