'Solo: A Star Wars Story' First Reactions Praise 'Super Impressive' Alden Ehrenreich

"Solo: A Star Wars Story" could've been a disaster. No one can replace Harrison Ford as Han Solo. Two directors were fired and replaced with Ron Howard late into filming. There were rumors about issues with the tone. An acting coach was reportedly brought in for Alden Ehrenreich as young Han. Etc.

Well, based on the first reactions after the premiere, "Solo" turned out all right after all. In fact, one critic called it "a goddamn delight."

The reviews are semi-mixed -- there are still a couple of grumbles out there -- but most of the reactions were very positive about the acting, action, adventure, emotion, and future of the "Solo" franchise. 'Cause apparently we can expect several more movies. (Ehrenreich did say he had a three-picture deal with Lucasfilm.) Phoebe Waller-Bridge as droid L3 also seems to steal the show and may become a new fan favorite character.

Here are some of the first reactions:

#SoloAStarWarsStory is reaaaaalllly good. Fun as hell. It's a straight intergalactic heist movie, kind of refreshing to see a Star Wars movie w/o a Death Star or the rebellion's fate at stake. Alden Ehrenreich is super impressive as Han, but L3 might be my favorite new character.

— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) May 11, 2018

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. 😃 #SoloAStarWarsStory

— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) May 11, 2018

I loved #SoloAStarWarsStory so much. It's a western. A caper. Funny with so much heart. It's got so much surprises that fans are going to love. Donald Glover is charming x1000. Alden Ehrenreich is a great #HanSolo and just know I've been saying this for years! Fave new #StarWars.

— Michelle Buchman (@michelledeidre) May 11, 2018

#Solo is afun! I was pleasantly surprised that it worked as well as it did given all the behind the scenes drama & retooling. Charming cast, fun action, good jokes, good fan service but still does its own thing. #StarWars will be fine.

— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) May 11, 2018

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.) #soloastarwarsstory

— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) May 11, 2018

Oh, and this is for sure now the Solo Franchise. It's not really hiding the fact it's setting up more Han Solo movies.

— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) May 11, 2018

Solo is straight-up overflowing with winks, but lots of great action. And just when I was thinking, "There's no way to spoil this movie," well — enjoy that bit.

— Kristopher Tapley (@kristapley) May 11, 2018

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. pic.twitter.com/fOsF7Tr95L

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 11, 2018

#Solo was fantastic. Rock solid, straight-down-the-middle #StarWars movie. If you're looking for a palette cleanser after #TheLastJedi, this is it!! pic.twitter.com/2Qjbk4UWcQ

— Jesse B. Gill (@jessebgill) May 11, 2018

It's a multi-stage heist movie but tone wise it's actually a lot like Rogue One except way more fun. The third act isn't quite as insane but there's way more action sprinkled throughout.

— Jesse B. Gill (@jessebgill) May 11, 2018

Pleasantly surprised by #SOLO! A cute, fun, stylish #StarWars adventure. Would absolutely watch more Han and Chewie, which is not what I expected going into this AT ALL. Excited to see it again. pic.twitter.com/rpwaZCNevC

— ✨ Rachel Heine ✨ (@RachelHeine) May 11, 2018

Tonally it feels more in line with the TV shows than the core Skywalker films, specifically in the way it introduces colorful new characters you immediately believe have been in the sidelines all this time. Phoebe Waller-Bridges absolutely steals the show. #SoloAStarWarsStory

— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) May 11, 2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story is... fine. It's slow to find its footing, but picks up in the second act, and it's definitely fun. Has the occasional prequel problem answering questions I didn't need answers to, but also some fun references. Overall I liked it, didn't love it pic.twitter.com/dV02yRYueA

— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) May 11, 2018

SOLO was SO much better than I was expecting! It balanced fan service w/ meaningful storytelling, and it's an absolute blast. Full of Easter eggs & deep cut references. The cast oozed charisma, especially Donald Glover as Lando & Phoebe Waller-Bridge as L3-37. #HanSolo #StarWars pic.twitter.com/xzXNWleU15

— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) May 11, 2018

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.

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) May 11, 2018

Sounds pretty good so far. "Solo" opens in theaters May 25.

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