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Solo: A Star Wars Story — Official Review and Opinions Thread — SPOILERS — Page 17

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Ryan-SWI said:

The Autistic Asexual said:

Solo is on top of the worldwide box office and it’s a flop?! WOW! Explain that one to me.

Is this sarcasm?

I hope it is, because the movie landed on its face, under-performed like crazy and continues to make less and less money.
It has a shot at maybe having some domestic legs (Incredibles 2 and JW2 aren’t gonna let that happen, but for the sake of argument), but it has flopped hard overseas and if history serves it isn’t likely to magically pick up.

When Disney themselves and crew members are acknowledging it, there’s a real issue.

Given the inflated production costs due to re-shooting almost the entire film you’re probably looking at 600 mill to break even.
Breaking even isn’t good enough.

I like the film but it has flopped. I wish it didn’t, but it has.

We’re basically seeing a Justice League 2.0 at the box office.

Yeah it won’t make a billion dollars so it’s a complete failure. Aside from that I do believe that Solo could’ve made way more money if Disney just waited and put the movie out in December instead of May.

Reality sucks, watch movies.

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I think calling Solo a Justice League 2.0 is going a bit far. It wasn’t that bad.

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Yeah I’ve heard people say it bombed… But isnt it the number one movie right now? Didn’t meet expectations sure, but bomb?

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People don’t grasp the concept of a box office bomb anymore, if they ever did at all. And we seldom ever hear about home video grosses, which ought to count towards whether a movie is considered profitable or not. (It was Austin Powers’ popularity on home video that helped greenlight a sequel, or so I’ve heard.) In this day and age a video rental ought to count as much as a movie ticket.

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Where were you in '77?

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Handman said:

TV’s Frink said:

Handman said:

The kiss Han’s mentor got. Why? Seemed strangely intimate, but also casual and forced.

What.

It was weird in Star Wars. I don’t expect people to just casually French kiss.

When did it happen? I genuinely don’t remember it, and I don’t think I fell asleep during the movie

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Possessed said:

Yeah I’ve heard people say it bombed… But isnt it the number one movie right now? Didn’t meet expectations sure, but bomb?

Because right now it is a bomb. Everything which makes less than cca 2.5 * budget is considered a bomb. The budget was 250 millions USD, which means the total costs were something around 700 millions. Right now it made cca 197 millions worldwide. It will make nothing more in the world’s biggest market - China, it is already out of the cinemas in most European countries, so only home video sales might help it at least break even, even though I doubt it

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 (Edited)

And yet, creative studio accounting can claim that even a successful film has yet to turn a profit. Ask anyone not named Jack Nicholson who wanted some of that sweet Batman money.
http://articles.latimes.com/1991-03-21/entertainment/ca-796_1_net-profit
And lest we forget, there were four sequels made to this bomb. 😛

Did Solo open at the same time in Europe? I’ve never heard of a movie disappearing after only a week. Even Howard the Duck played for a few weeks here. That studios place so much emphasis on China’s fickle market these days is their problem. Star Wars doesn’t have any historical prestige there.

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Where were you in '77?

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oojason said:

darthrush said:

DrDre said:

yotsuya said:

DrDre said:

SilverWook said:

I’m almost at the point where I will have no use for the community at all. I hope that guy gets paid by the word.

I’m not even sure that guy is part of the community. He seems to be writing about film in general, but I share his view, that Star Wars has become a franchise, that doesn’t go forward, because it’s obsessed with looking in the rearview mirror.

Funny, I thought TLJ moved to new territory and broke the pattern. And Solo should be fun, not epicly serious.

I disagree. An Empire vs rebels/new hope vs fallen Jedi apprentice replay is not my interpretation of breaking new ground. TLJ’s calculated story twists don’t alter the fact, that it still shares a lot of narrative and visual similarities with TESB and ROTJ. It’s less derivative than TFA, but the fact that TLJ is seen by many as moving to new territory, imo proves that Star Wars has become so limited in scope, that the slightest deviation from the mold is now seen as visionary, and creative.

I seriously wonder if we will ever get a Star Wars film, that isn’t in some way a remix of Lucas’ greatest hits. What’s wrong with just telling a story about a new smuggler type character (or any other new character for that matter) set in the Star Wars universe, where we don’t know where all the characters end up? How about getting people to view your film simply on the merit of telling a good original story with good original characters, rather than relying on the classic characters, story tropes, nostalgia, and fan service to draw people in for another deja vu experience.

I actually really agree with you here. TLJ does take more risks than TFA, but it also could have taken some real chances that would have really shaken up the SW universe.

Firstly, after TFA, with Starkiller base destroyed, and the Republic gone, there was a vacuum of power that could be explored by Johnson in whatever way he saw fit. JJ gets a lot of criticism for writing RJ into a corner but the political situation was wide open. Johnson could have literally gone any direction with the overall story but instead went in such a boring and safe direction. The First Order now just rules over basically the entire galaxy, the Resistance is small and on the run the entire movie, and RJ basically just doubled down on the Rebels.V.Empire concept.

