Solo: A Star Wars Story Early Reactions: A Fun Adventure With An Awesome Cast11 May, 2018The first reactions for Solo: A Star Wars Story are now online. After Star Wars: The Last Jedi‘s divisive reception, some fans have been cautious to get excited about another Star Wars film, let alone a prequel. The second Star Wars anthology film centers on Han Solo as he begins his journey into becoming the smuggler that everyone knows and loves. Alden Ehrenreich is taking the mantle off Harrison Ford’s shoulders for Solo, which co-stars Donald Glover as young Lando Calrissian, Emilia Clarke as Q’ira, and Woody Harrelson as Han’s mentor, Beckett.
Solo had a tumultuous production, which left fans even less optimistic about its potential. Original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were booted from the project just three weeks before principal photography was scheduled to wrap. But, after a few days in limbo, Lucasfilm announced that Oscar-winning director Ron Howard would be seeing the movie through. As filming continued over the following months, numerous reports had surfaced regarding what had changed and what was retained from Lord and Miller’s cut. In that regard, a recent report indicated that Howard had reshot 70 percent of Solo, but that shouldn’t matter since all anyone involved wants to do is deliver a solid film for audiences. And now, fans can see if it was all worth it in the end.
Lucasfilm held the world premiere for Solo: A Star Wars Story tonight in Los Angeles, CA, where select members of the press were able to view the movie for the first time alongside the film’s cast and crew – and the first critic reactions have now flooded online. You can check out the SPOILER-FREE reactions below.
Rob Keyes✔@rob_keyesSolo: A Star Wars Story is more of what I loved about Rogue One. Most real looking film in the franchise, and the best blaster actions scenes and vehicle chases. #SoloAStarWarsStory11:02 AM - May 11, 2018146
44 people are talking about this
Mike Ryan✔@mikeryanThe first act of SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY can be hit and miss clunky. But once Donald Glover's Lando shows up (who is legit fantastic) and the Kessel Run heist plot kicks in, it's a whole lot of fun. (And those who've always wanted a Han and Chewbacca shower scene are in luck.)10:30 AM - May 11, 2018375
164 people are talking about this
Twitter Ads info and privacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018
Mike Ryan✔@mikeryanThe first act of SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY can be hit and miss clunky. But once Donald Glover's Lando shows up (who is legit fantastic) and the Kessel Run heist plot kicks in, it's a whole lot of fun. (And those who've always wanted a Han and Chewbacca shower scene are in luck.)10:30 AM - May 11, 2018375
164 people are talking about this
Twitter Ads info and privacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018
Steven Weintraub✔@colliderfrostyI figured if @DisneyStudios was willing to show 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' a few weeks before release it must be good and it absolutely is. Film is a blast and a welcome addition to the Star Wars universe. @RealRonHoward you did a great job. Congrats.10:47 AM - May 11, 20181,025
354 people are talking about this
Kate Erbland✔@katerbland#SoloAStarWarsStory: It takes a bit for it to find its feet and for AE to turn on enough charm to make you forget he’s not HF. But once it kicks into its hey-let’s-make-a-crew and yes-also-do-a-heist stuff, it totally flies.10:30 AM - May 11, 2018243
111 people are talking about this
Conner Schwerdtfeger@ConnerWSAfter seeing #SoloAStarWarsStory I can confirm one thing: bank on Lando: A Star Wars Story getting a green light by the end of the year. Donald Glover continues to be perfect.10:47 AM - May 11, 2018 · Los Angeles, CA70
37 people are talking about this
Jim Vejvoda✔@JimVejvoda#Solo is afun! I was pleasantly surprised that it worked as well as it did given all the behind the scenes drama & retooling. Charming cast, fun action, good jokes, good fan service but still does its own thing. #StarWars will be fine.10:49 AM - May 11, 2018339
113 people are talking about this
Angie J. Han✔@ajhanAlden Ehrenreich is the real deal, Thandie Newton is who I want to be when I grow up, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s L3... well we’ll talk about that later. #SoloAStarWarsStory10:51 AM - May 11, 2018 · Los Angeles, CA449
117 people are talking about this
Kevin Polowy✔@djkevlar#SoloAStarWarsStory is reaaaaalllly good. Fun as hell. It’s a straight intergalactic heist movie, kind of refreshing to see a Star Wars movie w/o a Death Star or the rebellion’s fate at stake. Alden Ehrenreich is super impressive as Han, but L3 might be my favorite new character.10:52 AM - May 11, 2018 · Los Angeles, CA1,371
419 people are talking about this
Jacki Jing✔@JackiJingGot out of #SoloAStarWarsStory and I’m completely floored. This movie seriously holds up! I was on the edge of my seat and had so much fun watching it! Interviewing the stars of the film tomorrow, cannot wait 10:53 AM - May 11, 2018575
108 people are talking about this
Germain Lussier✔@GermainLussierSolo: A Star Wars Story is a goddamn delight. It’s a non-stop adventure packed with way more emotion than your expecting. You’ll have a smile on your face the whole time and leave eager for more.10:52 AM - May 11, 20181,329
448 people are talking about this
Kara Warner✔@karawarnerOoo @StarWars fans you are in for a friggin TREAT w/ #Solo. Killer cast. A great adventure. So much fun. #hansolo10:53 AM - May 11, 2018421
114 people are talking about this
Based on the above tweets, it’s safe to say that Solo, ultimately, delivers. And, although it may be a bit slow at first, it eventually finds its footing. Unsurprisingly, Glover is getting a lot of love for his portrayal as the young Lando Calrissian, fueling people’s calls for a possible standalone movie for the character. Ehrenreich, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to disappoint as well, doing a good job of making the role his own despite Ford’s indelible stamp on it. Meanwhile, Thandie Newton as Val and Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Lando’s droid companion, L3-37, also get special mentions. In the grand scheme of things, critics are hailing the film as a fun and thrilling intergalactic heist movie with emotional beats and a welcome addition to the Star Wars franchise.
It’s important to note that on top of the production kerfuffle, people weren’t initially sold on the idea of a Han Solo origin story. But seeing these kinds of reactions must feel great for everyone involved. If anything, the positive buzz would only help Solo: A Star Wars Story boost its opening weekend sales which is already poised to nab $170+ million over the holiday weekend – easily posting a new all-time record for that window which is currently held by Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End with $139.8 million. Be sure to check back next week for the film’s early reviews.
KEY RELEASE DATES
Solo: A Star Wars Story release date: May 25, 2018
Star Wars 9 / Star Wars: Episode IX release date: Dec 20, 2019
