Star Wars Speculation: 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' Teaser Takeaways

This week we've been blessed with our first look into Solo: A Star Wars Story. This included the release of a TV Spot during the Super Bowl, an official teaser trailer on Good Morning America the next morning, and a lot of insight provided by Entertainment Weekly. I began writing this at the beginning of the week, but I knew I had to wait a little longer to actually publish it once the EW info started trickling out in so I could share more accurate information. I'll include links to the full EW articles at the end if you'd like to read more into anything, but I've cherry-picked the more interesting tid-bits and spread them throughout this post. Also, I'm calling this "Teaser Takeaways" as opposed to a "Trailer Analysis" because it's really just a compilation of the biggest takeaways from the teasers and EW issue.

**Keep in mind that this is all my interpretation of the scenery. I could be way off mark in regards to speculation, but provided I'm correct, potential spoilers lie ahead.**

'Solo: A Star Wars Story' Teaser Takeaways

Characters

1. Alden as Han- If these teasers had one job, it was to ease fans into the idea of someone else playing Han Solo other than Harrison Ford. I've already seen several complaining about the casting choice because Alden Ehrenreich didn't sound like Harrison Ford, but I'm kind of glad his performance doesn't seem to be based on an impersonation. In fact, according to his interview with EW, Harrison Ford was an adviser on the film to a slight degree and even gave Ehrenreich some invaluable insight into the character. While I still need to see more footage of Ehrenreich before making a fair judgement, what was shown of him in the teasers didn't concern me. 

He had a smug grin on his face while calmly delivering the "Thought we were in trouble there for a second, but it's fine. We're fine" line though, so he seems to be capturing the genuine spirit of the character. 

Many have pointed out that the line also is quite similar to Han's dialogue in A New Hope where he says "Uh, had a slight weapons malfunction. But, uh, everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all finer her, now, thank you." 

2. Chewie- It just wouldn't be a Han Solo movie if everyone's favorite fuzzball didn't show up! Solo will likely address how Han and Chewbacca met as well as the origins of Chewie's life debt to Han. In Legends (the old canon), Han was a member of the Imperial Navy and saved Chewbacca from slavery after being ordered to kill the Wookie. We're not really sure if that story element will carry over or not, but I wouldn't be surprised to see something along those lines happening in the film. Another thing worth noting is that Chewie's got two bandoliers instead of the traditional one he usually wears. It probably won't be a BIG deal in the context of the film, but I'm curious to see what happens with that. 

3. Lando- The film also features Donald Glover as the ol' smoothie, Lando Calrissian. Glover seemed like a perfect casting choice from day one and I think he's got sufficient swagger to possibly steal the show.

Eagle-eyed fans have noticed that Glover's got Lando's salute down at the very least. The droid seen in the image above will be Lando's female droid and side-kick, L3-37, who is portrayed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge via motion capture. L3-37 is described to have a sophisticated working relationship with Lando and is a self-modified droid who's utilized various parts from other droids to improve upon herself over time.

4. Qi'ra- Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke will be portraying Qi'ra, one of Han's childhood friends and the film's femme fatale. In the EW interview, Clarke says that the two grew up together, there's a romantic element to their relationship, and she is one of the characters who will shape him to become the lovable scoundrel we're familiar with. Also, she hinted that her glamorous appearance seems to hide "a few rough roads."

5. Tobias Beckett- Woody Harrelson is playing Tobias Beckett, a mentor figure to Han who probably helped him become a smuggler to begin with. He's shown to be recruiting Han and Chewie for a heist we see later on.

6. Val- Here we have a brief glimpse of actress Thandie Newton's character, Val. She's one of Beckett's "business" partners who will probably partake in the big heist. She's also said to be skeptical of Solo.