Secondly, RJ still had a second chance to really turn the story around with Kylo and Rey. Imagine if Rey accepted Kylo’s call to join him? Both the light side user and dark side user in the sequel trilogy, truly joining forces to eradicate what came before and start something entirely new?

Overall, RJ took a few risks but didn’t go nearly far enough to get away from remixing elements of other SW movies. I will admit that killing off Snoke was a great surprise and a really good decision by RJ that did something new with Star Wars.

I thought I was the Solo thread for a while - yet no, of course members here have no other threads to discuss TLJ/TFA and the choices of the respective directors & writers in.

You must be fun at parties.

Solo was fine, I didn’t feel angry or embarrassed at any scene except perhaps when Han got his last name.

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Judge said:

oojason said:

darthrush said:

DrDre said:

yotsuya said:

DrDre said:

SilverWook said:

I’m almost at the point where I will have no use for the community at all. I hope that guy gets paid by the word.

I’m not even sure that guy is part of the community. He seems to be writing about film in general, but I share his view, that Star Wars has become a franchise, that doesn’t go forward, because it’s obsessed with looking in the rearview mirror.

Funny, I thought TLJ moved to new territory and broke the pattern. And Solo should be fun, not epicly serious.

I disagree. An Empire vs rebels/new hope vs fallen Jedi apprentice replay is not my interpretation of breaking new ground. TLJ’s calculated story twists don’t alter the fact, that it still shares a lot of narrative and visual similarities with TESB and ROTJ. It’s less derivative than TFA, but the fact that TLJ is seen by many as moving to new territory, imo proves that Star Wars has become so limited in scope, that the slightest deviation from the mold is now seen as visionary, and creative.

I seriously wonder if we will ever get a Star Wars film, that isn’t in some way a remix of Lucas’ greatest hits. What’s wrong with just telling a story about a new smuggler type character (or any other new character for that matter) set in the Star Wars universe, where we don’t know where all the characters end up? How about getting people to view your film simply on the merit of telling a good original story with good original characters, rather than relying on the classic characters, story tropes, nostalgia, and fan service to draw people in for another deja vu experience.

I actually really agree with you here. TLJ does take more risks than TFA, but it also could have taken some real chances that would have really shaken up the SW universe.

Firstly, after TFA, with Starkiller base destroyed, and the Republic gone, there was a vacuum of power that could be explored by Johnson in whatever way he saw fit. JJ gets a lot of criticism for writing RJ into a corner but the political situation was wide open. Johnson could have literally gone any direction with the overall story but instead went in such a boring and safe direction. The First Order now just rules over basically the entire galaxy, the Resistance is small and on the run the entire movie, and RJ basically just doubled down on the Rebels.V.Empire concept.

Secondly, RJ still had a second chance to really turn the story around with Kylo and Rey. Imagine if Rey accepted Kylo’s call to join him? Both the light side user and dark side user in the sequel trilogy, truly joining forces to eradicate what came before and start something entirely new?

Overall, RJ took a few risks but didn’t go nearly far enough to get away from remixing elements of other SW movies. I will admit that killing off Snoke was a great surprise and a really good decision by RJ that did something new with Star Wars.

I thought I was the Solo thread for a while - yet no, of course members here have no other threads to discuss TLJ/TFA and the choices of the respective directors & writers in.

You must be fun at parties.

Solo was fine, I didn’t feel angry or embarrassed at any scene except perhaps when Han got his last name.

You must be going to the wrong parties 😉

A lot of the comments on TLJ and TFA in here have already been made - repeatedly in the other… TLJ and TFA threads, some just 6 months ago. They proved quite polarising, and on occasion toxic - so, as this film has nowt to do with those films let’s keep that fresh circle of hell out of here - and maybe y’know… talk about Solo.

There are plenty of other threads for those that wish to talk TFA/TLJ and the current perceived failings/faults of directors/writers/Kennedy/Lucas/management/R1 and politics/agendas therein of those films etc (and for general or positive thoughts too).

A little patience goes a long way on this old-school Rebel base. If you are having issues finding what you are looking for, these will be of some help…

Welcome to the OriginalTrilogy.com | Introduce yourself in here | Useful info within : About : Help : Site Rules : Fan Project Rules : Announcements
How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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 (Edited)

SilverWook said:

This might be a factor in why some think the movie is drab looking?
http://www.indiewire.com/2018/05/solo-star-a-wars-story-theatre-projection-problems-bradford-young-1201969989/

That was definitely a factor in my enjoying of the film.

But it was 12:30 when the film was done and I’ve already complained at this establishment about dim pictures before and got absolutely no response from the management. “We would know if the projector was dim”.

I knew it was a cheap theater when I went there so I didn’t press the issue.

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 (Edited)

Quick thoughts, more after I let it simmer.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I particularly liked that it’s visually different from the rest of the franchise. The harsh grey monotone of Vandor was a welcome change. The ugliness of Cornelia and wherever Lando was were also nice changes visually.

I had no problem with any of the acting, well done Alden and Donald. For me, definitely nice to see Ms Clarke in anything other than GoT. Well done as a sort of GFFA Bond girl (not terribly trustworthy, but not inherently bad).

