I’m a bit fascinated by Solo: A Star Wars Story, as it is the first film in the franchise to perform less than expected at the box office. Here’s the thing: When I first heard that they were making a prequel about Han Solo’s adventures before the original Star Wars, I was more than a little bit skeptical. How could they possible cast anyone other than Harrison Ford in the role? Would this be yet another prequel in which the saga George Lucas created over 40 years ago felt small and way too connected by coincidences? How would the departure of original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, and the subsequent arrival of Ron Howard impact the finished project? Would the subsection of Star Wars fandom that had turned toxic following the release of The Last Jedi be willing to even watch a new film?
As you can see I had some apprehension about the film. It was very misplaced.
The thing is, Solo: A Star Wars Story is a genuinely fun and involving adventure, one that deserves way more love that it received during its theatrical run. (I personally believe that the film’s franchise-low box office receipts are more due to a weird combination of the factors listed above than its quality). Like Chris Pine in the Star Trek reboots before him, Alden Ehrenreich had the thankless task of stepping into an icon’s shoes — yet he did so fantastically. The supporting cast– including a terrific Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Woody Harrelson, Game of Thrones‘ Emilia Clarke and, in too brief of a role, the always great Thandie Newton — also deliver stand out performances that help make Solo memorable.
With the film arriving on DVD and Blu-ray this week, it will doubtlessly find a second life, with audiences realizing that it is not so much a prequel as its own unique animal. If you are like me, you’ll want to learn more about the characters, worlds and ships that populate the film, which is why this week’s Sunday Funday post is devoted to the book Solo: A Star Wars Story: The Official Guide. Here’s the synopsis:
This essential visual guide to Solo: A Star Wars Story explores the world of young Han Solo in unparalleled detail. An authoritative companion to the latest Star Wars movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story: The Official Guide features the fascinating planets, vehicles, and aliens that Han Solo encounters on his early adventures. Explore key characters, locations, and props in captivating detail with extensive production photography and see the iconic Millennium Falcon as it’s never been seen before, in an exclusive cross-section artwork by Richard Chasemore.
Written by longtime Star Wars expert Pablo Hidalgo, the book brings Solo’s galaxy far, far away very near, shining a light on an exciting sci-fi entry in the process. Don’t miss it.
Each week, our Sunday Funday feature showcases the latest and greatest in the world of collectibles, apparel, and soundtracks.