7. Dryden Vos- This character was nowhere to be seen in the trailer, but he's been teased numerous times by Ron Howard on social media. He was originally supposed to be played by Michael K. Williams before Ron Howard took over directorial duties from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, but Williams schedule conflicted with the extended production so Paul Bettany was brought in to play the part instead. Anyways, the EW article says that Vos is a crime lord who's clearly more clean-cut than sleazy slug, Jabba the Hutt, and is more immersed in the galactic criminal world than anyone else Han encounters over the course of the film. He's described as a man who's found great success breaking rules, but isn't the kind to get his hands dirty. Fans have also taken notice of a familiar helmet in the back lefthand corner of the above picture Howard shared on social media... Take a peak if you dare to spoil that surprise. 

While Vos wasn't seen in the trailer, I suspect he'll be the owner of this high class cantina seen in the trailer because the setting seems to match the background environment of that image. 

8. Four Armed Space Monkey- I know literally nothing about this creature, but it looks cool! There's appears to be an Imperial in the background, so it's difficult to tell exactly what side this guy's on. 

My random far-out guess would be that he's driving this awesome roller coaster-looking train, called the Conveyex. 

The vehicle is carrying some unknown cargo that will be the target of the film's heist. My wild, out-there guess would be that this heist makes Han a more recognizable name among the galaxy and draws the attention of a certain Hutt who may be enticed to have Solo start smuggling for him... I'm also going to guess that the Imperial Officer is there to guard the cargo along with several Stormtroopers. However, the character I'm about to mention is also seen fighting Beckett on-top of the train in the teaser, so it won't just be Imperials in their way.

9. Potential Antagonist(s)- Once again, I know almost nothing about who these people are, but I'd like to think they're some crime syndicate in pursuit of Solo or something along those lines... Regardless, they appear to be the central antagonists as the unidentified character in the center can be seen in multiple locations throughout the teasers. 

Backstory

1. The film will incorporate Han's Legends Background- As I mentioned earlier, Solo seems to be keeping some elements from Han's previous background in Legends intact, such as him joining the Empire. He mentions that he was kicked out of the flight academy for "having a mind of [his] own," but we'll have to wait and see if that is due to his inherent recklessness or because he freed Chewbacca.

2. We'll see how Han obtains the Falcon- The Millennium Falcon will play a huge part in the film for obvious reasons. I'm guessing that we're going to witness Han winning the Falcon from Lando in a game of Sabacc. 

For those wondering, Sabacc is a card game in the Star Wars galaxy often played by gamblers. The image above shows Lando playing with an interesting two-headed alien.

We can see Lando piloting the Falcon here, so we know it will be in his possession for some portion of the runtime.

3. The Infamous Kessel Run- Ahh, yes! Remember when Han Solo claimed that the Falcon made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs? Well, it looks like we'll finally find out if Han's boasting was well-founded or an over-exaggeration. Things to note are that there's a tentacle monster in the nebula and the Falcon looks a bit more complete towards the front center with an additional metal piece. Whether that piece is a modification made by Lando or the ship's original design remains to be seen, but I feel it could go either way. 

On that note, Lando clearly kept the Falcon much more tidy that Han and Chewie have. This observation's already lead to an overabundance of jokes, but I felt it was still worth including a comparison to emphasize how filthy it's become. 

4. Golden Dice- Remember those golden dice from The Last Jedi?...

Well, here they are hanging at the front of this speeder!  

They didn't just come completely from nowhere though because they were hung up in the Millennium Falcon in A New Hope. I suspect they'll be the dice Han uses to win the Falcon in his game of Sabacc against Lando because they're clearly of some importance to the smuggler, or else he wouldn't hang them up in the Falcon.

Locations

1. Corellia- I'm just guessing here, but it seems to me that this speeder chase will take place on Corellia. Why? Because it's Han's home planet and where many Star Wars ships are manufactured (Millennium Falcon and Imperial Starships). The industrial environment around seems to add credence to my theory.

