You thought I was going to review “Ferdinand”. And, I was. But, then came the obligation to review “StarWars”! And, because of the question as to whether this film is for children or adults? I’ll answer that at the end of the review.

OK, so here’s the review:

Not having seen any “StarWars” films since I was just a boy in the 1970’s; having watched “Empire Strikes Back” back then, we saw the film several times in parts because we were goofing around like little rascals through much of the film on TV, in the background.

When the film was distributed to my relatives in Germany on the big screen, one of them went gaga over it and had to have the storm trooper and Luke action figures. We had fun with those and got caught up in the “StarWars” craze for moments. Later too, a friend in our USA had the “x-wing” fighter model plane. I don’t know if I ever saw the film from beginning to end. And, being just a child, plot is completely forgotten now that I’m a man. In those years, “Annie” was also a most successful movie that really resonated with me. I liked everything about it. Of course, what I do recall about “Empire Strikes Back” in the 1970’s, are the cheeky lines that princess L. and H. Solo jabbed at one another while in their spaceship, Chubaka with a gentle yet beastly presence, laser battles between storm troopers and the good guys, and yes of course the very evil presence of the Darth Vader… whose fight with Luke Skywalker was most pronounced. Yoda, was the cute and wise little being, and the restaurant in the desert was host to some very diverse alien species.

There is no doubt that Mr. Lucas’ productions are creative and a bit strange. I do admire his intelligence and creativity when manifested in alien specie appearance, shape, and character.

Growing up with his films and many of the other greats by Steven Spielberg, many GenXers like myself, found lessons learned by those films. And a bit later, by the John Hughes greats, which also formed teenage life.

OK, so maybe I am not the best person to review this film. Without having seen the entire saga (not even close to it), I realize that the “StarWars” films are like a religion to many people. So, watching this film was a duty for me. And, “SOLO” should be reviewed on its own merit, regardless of the preceding installments of the Lucas saga. In that regard, if you have not seen all the predecessors, don’t let it deter you from possibly enjoying this one.

First, for young children, I would not advise taking them to this. A film that portrays evil so distinctly and sharply, is probably best for 13 years and up age group. From my adult perspective, the film is OK and adequate, but not great.

A rather long film with a slow start, I found myself fidgety and not taking the plot seriously.
However, some elements did come to the fore later; with action scenes, dynamic acting, and moments of wisdom that explain (and justify) the preceding long setup. My attention span was recaptured when genuine conflict ensued and I was reigned in to pay attention to the story and the lessons.

Without going too much into plot, or who wins and who does not, for people who like visual explosions and space battles – the film does provide. Some actor direction was a bit weak.

For me personally, the film got a whole lot more interesting once Benicio Del Toro’s role is introduced. An anti hero often elevates interest, and he played his part. A good casting choice, his performance elevated the whole dynamism of the film.

Back to theme: whether you situate yourself on the “dark side” or the “light”, the “evil” or “good”, the “empire” or the “rebel/resistance”, nothing moves forward without someone playing a crucial and helpful role to any cause, and it must be linked to self sacrifice.

Thus, crucial to the story, in the beginning – Luke teaches his determined and persistent, yet still amateur fighter, that “the force” contains evil and good. If that point had not been made early on, the film would have been a failure. Driving home the point later, that war tilts a person to the light or the dark, the thesis is that a fight requires loss. And, that a quest to destroy any competition, is the evil that must be fought against and within ourselves.

Whether you believe that or not, is up to you.

And that, I believe, is what “StarWars” fans crave to be reminded of, when watching these epic Lucas sagas. On that level, it might be understood why the film has made so much money, as patrons’ expectations and hunger are what they are.

In closing this review, I am wholly satisfied to have seen that the arch rivals destroyed much of each other – if for no other reason than to bring divisions to an end by shared weakness. And, if I never see another “StarWars” movie again, that might not necessarily be a bad thing for me personally.

As to the theme of “the force”, I personally found that the animated movie “Frozen”, much more interestingly portrayed the consequence of having power – needing to keep it from harming those you love. But in the “StarWars” film, learning to subdue it – is to harness it yes like wind in sails, but equally important, to teach allies how to prevent corrupting the spirit or attempting to bring shame and ruin.

There is right and there is wrong. The quest for justice in this film, belongs to the princess.

My answer, is that this film is for adults. But, I know parents will bring their kids to see it. To me, it felt much like a theme park ride, but plot is detailed.

My next review is likely to be “Peter Rabbit”.