‘I don’t like it, I don’t agree with it, but I accept it…’
I have written hundreds of words about Marvel fatigue. I have written hundreds of words about why the DC cinematic universe has failed because it has tried to copy Marvel instead of standing on its own two feet. And yet, here we are, with the exact same accusations being levelled at Star Wars. What world are we living in where the Star Wars franchise is looking over its shoulder at Marvel for ideas?
Han Solo is quite simply one of the most iconic cinematic creations in the history of film. To even attempt to tell his life story without Harrison Ford is a fools errand. Alden Ehrenreich does a good job in the titular role but… but… he just isn’t Harrison Ford and therefore he isn’t Han Solo. Not really. Faring better is Donald Glover who is excellent as that old rogue Lando Calrissian but both Emilia Clarke and Woody Harrelson are wasted with characters that are bland and forgettable.
Part of the reason that the whole goddamn world loves Han Solo is that we don’t know much about his past. I don’t need to see the moment when Han and Chewie first met. I don’t need to see Han complete the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs. It is those enigmatic details that make Han Solo such an epochal character.
Solo isn’t a bad film. Ehrenreich and Glover share a wonderful chemistry as Han and Lando and some of the action sequences are impressive but there is never really a point where this film justifies its existence.
Perhaps the worst criticism I can level at Solo is that there isn’t much to say about it. For all the (many, many) flaws of the prequels, there was at least plenty of talking points. Solo just is. I never thought I’d say this but with Solo: A Star Wars Story, director Ron Howard has delivered the unthinkable; a forgettable Star Wars film.