Solo: A Star Wars Story Review (SPOILERS After 4 Minutes) 

RIP to my boy Rio. Gone too soon. #BringRioBack

I feel like Solo gave us the harsh reality of what it was like to live under the empire and why the rebellion was necessary. It explains why people can't just get on a ship and travel through space. It give us a more practical in depth look at what life in that galaxy and under the empire was like.

Nest was a badass, honestly she was doing everything that a helmeted badass like Phasma or Boba should do, except she doesn't go out like a punk

Huh. I assumed the Crystal Skull was from... Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Spoiler: The fact that Maul was physically played by Ray Park AND voiced by Sam Witwer made me grin. I was pleased.. I was also thrilled that they used both the "Tie Fighter Attack" (while being chased by Ties) AND "The Asteroid Field" (when flying through the rest of the junk) scores one after the when doing the Kessel Run. Brought a smile to my face.

The problem I have with the "The stakes weren't there" argument is this: Does every Star Wars movie, Saga or otherwise, have to have high stakes? Can't we just get a fun adventure in the Star Wars galaxy where the fate of the Force, the Rebellion, or the Galaxy-at-large isn't at stake? Sure, it's not the best Star Wars movie I've ever seen, but it was a breath of fresh air that, I felt, was needed. I had a ton of fun with Solo.

I really liked this movie! The only thing that really bothered me (SPOILERS) was Lando's over-dramatic reaction to L3's death. It just felt very over the top to me, and the other characters didn't seem to get it either... And I'm sorry to be that guy, but L3 and Qira's conversation about sexual intercourse between a droid and a human didn't exactly "feel like Star Wars" to me. How L3 somehow got into her system that droids shouldn't be exploited I thought was really funny. Although at the line: "what do you want?" "Equal rights" I cringed a little, just imagining the voices of thousands of "Disney's political agenda"-haters crying out in anger. Like really, Disney, did you have to do that to yourselves? 😅

Spoilers below: Spoilers below: Considering Maul is back on the big screen and seems like his story between now and his death on Star Wars Rebels will continue in futures FILMS, I think this speak in favour of a Kenobi film. And I wouldn’t be to surprised if they recreate the last Maul vs Kenobi scene from Rebels in a live action film.

Spoiler thoughts: - Han got his name because that one dude saw him alone was like "Solo sounds good i guess" -The dude from Spongebob who shouts "My leg" makes an appearance -Chewie has eaten humans (better or worse than porgs?) -Chewie has seen Han's junk (very important) -L337 wants to bang Lando but gets stuck as a computer instead -*GONK DROID STEPPING ON A COMPUTER* -Enfys Nest is the girl from Brave -Han got his blaster, met Lando and Chewie, reunited with his childhood love, did the Kessel Run, learned to shoot first and won the Falcon all within 2 days -Second movie this year to have a red-faced villain in a black hood make a surprise cameo And most importantly, the greatest line of dialogue in cinema history "Big shot gangster putting together a crew" was sequelbait. Can't wait for BSGPTAC 2!

This wasn’t my favorite Star Wars movie, but I do think it was the most fun, lighthearted one. Everyone was smiling and laughing while leaving the theater last night, totally different vibe than TLJ. I mean this in the best way possible, but it actually reminded me a bit of the best parts of the Ewoks movies. There was some seriously childlike magic in this one. It wasn’t epic, but I absolutely loved it.

Finally, Imperial Army Troopers are canon! The battle scene was a fantastic fusion of atmosphere (very World War I) and visuals. This is how I envision the Imperial Army in action when I read The Star Wars Imperial Sourcebook for the old role playing game. The above shot when the Troopers sprung into action showed one using a repeating blaster, which was icing on the cake. I hope to see more of them in future movies or other media!

Enfys Nest is definitely the character with the most potential, comic books - wise. I loved her in every scene she was in. Plus, the soundtrack really stood out for me in the movie.

I was VERY impressed with Solo! I thought all the action scenes were done to perfection, most of the characters really resonated with me( Han, Lando, Chewy, Beket, ext.) and the story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved all the references including Bosk and Maul. Overall really good Star Wars movie that is definitely worth a watch! Ps at the end of the movie Han talks about some new crime loard, is he talking about Jabba?