2. Kessel- I'm thinking this will be Kessel because, as I stated earlier, this sequence looks to be the Kessel Run.

3. Beach planet?- Well, it's not Scarif... This looks like a brand new planet with possible spiritual significance to the Jedi Order due to the engraved pillars. I doubt we'll actually see any Jedi because Han makes it very clear he believes the Force is a bunch of mumbo jumbo at the time of A New Hope, but it might be similar to Jedha from Rogue One.

4. Mountainous, snow planet- This seems to be the setting of the big heist because the Conveyex is only shown in a snowy environment, but for those suspecting it's Hoth, I feel like it will be a new, previously unexplored planet. We'll probably have more info on it, along with the rest of these locations, in the next month or two.

5. Mimban- I'm not really sure if this planet has been shown in the trailer or not, but the above photo was included in the EW breakdown and is the only confirmed look at Mimban. Mimban is described as a swamp world with an overcast atmosphere full of thunderstorms. Now, it's very possible that this is the same planet as one of the others I've already mentioned because this is the only confirmed image of it. This planet was primarily showcased in Legends material and was originally introduced in the very first Star Wars novel Splinter of the Mind's Eye, but the planet was made canon by a casual mention in an episode of The Clone Wars and this will be our first actual look at it in canon. 

6. Where Han wins the Falcon- I'm past planets now and am purely speculating on scenery. This scenery matches up with the shots of Lando looking smug while playing Sabacc, so I suspect this will be where Han wins the Falcon. 

7. High class cantina- Sort of like Canto Bight, this setting seems to be a high end cantina for the wealthy. However, this looks more like a traditional club than a casino. Oh, and there's some Twi'lek's dancing so that's kind of cool.

Here's a picture of Oola, Jabba's Twi'lek dancer from Return Of The Jedi, for those unfamiliar with the species.

General Thoughts: These teasers managed to get me much more excited about the film. Previously, I was much more skeptical due to the behind the scenes drama, but Lucasfilm has won me over as of now. I'm really digging the visual look of the film and Bradford Young's cinematography unsurprisingly looks incredible so far! There's plenty shown in these teasers that look like nothing I'd ever seen before in a Star Wars film, so I'm all for that!! I'm ready for May 25th. 

EW Articles referenced:
-Harrison Ford was a covert adviser

-Details on Phoebe Waller-Bridge's droid character

-Emilia Clarke on playing Qi'ra

-Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton, Paul Bethany character details

-As always, May the Force be with you!

Throwback Thursday Review: 'Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi'

Well here it is, what will be my final Throwback Thursday Review for a Star Wars film and the final film in the Original Trilogy for my to review. Be forewarned there will be some spoilers in the review but nothing too big. It's so crazy to think that hours after publishing this review Star Wars: The Force Awakens will have been released for the public to see and I will not only have seen it but have a review for the film. If you would like to read all of my other Star Wars reviews, here are hyper links for my other reviews. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith, Star Wars: A New Hope, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. So as of now I have no future plans to do anymore Throwback Thursday Reviews in 2015 but it's very possible I may do a Throwback Thursday Review on the 24th of a Christmas movie. I will continue reviewing any new films I see of course and have plans to review a few films that I have yet to see this year even though they aren't quite "new". So look forward to plenty of reviews for the next two weeks. Also look forward as I will make a few posts summarizing my thoughts of the films released this year (ie. Top 10, 5 most disappointing, and 5 films I wish I had seen, as well as the 10 films I'm most excited for next year).

'Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi' Review

Nominated For: Best Art Direction, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing and Best Original Score.
Won: Special Achievement Award (For Visual Effects).

Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi is the third and final film in the Original Trilogy, originally just entitled Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi, and takes place sixth chronologically in the saga. Return Of The Jedi is probably the most controversial of the Original Trilogy, although not nearly as controversial as the Prequel Trilogy. What can be agreed upon however is that Return Of The Jedi is pure fun.

