Back from Solo - and I had a bad feeling about this one from the get go.
The movie went places I didn't expect and parts I thought would be bigger didn't quite live up to expectations. Still, all in all, it's still solid and a well put together fun ride. With the crew that put it together - I expected nothing less. Ron Howard is more than capable and I'm fairly certain he salvaged what could have been a train wreck. There will be those that have nothing better to do than complain, complain, complain and rant and rave about Lucasfilm this and Lucasfilm that... but, it's best to let those bullies have their trainwreck they wanted and let them have the perverse joy they have in their misery.
Alden isn't Han - yeah, we all knew that going in. His stature isn't really an issue in the flick - yeah, it's apparent here and there, but it isn't as distracting as I expected (if you're looking for it - you'll see it). There were moments when he did look more like Harrison than I expected... but, mostly, it's his voice that throws me off. Don Glover was an adequate Lando, but didn't capture the swagger as much as I thought he might - but, he was still a lot of fun to watch. Woody Harrelson is Woody Harrelson and everyone else worked just fine.
Without getting too much into spoiler territory - there's a huge potential for this to carry on - without Han or Lando - and I really hope that avenue might be pursued with Favereau's upcoming series. I don't watch Game of Thrones, but I understand that there aren't a whole lot of episodes and an ending is in sight.
The story was fun. I thought the essence of the characters was captured very well. It's a fun ride and very much a Star Wars movie. I thought it did everything it needed to do and while I still feel it was an unnecessary movie, it was still enjoyable and a solid addition to the franchise we all know and love.