The official trailer ahead of the release of the latest Star Wars stable offshoot, this time a story about legendary smuggler and all-round hero Han Solo. Video / Lucas Films
Perhaps Lucasfilm can now exhale deeply with relief.
The keepers of the Star Wars cinematic franchise have had a couple of white-knuckle landings into theaters since Disney bought Lucasfilm and rebooted George Lucas' creation. But arguably none has been as harrowing as Solo: A Star Wars Story, which opens May 25.
Ever since Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy fired original Solo directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord last year over "creative differences" that reflected fissures at the film's very core, hand-wringing and doomsaying on social media have tracked the new movie as closely as an Empire ship.
And reports that new director Ron Howard was methodically reshooting much of the movie, scene by scene, did little to allay concerns.
Alden Ehrenreich and Joonas Suotamo appear in a scene fromSolo: A Star Wars Story. Photo/AP
At last, however, Solo had its world premiere Thursday, and though reviews are embargoed till next Tuesday, nothing can stop the first buzz from critics and lucky fans (the latter, it always bears remembering, tend to hyperventilate a bit more given their good early-viewing fortune).
Solo tells the spinoff story of young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) as he befriends Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and gains a Millennium Falcon, and part of the skepticism surrounding the film centered on whether Ehrenreich could muster enough of Harrison Ford's original roguish charm.
Some early viewers, including IndieWire's Kate Erbland and Uproxx's Mike Ryan, tweeted to reassure that Ehrenreich eventually finds his footing.
Other first-lookers - including Mashable's Angie J Han and Yahoo Entertainment's Kevin Polowy - had praise, too, for Ehrenreich's co-stars Thandie Newton (who plays Val) and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (as the droid L3), as well as Donald Glover, who inherits Billy Dee Williams's Lando Calrissian role.
Alden Ehrenreich appears in a scene from Solo: A Star Wars Story. Photo/AP
Film journalist Simon Thompson said he went into the film with concerns, but that they were "totally laid to rest" thanks in part to the high-octane film's laughs and emotional levels.
Some other viewers - including Collider's Perri Nemiroff - still questioned whether a young Han Solo spinoff was even needed, especially given how relatively young the Ford character was in the original trilogy.
Mostly, though, Howard seems to have delivered the high-blast thrill ride with enough swagger and heartfelt story to assuage the first wave of worriers.
Enough so that the Bantha milk and champagne can safely sit on ice at Lucasfilm, ahead of the May 25 box-office confirmation.
Some selected audience reaction:
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
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.)
Another thing about 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' that really stood out are the action set pieces. They were GREAT and so well choreographed.
Also thought Alden Ehrenreich was perfectly cast as Han Solo. Trust me entire cast was fantastic. Can't wait to see it again. pic.twitter.com/Sh5IC8qnSF
Solo: 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. #SoloAStarWarsStory
Solo: A Star Wars Story is... fine. It's slow to find its footing, but picks up in the second act, and it's definitely fun. Has the occasional prequel problem answering questions I didn't need answers to, but also some fun references. Overall I liked it, didn't love it pic.twitter.com/dV02yRYueA
— Eric Eisenberg Wears A Mask (@eeisenberg) May 11, 2018
I 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. pic.twitter.com/1pkWH2y6qE
Solo: A Star Wars Story has a light tone and has some great action sequences. There were great moments but some were a bit too on the nose for me. The Chewie/Han bromance is the thing to watch for.
