The Star Wars movies were a huge part of my childhood – growing up, Sunday afternoons were for watching movies with my dad, and this series was a repeated hit. I have no trouble admitting that my childhood crush was Han Solo – handsome, adventurous, and a good guy deep down. While we got to know Han, Leia and Luke very well during the films and later learned much more about the origins of the twins, we had very little clue at all as to Han’s past. All that’s different with the newest film Solo: A Star Wars Story – and we finally learn more about the past of a scoundrel that we all adore!

Have you ever wondered how Han and Chewbacca met? The history behind Lando and Han having differing opinions as to who really owns the Millennium Falcon? Or how they got into the life of smuggling and debts? There’s so many stories I considered when growing up and watching my childhood hero as to these answers – but I’ll freely say that NONE of them were as amazing as what we learned in this newest Star Wars movie!

Don’t worry, I’m certainly not going to do any spoilers – amazing films like this MUST be seen and experienced for yourself, otherwise some of the amazement is gone. Here’s a few things that were downright exceptional, in my opinion, and more reason you need to go see this ASAP (it hits theaters May 25th)!

First of all, you KNOW there’s going to be epic flight scenes – zooming through space, dodging obstacles and/or enemies, racing to beat the clock. The original Star Wars movies were incredible – so with today’s technology it’s even BETTER and some spots were just jaw-dropping with the graphics.

All of the most recent films have had a droid that we couldn’t help but love – and added so much to the humor and personality of the cast, such as BB-8 and Kaytoo (Rogue One). Solo: A Star Wars Story is no exception, bringing L3-37 into our lives and keeping us rooting for this feisty, no-filter lady!

You not only get to learn more of the history of Han Solo, but other favorites like Lando Calrissian – the ever-flirtatious, confident and sometimes mischievous ‘friend’ who’s just as handsome and charismatic as ever!

 The Millenium Falcon is one of the most well-known ships in movie history, and we get to learn more about this beautiful and powerful lady during the Solo film. Of any ship of any movie I’ve seen, this one is my absolute favorite!

The cast for the movie was phenomenal – bringing some more popular names mixed in with some newcomers who blew us away. Of all of these, though, I have to say that Paul Bettany was the most shocking to me – I know him best from his role as Vision in Avengers (or the voice of Jarvis previous to that), or as a clever-with-words fellow in A Knights Tale. In Solo, however, he’s a powerful and feared Dryden Vas, crime lord of the group known as Crimson Dawn. I thought it’d be difficult seeing him as a ‘bad guy’, but oh my word he did INCREDIBLE!

Adventure is a necessity in Star Wars films, and Solo’s movie doesn’t disappoint. From crazy plots, to betrayal, to impossible tasks and more, you’ll be gripping your seat to learn how things do or don’t work out!

There’s tons of things included in Solo: A Star Wars Movie that make you go ‘oh my gosh, did you hear that’ – because it’s the basis for other things in the ‘future’ films! I couldn’t help but clap like a little kid at a few lines because it was like my childhood all over again!

Your emotions will be played with, as Han and Chewie form relationships and trust – whether good or bad – throughout their adventure. They each started out with a specific goal, but how will things work out when everything seems to be going against them?

I can’t wait to go see Solo in theaters again to catch any other details I may have missed, and to experience this incredible movie all over again. It makes me feel like my childhood is getting some explanations that I didn’t even know it was missing from those years of watching Star Wars with my dad. And I’ll admit, I *still* have a crush on Han Solo 😉

Who is/was YOUR favorite Star Wars character?

There’s absolutely no doubt that my family consists of die-hard Star Wars fans. It was a big part of my childhood, as well as hubby’s, and we’ve now ingrained it into our children’s lives as well. They both love and fear Darth Vader, are perfecting their lightsaber skills and wish they could have BB-8 for a sibling. Needless to say, we’ve been anxiously awaiting Rogue One, yet wondering how well it would fit into this intergalactic world. I’m thrilled to say that Rogue One is a perfect piece in the Star Wars Universe, and while it would be great on it’s own, also fits in seamlessly.

As I sat with my friend Finding Debra excitedly waiting for the movie to begin, you could tell it was kind of like waiting for Christmas morning for us both. The screen lit up to start, and the whole theater of bloggers and critics went completely silent – it was like everyone was holding their breath for that first moment! Right from the start, you’re pulled into Rogue One with strong, brave characters and a mysterious – yet obviously evil – plan.

Don’t worry, there’s NO SPOILERS here – just a few of my thoughts and some big reasons you HAVE to run and see Rogue One when it hits theaters this week! 

Probably the Most Laugh-Out-Loud Star Wars Film

You read that correct, I think Rogue One had more laugh-out-loud comedy in it than any of the other Star Wars Films. The whole theater was busting at the seams with the rather chatty droid K-2S0 (voiced by Alan Tudyk) who had a tendency to speak his very calculating mind.

As if his comedic remarks weren’t enough, we also thoroughly enjoyed two partners-in-mischief, Chirrut Îmwe – who’s blind, yet a remarkable fighter with a strong tie with the force – and his buddy Baze Malbus, who’s a gruffy ol’ teddy bear with one heck of a gun!

Flashbacks to the Other Star Wars Films

I guess you could say flashbacks AND a peak into the future. From random appearances of characters from the other movies, and some of the talk that hints for things we know are to come, there’s a lot of fun parts where you just feel right at home tying Rogue One to the other films.

Strong Characters – Female AND Male

I was thrilled that Star Wars was including more female leads, showing their strength, determination, and ability to lead men into battle. It started with Rey, who we still have much to see from in future films. With Rogue One, it’s Jyn Erso, a rebellious girl who shocks everyone with her ability to make such a difference to a cause she wanted nothing to do with.

By her side is Captain Cassian Andor, who has a bit more to his past than we originally think, and has a strong commitment to the rebellion he’s long been a part of. Along with other things, he learns that trust has to go both ways if this unlikely bunch is going to attempt the impossible and succeed.

Emotions are High – and You’re Likely to Cry at Least Once

For those that know the basic story – or at least the outcome – of Rogue One from the other Star Wars films, you can expect that there will be many tears. Tears of loss, tears of hope and tears simply of touching moments between characters. Like I said, I won’t do any spoilers – but I cried a few times in this movie. Take tissues, just in case 🙂

Darth Vader

I wasn’t sure what type or how big of a role Darth Vader would play in Rogue One. He’s in it more than I thought, but still not very much – but where they included him was PERFECT. He still demands attention and fear when he enters a room, and despite all we’ve seen, he still shocks us with his skill and mere presence. And what’s great is that James Earl Jones was back to do that iconic voice!!!

I absolutely LOVED this film, and can’t wait to take my whole family soon. Yes, I believe it’s fine for kids who’ve seen the other films – there’s action and fighting, but no more so than the others. I already know their favorite character will be that spunky droid K-2SO, but I’m curious who my hubby will pick. They’re all incredible, with such a well-made cast.

Head out and nab your tickets for Rogue One so you can see it when it hits theaters this week!!!