I was pleasantly surprised. Hardly perfect, but enjoyable. Plus, THAT cameo. *THAT* cameo. You know what I’m talking about. Only time in a new Star Wars movie where I started freaking out in my seat.

I think Rio and Val dying so quickly was to show how brutal and cutthroat the life of a smuggler can be! I loved that sudden escalation with Rio dying, then Val, then Han dropping the coaxium. The plan totally fell apart.

I can see the BIG SPOILER CHARACTER being the antagonist of the Boba or Obi Wan movie

I love Solo, it's such a for-fanboy film. To hear what happened to Aurra Sing and OMG Maul? I'm one of the rare few in my theatre to squill at those references. Also, we got reason for why Han shot first. Pretty neat. And a reason for why Lando is so attached to the Falcon? Crazily well-done. And the No Man's Land/D-Day homage, is so dark, I hope to see more of that one day. Really shows how tragic war is for both sides.

the Teras Kasi refrence was BY FAR my favorite. the maul scene had my mouth on the floor for whole next scene until I got back into the movie.

Did you guys notice that an Imperial or a stormtrooper says that the T-15's are down? That would connect to why they were marked obsolete by the time of Rogue One

"Maul" (Hyperventilating)

Loved the maul cameo

I had lower expectations which were surpassed, and left me pleasantly surprised, The characters were great, I liked the visuals and the plot, and as a Star Wars nerd, I loved all the easter eggs, things that were set up that inspired actions with the OT, explanations for things never thought about, and just lore nuggets I was surprised they threw in this film. Spoilers As soon as I heard Sam whitwar's voice and saw the legs, I freaked out, just like everyone who saw the show, leaving everyone else visibly confused until he showed up with that inquisitor saberstaff (and Ray Park no less!). And as for the Solo thing, not that crazy about it, but Han definitely takes it and makes it his own (enough to have his son's last name be Solo).

The smaller scale and intimacy was a big plus for me, I think it was Hans movie, but quietly Qi'ra ended up being the character I was most intrigued by coming out. She could almost run as a parallel "grey" character but rather than Ahsoka being someone positioned between the light and dark of the force, in the western / underworld setting Qi'ra represents a moral middle ground between White hats and Black hats. I'm very much hoping with the Mangold announcement he uses her as a through-line character (rather than sequels) and continues her story on in the Fett movie. Also, in a movie where it actually genuinely felt like they were genuinely trying to incorporate a lot of elements from other SW media, my favourite line in the film ending up being a superb twist callback. Spoilers: 5 4 3 2 1 "I hate you". "I know"

Went in just wanting a fun movie. Left the theater surprised how good it was. Loved it and want to go see it a few more times

The movie was really great, better than I expected!

I like that for once it’s a personal story and not about saving the galaxy/world, I also like looking at this part of the Star Wars universe.

I think the Boba Fett film should be like a pseudo sequel to solo

I need to see this movie again!!! So much to take in!!!.... Haha... "BOOM ... Hope you watched the Clone Wars"

LOVED the Maul cameo. The best reward for hardcore fans ever put in the films!! Lucasfilm had balls putting him in, and I am thrilled that they did! Bravo!

The Deepest Cut in my view is in regards to the Falcon's Computer. It's a minor line from Empire, and you'd have to put it together. Loved it.

It was a constant jaw-drop for me. Every 5 minutes was an easter egg that would blow my mind.

Did anyone else notice that Donald Glover would sound nearly exactly like Billie Dee Williams at multiple times in the film? He waa a great Lando. Loved the Maul cameo...just too bad they wasted his character in Rebels. Literally and figuratively.

I guess if someone expects Han to save the galaxy (before he saves the galaxy in the OT), or something like that, they are of course going to be dissapointed. I wasn´t, it´s pretty much what I expected from the trailers, and I left the theater wanting to hop in the falcon to try to make the Kessel run in 11,9 parsecs, and that´s what it is all about for me in this case.

did anybody see the kotor Easter egg if i remember correctly Becket says something along the lines of if you are smart don't trust anybody and solo responds something like that sounds like a lonely life this is from kotor 1 i am pretty sure carth says what Becket says and you're character can chose to say what solo says if i remember

I thought it was great. I had tempered my expectations and Solo definitely exceeded those pretty handily. I wanted a fun story with a good cast and good script. This definitely hit those all around.

