'Solo' premiere features life-size Millennium Falcon, a galaxy of 'Star Wars' stars, and really strong buzz

·Contributor

May 12, 2018 at 12:00 AM

Following the star-studded premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story in Hollywood yesterday, the first reactions are now in. And it could be time to breathe a sigh of relief. It sounds like Ron Howard nailed it.

It also sounds like Donald Glover steals the show as the young Lando Calrissian.

Clockwise from top Joonas Suotamo, Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Paul Bettany, Jon Favreau, Donald Glover, Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Ron Howard, and Clint Howard. (Photo: Lucasfilm/Disney)

The movie is the second spinoff from the Star Wars series, following 2016’s Rogue One, and it finds Alden Ehrenreich playing the young smuggler Han Solo.

Donald Glover and Alden Ehrenreich (Photo: REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

Though the production was fraught — Howard took over the directing duties after original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were fired by Lucasfilm — the final is being called “a blast.”

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
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) May 11, 2018

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
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) May 11, 2018

#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

.@RealRonHoward’s #SoloAStarWarsStory is pure fan-servicing fun. #SoloPremiere #StarWars pic.twitter.com/QXXRXJlwpz
— Marcus Errico (@MarcusErrico) May 11, 2018

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.)
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) May 11, 2018

After seeing #SoloAStarWarsStory I can confirm one thing: bank on Lando: A Star Wars Story getting a green light by the end of the year. Donald Glover continues to be perfect. pic.twitter.com/ipjq0rcEtX
— Conner Schwerdtfeger (@ConnerWS) 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

Yes, I live and breathe @starwars. I know with each new one, I say it’s the greatest one ever. But #Solo delivers in every way. Funny, suspenseful, emotional, a truly epic origin story. If this film doesn’t make your heart happy, then just give up on watching movies. #kesselrun
— Adam F. Goldberg (@adamfgoldberg) 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

Of course, there’s not quite universal approval. Some critics had reservations…

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.
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) 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
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) May 11, 2018

The world premiere featured a life-size Millennium Falcon parked on Hollywood Boulevard and appearances by the full cast, including Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, Paul Bettany, and Jon Favreau, as well as old-school Star Wars fixtures George Lucas, Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, Ewan McGregor, Peter Mayhew, and Ray Park.