Richard Marquand directs and ensures to bring the best of all that is beloved in the franchise to the forefront. Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas return to pen the story and once again craft another masterful tale. John Williams once again scores the film with more epic harmonious music that shall stand the test of time and still remains among the best film scores of all time.

The performances and characterization on display are once again incredible. Mark Hamill returns to the role of Luke Skywalker bringing a new vibrato to the character, now that Luke is a trained Jedi Knight. From the moment Luke arrives you can just tell how much Luke has grown as a character since the beginning of it all and it's very satisfying to see Luke finally become one of the Jedi Knights of legend.

Harrison Ford returns and wears the role of Han Solo like a glove, given his familiarity with the lovable scoundrel. Carrie Fisher is back as a bit of a more level headed Leia, who's not quite as chirpy and sarcastic but more of a leader in her own right showing her fierce and assertive independence. Although Leia's given quite a bit of growth in this film she's somewhat relegated to a smaller role, giving more spotlight to Luke.

Billy Dee Williams is once again the smooth Lando Calrissian and is given much more to do this time around. C3PO, R2D2, and Chewbacca all return with each having plenty of great moments onscreen.

Meanwhile for the antagonists, this film introduces us to Vader's superior, the Emperor, in person for the first time. Ian McDiarmid is phenomenal as the sick twisted leader of the Galactic Empire.

At the Emperor's feet, James Earl Jones once again breathes life to Vader through his commanding baritone voice that certainly adds to the villain's vindictive nature. However, Darth Vader is shown to possess humanity that balances out with his malevolent nature adding more complex layers to the character.

The story begins with Darth Vader's arrival to supervise the construction of a second Death Star. He informs the imperial officer that the Emperor shall arrive soon so they must get back on the construction schedule planned out.

The film then transitions to Tatooine where we see our favorite droid duo head into Jabba's palace. We are introduced to Jabba The Hutt, the most vile, slimy space slug in the galaxy. It was interesting to finally see this crime lord that's been discussed throughout the films and his foul appearance certainly lived up to the horrid descriptions. The two are accompanied with a message from Luke pleading for Jabba to release Han Solo. They are followed by the rest of the gang each arriving one wave after another in their attempt to rescue Captain Solo. Now this all sets the stage for Luke Skywalker's arrival.

Luke arrives cloaked in a black robes and we see his newfound strength with the power of the force as he force chokes two Gamorrean guards and then uses Jedi mind tricks on Jabba's servant, Bib Fortuna. He then forces him to bring him to Jabba and threatens the space slug to his unsavory face. After some brief events I won't discuss in too much detail, Jabba declares for Luke, Han, and Chewy to all be taken to the Sarlacc Pit to be sacrificed to be digested for over a thousand years.

Then begins the one of the most suspenseful moments in Star Wars. John William's score begins a series of brief vamps and Luke is taken to the plank over the Sarlacc Pit. R2D2 makes his way to the top of Jabba's sail barge as Luke threatens Jabba one final time. He then proceeds to jump grabbing the edge of the plank and launching himself back onto the skiff, R2 then shoots Luke's lightsaber from his dome and Luke catches it igniting the emerald blade proceeding to cut down Jabba's minions. The audience now knows that Luke has crafted himself a new lightsaber. This was the first time in the franchise that audiences had ever seen a green lightsaber, and I think the color lended itself quite well for the weapon.

Now comes a very unfortunate anticlimactic end to a very beloved character. Boba Fett is taken out when Han accidentally ruptures Fett's jetpack. Fett is then trust forward into the Sarlacc Pit to his unfortunate end. It was a shame to see one of the galaxy's greatest bounty hunters be so easily disposed and is probably my biggest problems with the film, although that certainly doesn't detract from it too much. After tons of action the group escapes blowing up Jabba's sail barge upon their exit. This was such a great introduction for the film, hence why I've discussed it in such great details, allowing for some great action in the Dune Sea as they must fight Jabba's subservient scum.