Maul bothered me only because it was so unnecessary. That felt like a way to keep him relative as a marketing and merchandise tie-in. It also kept the film from stepping out fully as a stand-alone. I felt the same way about 3PO and Walrus Man in Rogue One.

On that subject; I’ve never made any secret of my dislike of Phantom, but honestly, having seen it once back in ‘99 I’ve largely forgotten all of it. I saw a Solo review, maybe here, where someone said they knew it was him as soon as they heard his voice. Truth be told, I didn’t know he spoke in Phantom. He bothers me for what he represents much more than he does as a one dimensional hologram bad guy. She could have been talking to anyone. Maul felt like a Lucas-style gimmick to me.

No strong thoughts on L3 or any other supporting characters. The deaths were fitting for the in-universe story. Han, Chewie, and Lando live in a tough world.

Regarding the weird to-do about some sort of Lando sexuality issues: Didn’t see it. Seems like controversy for the sake of controversy. ?

Standouts as I was walking back to the car:

  1. LOVED Enfys and all she was as a story and character, as well as the actress. I hope we see more of her someday. In fact, all of Savareen was probably my favorite portion of the movie. I really wanted it to end as they said goodbye to Enfys as they all went their separate ways. The end game of winning the Falcon felt tacked-on and very rushed. That could have been saved for a second film.

  2. As Ive long suspected 😉 Chewie is my favorite part of Star Wars. Great to see him as a major player in this.

  3. I like that the film was made at all and such a nice departure from the main saga.

Xim the Despot!

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Anchorhead said:

On that subject; I’ve never made any secret of my dislike of Phantom, but honestly, having seen it once back in ‘99 I’ve largely forgotten all of it. I saw a Solo review, maybe here, where someone said they knew it was him as soon as they heard his voice. Truth be told, I didn’t know he spoke in Phantom. He bothers me for what he represents much more than he does as a one dimensional hologram bad guy. She could have been talking to anyone. Maul felt like a Lucas-style gimmick to me.

If I ever get around to a light edit of this movie I’d like to make it so she’s just talking to some random boss and not Maul. I think it’s possible with the available footage but I’d have to see it again to be sure.

I also love my wife’s idea of overdubbing the voice with Snoke.

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SilverWook said:

This might be a factor in why some think the movie is drab looking?
http://www.indiewire.com/2018/05/solo-star-a-wars-story-theatre-projection-problems-bradford-young-1201969989/

I thought it was a projector problem at first but I’ve seen it three times at three different luxury cinemas and parts of it look like crap all round.
I think the cinematography just isn’t great.

Obviously the home video release will give the best indication, but considering just about everyone is commenting on how bad some of the images look I doubt it’s just a universal projector problem; it’s too convenient.

Also I’m sticking to my prediction of a bomb; won’t crack 450 mill, mark my words 😉

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Bradford Young is one of the best cinematographers working today and knows his shit pretty well. Lotta people don’t understand the craft and think just because some things are dark means it wasn’t “lit well.” That’s not how it works.

You can make the argument that he shouldn’t have lit the film in such a way that 70% of theaters won’t do justice to. Which is fair, but I think he has that right.

By the way, first time I saw it there were no issues and it looked fantastic. Last night I saw it at a shit theater and it did not look too great.

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Bad projection is nothing new. I saw some pretty horrible presentations growing up. Not every projectionist was a master of their craft. I’d be amazed if any multiplex today even has a dedicated guy who doesn’t have to divide his time with the snack bar.
Kubrick used to have spies check up on how his films were being projected in various cities. From what I’ve been hearing about the 50th anniversary 2001 re-release, he wouldn’t be too happy today. I recall Spielberg saying in an old interview once how some print runs in the 80’s were tweaked for theater chains they knew had issues. I doubt you can tweak a DCP for bad theaters.

Maybe we should start a thread elsewhere for our movie theater horror stories? 😉

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I dread to ask… but what was Han’s father called if he has no surname?

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I feel like Han’s father does have a name, it’s just Han doesn’t like him

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Ditching your family name as part of escaping your past is nothing new.

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Where were you in '77?

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I’m sitting in a theater right now awaiting my second viewing of Solo to see if it still holds up.

I know you’re all waiting with baited breath to see my verdict 😃

Ugh… this preshow crap is so boring.

<span style=“font-size: 12px;”><span>We seem to be made to suffer. It’s our lot in life.</span></span>

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RE: Maul, I didn’t have as much of a problem with it the second time. His reasons for being there are messy and convoluted, but enough people I know in the real world still feel pretty passionately that killing Maul off to early was one of the biggest missteps of the PT, so I guess getting him back in the (big screen) mix has the potential to be fun. I found the stuff Filoni did with the character engaging and interesting; I just find his survival itself preposterous. I guess I’ve got more incentive now than ever to get over that and just have fun with it. It’s definitely not a hill I’m willing to die on, so eh, what the hell.

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snooker said:

I feel like Han’s father does have a name, it’s just Han doesn’t like him

He seemed to at least reminisce about the ship yard days though.