Idk why the critics bashed this movie...it was great.

I hated L3, but really enjoyed the movie.

Not sure if it was a call back or coincidence, but during the train heist scene, I couldn't help but think of River Phoenix playing young Indiana Jones trying to escape with the Cross of Coronado.

Like you said Alex, watching and following your journey to Solo definitely made my viewing more interesting. Like when I saw the half built star destroyer on Corellia, I thought of you. Thanks again Alex, this is why I watch your videos.

I KNEW that was Sam Witwer's voice when the cloaked figure came up on the hologram. But I wasn't expecting it to be Maul. And Ray Park was playing him physically! BLEW ME AWAY! And the fact that Beckett killed Aurra Sing is nuts!

I actually really loved Enfys Nest, she really interested me. And I hope they continue her story in the future

My family and I loved the film! I saw it twice last night -- going again tonight. The film over all reminded me of a classic adventure movie that George Lucas would have produced in the 80's. It's not the best Star Wars movie; but it didn't have to be either.

Better than TLJ, but not better than Rogue one imo

This was so much better than anyone expected! Just as critics preferred TLJ to Solo, I think the average fan would MUCH prefer Solo. It has such a gloriously old school feel. Kasdan channeled his '80s self and gave us a pulpy, light adventure with lots of heart and a touch of romance. Great action set pieces, lots of funny (but not jokey) banter, and almost every character was memorable. Also loved John Powell's score -- his gorgeous love theme for Qi'ra, his smooth techno-pop song and his clever arrangements of Williams' themes were outstanding.

If Solo had had galactic stakes, it could’ve taken away from the fun of the movie. Solo wasn’t supposed to have galactic stakes, it was supposed to be a smaller scale movie, and it was. It was a fun, space heist, romantic comedy, with high stakes for Han personally, and that’s what matters. It showed us how Han developed into the smuggler we met in 1977. This was a Star Wars Story, not a saga film. You really shouldn’t compare it to the saga films or even Rogue One. I think this movie set a precedent for future anthology films. I didn’t want to see Vader or lightsabers or see Han save the galaxy. That would’ve detracted from him coming back to help Luke blow up the Death Star in A New Hope. This movie was exactly what I didn’t know I needed, and it was like a breath of fresh air for Star Wars.

It was entertaining The only thing I hated was that they butchered the famous Solo family name

I thought it was a fun movie. I went in with no expectations. All I wanted was a good Star Wars movie and that's exactly what I got!

Good honest review. I too really enjoyed the movie but agree with many of your criticisms. Too many people have decided to hate on this movie before seeing it. But it has a lore and connectivity to the clone wars and EU which Lucasfilm did right this time. We need to make sure we praise them for that in order to send the right message. You can praise certain aspects of this movie and still criticise TLJ or Kathleen Kennedy if you don't like her. But we need to be honest, don't hate everything.

What if the Boba fett movie is actual a Solo Sequel

I thoroughly enjoyed the film and the characters with the exception of L3 who was just meh. I loved the Easter eggs and the story was fun.

I used to be in the fanfilm community and these stories feel like fanfilms writ large. So for that reason I am more forgiving over the superficialities like no depth or back story to the fleeting new characters. It's just not practical to get those details in a movie like this, and we didn't get them in the original Star Wars either. It was decades of additional material and continued adventures that filled those blanks out, it wasn't an info dump in one movie. Also, this is only the fourth Star Wars film of an ongoing series that now has no foreseeable end. Starting with familiarity is how they have to do it, and you have to give them time before they feel comfortable branching out. As it is we have had about 20 new major characters introduced in these movies, so it's not like they're avoiding it completely. PS, I loved absolutely everything about Solo. I hope you do a special episode listing all the EU/Legends references that you picked up. I wonder if Qira will be in the Fett and Kenobi movies and continue her story that way.

