Set before Episode 4, this is a story of a young Han Solo: how he escaped poverty in a kid gang, deserted from the Navy, met Chewy and joined in a train heist. New actors play characters we’ve met later in their lives, and they do an excellent job.
Even if you hadn’t seen the other Star War movies, this is a fast crime/adventure SF caper film, with all the danger and surprises and backstabbing that involves. If you’re familiar with the characters, you won’t be disappointed in discovering the origin of the resistance, the history of the Millennium Falcon, and how Han ended up owning it.
A fine adventure romp, with clear connections to the larger story. Nice special effects, and not too many stupid manoeuvres. An interesting, exciting tale, complete in itself.