‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ Reactions: Concerns Quelled, An Absolute Blast Into Hyperspace

Talk about an about face and perhaps a lesson in it’s not over until the fat lady sings. “Solo: A Star Wars Story” faced major problems last year and, more worrisome, bad buzz. Its directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were fired at the last minute with only three weeks of production left—yes, it got that bad—and then Lucasfilm eventually hired Ron Howard to take over directing duties of the film. Howard apparently reshot so much of the movie that 70% of the final film is his.

But it’s all the stories that followed that had fans not only incredibly concerned, but many of them assuming ‘Solo’ was a dud; fears that grew over time, especially when “Deadpool 2” moved its release date one week before the ‘Star Wars’ film and Lucasfilm refused to push it. Plenty of rumors swirled; Alden Erhenreich needed an acting coach and was the weak link in the film; Lord and Miller were trying to make a “Guardians Of The Galaxy” like comedy while Howard was trying to make something more akin to an original trilogy movie; and one damning report that suggested Lucasfilm had lost all confidence in the film and were going to cut their losses and release it as is (releasing the picture only five months after ‘The Last Jedi’ did seem a little weird as ‘Star Wars’ isn’t quite Marvel releasing three films a year…yet).

But “Solo: A Star Wars Story” finally premiered last night and it seems like all the hand-wringing was unwarranted. Buzz is largely positive and what seems to be unanimous is the feeling of the ‘Star Wars’ movie as a pure blast of entertainment; Lucasfilm couldn’t ask for more at this point. Though it’s a surprise there isn’t more buzz about Donald Glover as Landon Calrissian.

The premiere buzz detracts from the Cannes Film Festival world premiere happening on Tuesday, but this is usually how it works. “Solo: A Star Wars Story” launches into theaters nationwide on May 25. Check out all the enthusiastic reactions, with a few caveats and outliers, below.

https://twitter.com/michelledeidre/status/994803919317553154

#SoloAStarWarsStory has a bit of a rough start, but it was a blast of of an adventure. And yes, Donald Glover steals the movie! But you already knew that. pic.twitter.com/4SGiq6tDmQ

— Jenna Boooooooooosch-Henderson👻 (@JennaBusch) May 11, 2018

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

WOW! #SoloAStarWarsStory! I felt like I was watching a @StarWars movie again. So many great moments for the fans AND surprises.. I’ve got the feels after this one…MORE than #InfinityWar.

— Brian Tong (@briantong) 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

So, I was REALLY worried about #SoloAStarWarsStory but those concerns are totally laid to rest. A movie for fans AND those totally fresh to the Star Wars franchise. Heart, humor and a Falcon full of top notch action. From a worry to a favorite. Very, very happy! pic.twitter.com/VhvBSDFvjE

— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) May 11, 2018

https://twitter.com/kristapley/status/994801891467984896

#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

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

https://twitter.com/katerbland/status/994796867476250626

#SoloAStarWarsStory was a mostly fun adventure and solid performances but with a predictable story. Never will be one of my favorite #StarWars movies but I enjoyed enough of it.

— Dennis Tzeng 曾逸凡 (@ThinkHero) May 11, 2018

My one GIF review of #SoloAStarWarsStory @starwars pic.twitter.com/g4dGJGZiyF

— Angelique Jackson (@angelique814) 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

#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

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

— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) May 11, 2018

ALDEN EHRENREREICH IS HAN SOLO! The movie is an absolute blast to hyperspace! #SoloPremiere #SoloAStarWarsStory #Solomovie

— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) May 11, 2018

I really dug #SoloAStarWarsStory! I woke up this morning questioning whether I was excited for this movie and walked out ready to see Han’s next adventure on this path. It’s a super solid movie and feels true to what makes #StarWars fun.

— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) May 11, 2018

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

— Evil Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) May 11, 2018

There’s some fun to be had with #SoloAStarWarsStory. Ehrenreich was solid and really enjoyed Glover and Waller-Bridge as L3, but not convinced we needed a young Han Solo movie. Was really hoping for higher stakes, more energy and depth.

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) May 11, 2018