REVIEW: Solo: A Star Wars Story Trailer 2
With just under two months until the film is released, Lucasfilm revealed a full trailer for the upcoming Han Solo movie. After viewing the trailer, I have a lot more confidence in the film, while at the same time, still have concerns as well. There is a lot to like in the trailer, and as always, I will go over some of the sequences and shots that stood out the most to me.
This was a cool shot of a Star Destroyer being constructed. It's something we haven't really seen much of in the new canon. I believe the planet it is being constructed on is Corellia, which is Han's home planet. Whether or not it is the planet in this shot, I believe there will be sequences in the film that take place on the planet, most likely in flashback form, that showcases Han and his early adventures, which will be interesting to see.
OK, here is my one concern that I, as well as many Star Wars fans have, Alden Ehrenreich as Han. Again, this isn't just about someone other than Harrison playing the role. To me, he has some charm from what I've seen, but nothing I've seen has really blown me away or made me think, Yes, that is young Han. Again, maybe I'll change my mind once I've seen the film, but yeah, I'm not incredibly impressed.
However, as far as the story of the character in the film, I like how it will show him becoming a smuggler. There is a great line in the trailer by Beckett, Han''s mentor, which basically says always count on everyone betraying you, which would certainly explain Han's attitude when we see him in A New Hope.
I imagine while the Empire will be a threat in the film, the criminal underworld will likely serve as the main villains in the film, which would be a welcome change of pace. I want to see the underbelly of the Star Wars galaxy. I want to truly see "a hive of scum and villainy." Also, as I mentioned in my teaser trailer article, in addition to the Kessel run, we will most likely see the infamous game of sabaac in which Han won the Falcon from Lando.
Speaking of Lando, we actually get to see Donald Glover speak, and, much like most fans, I believe his casting was perfect. From what I've seen, I believe he has the charm and charisma to carry on Billy Dee Williams' legacy.
We also get more of look at Lando's droid companion, L3-37. From what I saw, she seems...well...feisty. I swear, between R2-D2, Chopper and K-2S0, Star Wars has kind of had a thing with droids with attitude. I just hope there's more to her character that makes her stand out. Plus, even though she is voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, she almost sounds like Gwendoline Christie as Phasma.
As seen in the first teaser, here is a gang of criminals called the Cloud-Rider gang led by Enfys Nest (center). From what has been reported, (take it with a grain of salt), Nest, who is a female, will serve as the main villain of the film. Again, that's something I would be a fan of, the criminal underworld in the forefront.
Qi'ra, played by Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke, is an old childhood friend, as possible love interest to Han. I'll be interested to see their dynamic and history in the film, specifically how they grew up and what happens to her. I just hope the film doesn't take the easy-way out and either have her killed or betray Han. I know that won't leave that many options, but I think those would be the two most cliched options for her.
One thing I'm really looking forward to in the film is how they handle Han and Chewie's introduction in canon. It will also be nice to see a younger, more active Chewie in the film do more stuff, such as literally pile-driving someone. Also, is that Mala? You know, his wife from the Holiday Special. I know she is already canon because of the Aftermath novels, but, man, it would be something else to actually see her, and possibly their child, in an official movie.
Like I said before, the Empire will be in the film. In addition to a new Tie Fighter variant, we will get a new type of Stormtrooper called the range trooper. They look cool, and I like how they have magnetic shoes for the train scene, which I can already tell will be a highlight of the film.
Finally, here is a look a Paul Bettany's character, a crime lord named Dryden Vos. The character was originally meant to be played by actor Michael K. Williams, but was replaced after he couldn't make the reshoots. The character was also meant to be an alien, not human. Again, nice to see a crime lord, but, to me, he looks kinda of stupid with the scars, but that's just me.
Overall, there were other highlights from the trailer, such as Han getting his iconic DL-44 blaster. I am more excited to see the film after the trailer, even if I have some concerns. I think the film technically looks great, and there are individual elements I'm looking forward to. Honestly, my biggest concerns are Han himself...as well as whether the film is truly necessary at all.