I loved solo

Just saw the movie. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I actually enjoyed it because it was a departure from the saga, which, with the exception of the original trilogy, seems a little bit too serious and heavy for my tastes. I was glad there were no Jedi, no talk of the Force, lineage mysteries, etc. Don't get me wrong, those things are cool, but after the prequels, Clone Wars and Rebels, and the sequel trilogy, I'm not saying it's time for the Jedi to end, but I personally could do with a rest from tales of galactic importance. So this film cleansed my pallette. As for characters, I feel that they were just right. Characters like you say, are important, but there's only so much time in a movie to get thing's done so I feel that the writers were economical with the secondary characters. I think there was the right amount of depth for a summer action blockbuster. Well done to the cast and crew and thanks!

I think it was a great movie, about an 8/10 or 8,5/10 for me. Compared to TLJ, you said it as well, TLJ has higher highs and lower lows, so it's hard to compare them. And I personally liked how it's not a movie with the Galaxy at stake, but just a few guys trying to make money and survive. I'd rather have a well planned low stakes movie, than a forced high stakes movie like they try to make in the MCU, where they save the Earth, Galaxy or universe in every single movie. Because that raises questions like "hey, if the whole Galaxy is about to be destroyed, why is no one else helping?". Also, Han shot first! I haven't thought of a rating for it yet, so let me think. Also, I wouldn't say there's a single Star Wars movie I've disliked, by the way, I liked all from AOTC to TESB. And again, I'm still not sure whether I liked TLJ or Solo more. 1. The Empire Strikes Back 2. A New Hope 3. Rogue One 4. The Force Awakens 5. Revenge of the Sith 6. Solo 7. The Last Jedi 8. Return of the Jedi [important step here] 9. The Phantom Menace 10. Attack Of The Clones

Its amazing! It was so good and really paid off to be a superfan

Where were Tag and Bink? I think I missed them in the movie.

I really didn’t like L3

I agree with a LOT of what you said

The way Han Solo got his name was just great for me😂

Spoilers The maul scene to me is the floodgates opening on deeper connections and non-movie characters. Just a week before I said "I don't think Thrawn will ever make an appearance on the big screen" and minutes after seeing the movie, I called up my friend, and said I changed my mind.

I can't believe Han Solo died in this movie. Rest in peace.

My dad was so confused when Maul came back. I tried to explain it to him. Kinda hope they keep Maul going in the Obi Wan movie.

Was I the only one not surprised by the Maul reveal. I saw it coming a mile away.

I absolutely loved L3 and the way they incorporated her into the falcon itself. She was funny, charming and had a really sweet character arc.

The whole movie had either a orange or blue filter on the camera THE WHOLE GOD DAMN TIME.

I thought this movie was really fun and entertaining, not the usual star wars type of movie we are used to, but for me that’s acceptable seeing that it’s not a “empire vs jedi” type of movie. Loved all the cool easter eggs!

I really enjoyed it! There were strong female characters and, SHOCKER: strong Male characters, too... Take note, Rian Johnson...

My biggest complaint was that that battle on Mimban was too short. Seeing a huge invasion from the Empire, walkers being dropped in from the air, officers shouting Imperial propaganda on the battlefield, the chain of command being shifted, the dirty trenches, etc.... They said that Rouge One was a "war movie" but that short sequence in Solo put that idea to shame a little. ( Still love Rouge One though )

Do you think we are in for more Qi'Ra and Maul in future films?

And they thought that this would be the first movie without lightsabers.

*I'm surprised you didn't talk about Lando's relationship with L337 and L337 talking with Qi'ra about relationships where the boy is the one that loves and the girls /droids :) doesn't ha!*

I think there was a galactic consequence: The funding of the protocol-rebels. We know that those guys link up with Saw and Saw was part of the early Rebellion. I was really surprised that Han had a major role in actually triggering the Rebellion like that.

What if they'd make the Obi-Wan movie end with the moment from Rebels where Kenobi meets Ezra, so with Maul back they could draw that connection and also "officially" end him. That would be such an awesome moment on the big screen. ALL THESE POSSIBILITIES ...

