Production woes soiled 'Solo'

Editor's note: Robert Setlock is a movie reviewer who runs the YouTube channel Organized Chaos.Solo: A Star Wars Story• Setlock review: *** out of five stars• Rated: PG-13• Runtime: 2 hours, 15 minutes• In theaters nationwide"Star Wars" might have the most toxic fan community out there. No matter your opinion on the films before the Disney buyout, the films after the Disney buyout have all been met with a lot of passion, both pro and con. It doesn't matter what I write on a "Star Wars" movie, I'll get a response attacking my opinion.So, do I love or hate this latest "Star Wars" installment? This review may be my most controversial as I exited this movie with a resounding "meh."If you followed the stories behind the scenes of this movie, you'd know it was an absolute mess. I have to admit, the idea of watching a Han Solo prequel movie did nothing to excite me, however, when I heard Phil Lord and Chris Miller (the team that made "The Lego Movie") would be directing, my interest in the project rose. Then the duo had a falling out with writer Lawrence Kasdan (also, someone to be respected).They were fired and replaced with Ron Howard. Howard is a competent director who was supposed to direct a "Star Wars" movie back when George Lucas still had the rights.On paper, this seems like an acceptable change, especially when you take into account the fact that:• We're dealing with a Han Solo origin story that no one is really interested in.• Those now in charge are known for doing a solid job but are not known for adding an unique spin to mediocre material.The behind-the-scenes mess doesn't blast through like some other messy projects, but it is very much there. Much of the movie is dedicated to fan service, giving origins to things that don't really need origins (ever wonder where Han's last name comes from?). It also sets up seeds for future "Star Wars" standalone movies that no one was asking for.The highlights come largely from the cast. Donald Glover does a spot on Billy Dee Williams impression that works in the same vein as Karl Urban's Deforest Kelley in the new Star Treks. Woody Harrelson is awesome, as always, as a thief and smuggler with whom Han ends up working with. Finally, Phoebe Waller-Bridge is memorable as one of Lando Calrissian's droids, L3-37.Unfortunately, the negatives then appear way too often. Alden Ehrenreich is a serviceable Han Solo, though he brings nothing new to the table and doesn't hold a candle to Harrison Ford. Emilia Clarke's Qi'ra is supposed to be the love interest, but she and Ehrenreich have barely any chemistry. Quite frankly, I can't blame the actors for this. Qi'ra is written as a nebulous character so she can simply do whatever the script needs of her.And, finally, the story: it feels like a breakneck series of heists with just enough connections to make sense — but only barely."Solo" is a film far too concerned with setting up Han's character and the incumbent future "Star Wars" films and less concerned with telling its own story. Howard does a fine job directing, but there is only so much that can be done when a studio is clearly pulling the strings.If you are absolutely desperate for more "Star Wars" in your life, Solo is your best option. Everyone else can skip this movie."Star Wars" characters Han Solo and Chewbacca appear in a scene from "Solo: A Star Wars Story"