Solo: A Star Wars Story endured a complicated production with major reshoots, reported drama, and Ron Howard taking over the helm after the firing of Phil Lord and Chris Miller. And those were only the most obvious sources of skepticism from fans. Naturally, new Han Solo Alden Ehrenreich had some enormous, swagger-filled shoes to fill, and fans (of course) are prone to be resistant to anything that could, you know, ruin their childhood and imagination-borne version of how Han met Chewie.
Still, the film’s presales have eclipsed even the likes of Black Panther, and Lucasfilm is crossing its fingers hopes that a full-on franchise is in the works. As the film’s official synopsis goes, viewers have been officially invited to “board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in … an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy.” From the looks of early reactions, they won’t be disappointed.
Two weeks prior to the film’s release, the Hollywood premiere took place, and critic takes are hitting social media. How does Solo: A Star Wars Story fare under such scrutiny? Pretty damn well, so far.
UPROXX’s own Mike Ryan acknowledged a little clunkiness while singing the praises of Donald Glover as Lando and Alden Ehrenreich as Han. And what’s this about a Han-Chewie shower scene?
The 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.)
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) May 11, 2018
It does take a bit to get used to Alden as Han, but after 30 minutes or so your brain adjusts. (Also I've now finally seen Clint Howard in a Star Wars movie.) #soloastarwarsstory
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) May 11, 2018
Other critics remarked upon how Ehrenreich was “the real deal” while bringing the requisite Solo “swagger.” They also adored Glover’s performance and admitted a soft spot for the new L3 droid.
Wow. Just come out of #SoloAStarWarsStory and can confirm it’s kinda a blast. @donaldglover was as perfect as expected, but Alden Ehrenreich has swagger to match, and spare.
— Joel Meares (@joelmeares) May 11, 2018
Alden 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. 😃 #SoloAStarWarsStory
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) May 11, 2018
#Solo is a ton of fun! Alden Ehrenreich is full of charm and definitely does right by Harrison Ford. Not to mention Donald Glover, who's equally great as Lando.
Don't let the drama and rumors fool you, this is a seriously fun, exciting addition to the Star Wars universe!
— Tom Jorgensen (@Tom_Jorgensen) May 11, 2018
And also, L3-37 is utter scene stealer #SoloAStarWarsStory
— Joel Meares (@joelmeares) May 11, 2018
Still more critics remarked upon the pleasantly thrilling nature of the new installments, which is “refreshing” in that there’s no enormous stakes like the entire rebellion’s fate at work. However, there was plenty of adventure to be found, despite several “expected events” in place.
#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.
— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) May 11, 2018
#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.
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) May 11, 2018
Solo: 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. pic.twitter.com/fOsF7Tr95L
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 11, 2018
#Solo was a blast. The Kasdans nail the character of Han Solo. Yes, the story is a series of expected events (Han meets chewie….etc) but none of them happen as expected. Stay away from spoilers, big Marvel-level shit that will make you wonder where Lucasfilm is headed next.
— /Film (@slashfilm) May 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/katerbland/status/994796867476250626
Thrilled to say #SoloAStarWarsStory WORKS. Cast crushed it – true to what we know yet energetic, fresh. Only subpar thing – at least forty minutes wasted on scenes where characters wolf down raw vidalia onions? Third act drags too. Still, this is a REAL Star Wars movie – loved it
— Ben Mekler (@benmekler) May 11, 2018
And this may be the “grungiest” Star Wars film of all time. Sold!
Oh, thank the maker. It’s good. It’s sooo good. #Solo
— Chris Taylor 🖋️ (@FutureBoy) May 11, 2018
This is the grungiest, most grunt-level blue collar #StarWars ever and I am here for it. #Solo
— Chris Taylor 🖋️ (@FutureBoy) May 11, 2018