When this film was announced all the way to before the first trailer I had zero expectations and hated the idea that they're making this movie. Then the first trailer peaked my interest in a "Maybe I'll watch it someday out of curiosity." Then from the second trailer on I was hooked and started to warm up to Alden as Han. The music and Chewie scenes helped me get excited. I saw the movie a few days ago and... I love it. It's one of my favourite SW movies. All the controversies surrounding it were overblown by the media. This movie was a fun blast and I had a smile on my face from the beginning until the end.

This film is freaking great. I love Star Wars.

I personally really liked it

Finally!!!! Also I think solo is better than r1 cause the first two acts are slow af

Loved the Han/Chewie brawl and shower bit. Didn't care all that much for Lady Proxima, but the rock/thermal detenator bit was so very Han Solo. Was fine with smaller stakes in film, nice review.

I liked it better than any other Disney movie so far

Absolutely loved it. I had low expectations and man were they blown out of the water. Solid adventure, Powell score was lively, and the worldbuilding was great. Thanks for doing this review, SWE. Goodluck at the Schmoedown

I loved it

I just realized something. Wasn't Han supposed to win the Falcon using his dice?

Great review and video. Also there is a new Boba Fett Movie awesome right. Also can't wait to see it.

Spoilers ahead 🚨 Edit: This is more like after the movie that I’m spoiling I’m just saying, I don’t think Qi’ra is going to live. Why? Well, when a Sith opens his lightsaber while talking to you, it’s usually an indicator he’s going to kill you (or at least try), he also may not trust her. That’s why he says “Bring the ship to me,” if he’s as smart as I think he is, he will look into the ships hologram recordings (the people on the ship probably didn’t know that) and see she’s lying to him, interrogates her, finds his answers, and kills her. Remember the other guy said his boss (Darth Maul) usually punishes people for not delivering that metal/fuel whatever it is, usually resulting in death. I believe she is going knowing this because she wants to save Han. With her death, Han no longer has to chase her, thus committing him to the life of a Smuggler because he has nothing else to live for (until he meets Leia)

Spoilers ish Wait so this movie takes place before Rebels right? Cause mauls is still alive, cause when I first watched it I thought this took place after rebels and I sorta squealed as I saw him

I know not to expect it going into a movie like Solo, but I really wish Disney would give us a Star Wars with lots of cool light saber battling going on. I'd love to see an Old Republic era Star Wars movie from Disney.

I loved it

Gotta day I really really enjoyed solo. LOVED that opening on Corellia, and I thought lady proxima was actually very creative visually. Loved the whole Han and Kira relationship, she reminds me of Leia which makes sense (I guess Han has a type😂). Chewy and Lando were both scene stealers. And obviously seeing Maul again was just perfection. The only things I didn’t like were Han speaking wookie (it makes sense I just thought it was awkward) and him getting the solo name from an imperial recruiter. Overall I loved it and would definitely see it again. 8.5/10

I loved the movie!

My favorite moment was Chewie carrying Lando while he's carrying L3's head. It was so ridiculous and melodramatic.

Where is Tag and Bink!?

I liked the way they depicted the Empire in this movie. They don't look like twirling mustache evil....just a government. and the trench battle was nice. The visual with all the practical effects was amazing. Story was safe but fun, with not too much drawback. Overall enjoyable Space- heist with a Star Wars theme!

Loved it!!!! Another great Star Wars movie!!

I wouldn't mind a Solo part 2 movie, regardless of what the current Box Office suggests..

I just got back from seeing it.Awesome,and Lando is it not Pansexual.

I wanna know what happened to Kira. Was it revealed in a book or something, or does no one know?

Solo a star wars story was perfect

i love that L-3 is part of the falcon, such a cool easter egg to know that L-3 was the one that was being so rude to C3po in Empire

My list: 1. Empire 2.TLJ 3.ANH 4.TFA 5.ROTJ 6.SOLO 7.ROGUE 8.ROTS 9.AOTC 10.TPM Also I really enjoyed Solo.

Just when L3 started to grow on me she dies. Oh well atleast she's part of the Falcon now Great movie really enjoyed it