Solo: A Star Wars Story FIRST REACTIONS are in: What did the critics make of the spin-off?

It’s safe to say the second Star Wars spin-off after Rogue One has been through a few production problems.

After all, it’s never a good sign when Lucasfilm had to fire directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord and replace them with a “safe” choice like Ron Howard.

But while doubters were concerned the Han Solo (solo) movie would be Disney’s first critical and financial flop in its new golden age, it seems safe to say this isn’t the case.

Following Solo’s world premiere in Hollywood last night, the first reactions are overwhelmingly positive. Here’s some of the highlights.

Yahoo
Solo: A Star Wars Story is really good. Fun as hell. It’s a straight intergalactic heist movie, kind of refreshing to see a Star Wars movie without a Death Star or the Rebellion’s fate at stake. Alden Ehrenreich is super impressive as Han, but L3 might be my favourite new character.

Nerdist
I loved Solo: A Star Wars Story so much. It’s a western. A caper. Funny with so much heart. It’s got so [many] surprises that fans are going to love. Donald Glover is charming x1000. Alden Ehrenreich is a great Han Solo and just know I’ve been saying this for years! Fave new Star Wars.

Screen Rant
Solo: A Star Wars Story is more of what I loved about Rogue One. Most real looking film in the franchise, and the best blaster action scenes and vehicle chases.

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY HUGE PLOT TWIST REVEALED BY MOVIE SOUNDTRACK

IGN
I really dug #SoloAStarWarsStory! I woke up this morning questioning whether I was excited for this movie and walked out ready to see Han’s next adventure on this path. It’s a super solid movie and feels true to what makes #StarWars fun.

Gizmodo
Solo: A Star Wars Story is a goddamn delight. It’s a non-stop adventure packed with way more emotion than your expecting. You’ll have a smile on your face the whole time and leave eager for more.

Mashable
Alden Ehrenreich is the real deal, Thandie Newton is who I want to be when I grow up, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s L3… well we’ll talk about that later.

Nevertheless not everyone was completely positive about Solo.

Collider
There’s some fun to be had with #SoloAStarWarsStory. Ehrenreich was solid and really enjoyed Glover and Waller-Bridge as L3, but not convinced we needed a young Han Solo movie. Was really hoping for higher stakes, more energy and depth.

Indie Wire
It takes a bit for it to find its feet and for Alden Ehrenreich to turn on enough charm to make you forget he’s not Harrison Ford. But once it kicks into its hey-let’s-make-a-crew and yes-also-do-a-heist stuff, it totally flies.

Uproxx
It does take a bit to get used to Alden as Han, but after 30 minutes or so your brain adjusts. (Also I’ve now finally seen Clint Howard in a Star Wars movie.)

Solo: A Star Wars Story is released in UK cinemas on May 24, 2019.