Balance has been restored to the force.  After a Star Wars movie that left a worse taste in your mouth than drinking orange juice after brushing your teeth, I left the theatre feeling that this franchise was back in the hands of people that cared.  Despite having the original directors fired for conceptual differences, this movie flowed as if it had always meant to unfold that way.  I don’t know how much Ron Howard plays into that or if it was a magnificent editing team, but I felt that the vision of the Solo story was upheld.  I view these Star Wars Stories as separate canon from the original episodes so I don’t hold them to the same standard, however, with Rogue One being an unexpected masterpiece this film had a big act to follow.  They did a great job making all fans feel connected to this film.  It was broad enough for a new audience.  Specific enough to feed the average, and up to super fans, need for expansion on timeless characters.  Unfortunately the fan I can not speak for is the uber fan.  The fan that can tell you the models of every vehicle.  I am not that fan but I can safely assume that there were a few easter eggs in there for you too.

The characters in this film are portrayed with great respect.  Alden Ehrenreich (Han Solo) had some big shoes to fill and I think he did quite well.  Just do yourself a favor and don’t go in thinking Harrison Ford.  Give the kid a chance. Emilia Clarke (Qi’ra) plays a great supporting role and proves she will be a familiar face long after Game of Thrones ends its run.  Woody Harrelson (Beckett) adds his usual light hearted wisdom to a character meant to drive the film but not steal the show and succeeds as usual. Donald Glover…(insert slow clap).  This man delivers a performance as Lando that will propel his already profound success.  He nestled into a beloved role like your friends cat that knows no boundaries.  And just like when that purring fur ball plops down on your chest, you get all of the feels.

This movie looked at the Star Wars kid in you and handed it an ice cream cone.  You leave feeling part of something again.  It wasn’t a perfect movie, and I’m sure the internet will have its way with it as it does with everything pop culture.  It provides the same gap filling role Rogue One does in a more light hearted fashion.  It is family friendly although children might not follow along as well, but hey… Chewy.  I could go on longer but I want you to enjoy this as much as I did so I will just end by saying that any fears you may have had in anticipation of this movie should be washed away.  These were the droids you were looking for.