Now the group splits off once again and we follow Luke as he goes to Dagobah one last time. Yoda reappears briefly at this point to provide more wise words to Luke and a huge revelation telling Luke there is another Skywalker before his death. This then propels Luke's story arc when Kenobi's force ghost appears confirming that Vader is his father and telling Luke the truth about Anakin Skywalker as well as informing Luke that Leia is his twin sister.

Luke then reunites wth his Rebel friends and they're off on a mission to take out a shield generator on the forest moon of Endor protecting the new Death Star. On the moon there's a great speeder chase scene which allows for some entertaining action. Then a series of events lead to the inevitable final confrontation between Luke and Vader. Then comes one of the greatest climactic battles in the entire saga as there is a battle on three fronts.

There's first the fight on the forrest moon of Endor and a huge space battle going on overhead in an entertaining assault on the Death Star that both have a few shocking twists.

Meanwhile, while all of this is going on Luke has surrendered himself to Vader and the two have an interesting conversation. Vader presents Luke to the Emperor with the intention of turning Luke to the dark side. The Emperor then begins to taunt Luke poking at the fact that all of his Rebel friends will be defeated. Luke is enraged by this and uses the force to seize his lightsaber and he attempts to strike down the Emperor. However Darth Vader blocks the blade from reaching his master with his own lightsaber. Then one of the greatest duels in Star Wars ensues.

What makes this duel so fantastic is the powerful engaging emotional layer of the greater conflict between Luke and his inner self. Luke is conflicted between whether or not he should stay in the light or join the dark side and this is conveyed brilliantly in a few shots where half of his face is shadowed, symbolizing the choice Luke must make. I think that was a great overarching theme throughout the duel. It was also interesting to see Luke momentarily give in to the darkness as he is enraged by some of Vader's comments poking that maybe Luke's sister would turn to the dark side.

He then loses it and starts swinging his saber ferociously and the duel intensifies. He subdues Vader and chops off Vader's hand and the Emperor asks him to kill Vader Luke refuses and flings his lightsaber away leaving himself vulnerable to the Emperor's force lightning.

Vader watches as Luke writhes in pain from the Emperor's power and is then presented with a choice to go back to the light side and save his son or remain in the dark side and watch his son perish. Vader then proceeds to grab his master and throw him over the side to his inevitable death.

However, in doing this, his suit is disabled by the Emperor's force lightning and so Vader asks Luke to remove his mask so he may see his son with his own eyes. After the removal of the helmet Anakin soon dies and Luke takes his body with him back to the first moon of Endor and has a ceremonial funeral pyre for his father. I always thought it was so interesting and sad to see that Luke was the only one in attendance at the funeral since the rest of the Rebels aren't quite fond of Vader.

Now for the controversy, some complain that the inclusion of the Ewoks, small teddy bear like creatures native to the forest moon of Endor, make the film too child friendly and fail to service the narrative. I've never been bothered by their inclusion as they're not an annoyance and don't hinder the plot. I must agree that they certainly weren't "necessary," but they are clearly present as an appeal to children.

Another chief complaint is the construction of a second Death Star, but once again I was never bothered by this because it makes logical sense to me that the Emperor was very determined to have a space station capable of destroying planets to help keep the galaxy in line.

Now to sum all of that up, I can say that when I was younger, this was my favorite Star Wars film and I've always debated between Return Of The Jedi and Empire Strikes Back as to which is my favorite in the franchise. I think Return Of The Jedi is the more "fun" film and Empire Strikes Back is the better made film overall (similarly to how I feel about my comparison between Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy as to which is the better Marvel film). So I can say this is a very close second in my ranking of the Star Wars Saga.

Overall, Return Of The Jedi is a great film that is a satisfying resolution to the Original Trilogy. If you haven't seen the film or even if you have, I highly recommend watching (or rewatching) it as well as the rest of the Original Trilogy, especially for those planning to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Film Assessment: A+