The current status of Hollywood seems more like a business than an exhibit of film-making art, with each new blockbuster making at least a billion dollars if not more at the box office. This strangely money based system of film means that most popcorn flicks tend to be made solely with one goal in mind: make the biggest profit for the studio. Because of this, a lot of the important and tactile craftsmanship that used to be found in movies of all kinds is sadly missing, but one particular franchise has been consistent in keeping the artist’s touch. That franchise is Star Wars, and for the past four years, the series has produced three films that have each grossed over one billion in profit from the box office, while still feeling real, and artistically crafted.

Enter Solo, a film that has had quite a rocky run through production, with fired directors, different producers, and a combined 80% of the film re-shot almost 6 months before the scheduled release date. That release date was May 25th, which breaks from Disney’s previous norm of releasing Star Wars films each December, one year apart from one another. And, as luck would unfortunately have it, these figures culminated, making this latest entry into the Star Wars franchise a bust at the box office. But does that really matter? If people don’t want to see a movie because it isn’t making money, surely the film could still be good? That’s exactly what I wanted to find out, and as an avid fan of the franchise, I can happily say that Solo: a Star Wars Story, is a fun and very well built film, that feels every bit apart of its universe as its predecessors.

Set far before the original 1977 film, Solo aims to create a backstory for one of the series’ most beloved characters, Han Solo. On the front of explaining curiously obscured events, the movie delivers greatly, giving a well painted picture even more depth with slick action scenes, unique cinematography, and characters brought to life by a wonderful cast of actors. Unfortunately, this is where the film stops. Where we’ve grown accustomed to seeing emotionally challenging and nuanced material, Solo plays the cards safely, only providing emotional scenes and moments when necessary for the story. Where these brief moments end however, we are sprung right back into the plotline of quick-paced action and clever dialogue. Not that I’m opposed to well made film like this, but I still do wish there was something deeper going on with the story than just a simple progression of events for a movie.

With that being said, Solo does excel at looking and feeling excellent as a Star Wars movie. It impresses with its smooth and precise action, and awes with its massive set-pieces. As aforementioned, Star Wars has a way with tactile, real sets and props, even the aliens are real. Several events and explanations for some plot details in later films are uniquely thought out and solidly executed, and the movie’s main Kessel Run sequence is an awesome grouping of scenes.

Overall, Solo does a great job of being a fun little movie, with a Star Wars twist. However, if audiences are looking for more darkly written and deep story material, the figures show. As Star Wars’ first monetary flop, Disney’s studio departments will look closely at how to engineer the filmmaking process to better cater to fickle audiences, but for now, Solo will continue to at least have impressed one fan, me and my lone opinions.

Overall Score: 7/10