Movies: Brothers-In-Arms: Han Meets Chewie For The First Time In “Solo: A Star Wars Story”

They may be an odd couple, but the partnership of Han Solo and Chewbacca has made its indelible mark in cinema, inspiring generations and influencing our ideas on friendship, loyalty and courage.

With the release of Lucasfilm’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” audiences are once again able to revisit this iconic male duo and revel at the infectious dynamic between a Wookie and scruffy-looking scoundrel.

The film traces not only the origins of Han Solo but also reveals how he meets his would-be loyal co-pilot for the first time, bound by a desperate mission against impossible odds that will help shape the irresistible antihero audiences have come to love.

Movies: Ayala Malls Cinemas Brings “Solo: A Star Wars Story” To Life On The Big Screen

Premiere @ Ayala Malls Cinemas’ Glorietta 4 with Local Celebrities and Fans

Ayala Malls Cinemas with The Walt Disney Studios Company Philippines take entertainment a universe higher with the latest release of Lucas Films’ “Solo: A Star Wars Story” as the 501st Legion and Bagong Pag-Asa Base, Rebel Legion recently came in full force at Glorietta for an unforgettable experience that provided fans, guests and mall patrons a chance to take photos and selfies with their favorite Star Wars characters.

Following the parade of Star Wars characters at the atrium of Glorietta Activity Center, Chewbacca’s 7.4-ft statue was finally unveiled at the cinema lobby before the start of the special screening. The special display will be at Glorietta 4 cinema lobby in time for the movie’s release window at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting May23.

Movies: Get To Know The Characters In “Solo: A Star Wars Story”

Lucasfilm’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story” which tells the origins of the legendary Han Solo is now playing in Philippine cinemas.  While Han is not only the title character but also the anchor of the film, it’s really the relationships that he forms over the course of his life that make him a well-rounded and interesting figure.

Below, let’s meet the colorful characters in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and get a glimpse of how they shaped Han’s destiny.

Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich). For young Han Solo, times are tough under Imperial rule. He makes his way as a reckless street thief, working for a notorious gang on Corellia, which is headed up by an ill-tempered crime boss. After an arduous stint as an Imperial mudtrooper, Han calls it quits and finds that he is very comfortable reinventing himself and traveling in the company of scoundrels around the galaxy.

Review: SOLO: A Star Wars Story

If there is something that Star Wars has given its fans, is its many lovable, memorable and morally ambiguous characters-one of which is the scruffy, nerf-herder-Han Solo! Now, we really don't know much about the dashing smuggler, as we first meet him as a pretty established (and cocky) pilot in Ep. IV "A New Hope" -trusty sidekick Chewy included. 

SOLO: A Star Wars Story looks into changing that by introducing us to a young Han Solo as he leads his own stand alone movie. The audience will be treated to the beautiful story of how one of most iconic duos in history (Han Solo and Chewie) met and how they met Lando Calrissian (Dany Glover) as well as come to own, the one and only Millenium Falcon. Its a fun and thrilling space adventure that has long been overdue! 

While there has been 'much ado' about the casting of Alden Ehrenreich as a young Han Solo, since Harrison Ford has become the character and like a double edged sword this has meant that some fans may not see any other actor playing the character but given the impossible shoes that he must fill, I must say that Ehrenreich does a pretty good job considering he carries the whole essence of a beloved character on his shoulders. Of course, he gets help from a strong supportive cast, the rich environment and landscape of the Star Wars universe, and I'm not just talking about the different landscapes of the numerous planets but the rich stories that we have enjoyed and loved over the years but so many others waiting to be told as well-just like this one!   

An exciting heist movie from start to finish, "Solo" stays away from all the "Jedi mystery" and family drama; while bringing its own unique flavor to the space opera saga. 

Escaping the slums of his origin, Han Solo wants nothing more than to be the best pilot in the galaxy and he will stop at nothing until that happens. Finding himself caught in one compromising position after another, he gains a trusty sidekick in the Wookie, Chewbacca, a few friends and enemies along the way (he still has to figure out which is which) and a choice that he has to make, which will mark his destiny forever.  

It's 'get in, get the goods and (try to) get out' plot is easy enough for even the casual movie goer to enjoy; and is probabbly one of the good things about the movie. You don't have to think too hard about it, you just have to sit back and enjoy it. If you are a fan of the franchise-enjoying all the references is an added bonus. 

Loved that we get to see the beginnings of the Han & Chewie 'bromance', impressive performances from supporting cast members - Emilia Clarke and Donald Glover. Although the Kessel run could have been more edge of your seat. The rotating train was fun though. 

I would have to give props to Alden Ehrenreich's attempt on taking on the impossible task of playing a young Han Solo (no one can deliver that swagger like Harrison Ford does). Ehrenreich's gets satisfactory marks on my book and if you can cut him slack and check your expectations at the door, you might enjoy the film as much as I did. 

8/10 - Solo: A Star Wars Movie, may not be as serious as its namesake but it may just surprsie you and may be just the thrill ride you need after a long and tiring week at work. 

Movies: Fan-Favorite Han: Meet The Beloved Hero Of “Solo: A Star Wars Story”

Lucasfilm presents “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” charting the adventure-filled past of Han Solo, the iconic galactic scoundrel and one of the most beloved characters in cinema history. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo will meet his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounter the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that sets the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

Producer Kathleen Kennedy, describing what makes Han Solo such an iconic and beloved character, says, “He’s very authentic. He’s a scoundrel, he’s a maverick, and there’s a mystery to him. Handsome, incredibly charismatic and adorable—that’s a pretty great combination for a Star Wars action hero.”

Screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan was hooked the moment he found out the film was about Han Solo, the character he is most passionate about in the Star Wars canon. “Han was always my favorite, right from the start,” says Kasdan. “He’s the most exciting guy in the saga for me. He’s unpredictable. He’s reckless. He’s not brilliant. He’ll say things that he can’t back up. He’ll leap in when he should stay back. There’s nothing more attractive to me than a screw-up who’s actually got a good heart but hides it as best he can.”