When we got the call that bazaar was invited to the movie premiere for “Solo: A Star Wars Movie” in IMAX at Kuwait’s Scientific Center, we had to pinch ourselves!
Not only because we are legit fans (if you think the mopey-Hayden Christensen prequels can even hold a candle to the original trilogy, then you can’t sit with us!), but also because it gave us a chance to check out the latest IMAX offerings at the Scientific Center.
If you haven’t been to the Scientific Center before then here’s a little intro; it is one of Kuwait’s important educational facilities and also houses an aquarium, a discovery center and is host to numerous workshops.
While moviegoers in Kuwait tend to flock to the usual cinema franchises for their fix, did you know that the Scientific Center was the first to have an IMAX theater in Kuwait and the screen is still currently the largest in the country (15 meters high and 20 meters wide)?
Once a popular way to catch the latest nature documentary, the SC’s IMAX screen has now been fitted with the latest upgrades – 12 Channel Surround Sound System and IMAX with Laser Projector – and will showcase more than just non-fiction.
The upgraded and very wide IMAX screen at the Scientific Center. Source: bazaar
3D Glasses at the Scientific Center. Source: bazaar
At the premiere it was announced that “Solo”, which will be released on May 24, was kicking off the center’s screenings of fictional movies “with a science theme” to encourage exposure to the genre and the sciences.
“This could be, for example, the new Star Wars movie, which helps children envision space, technology and robotics, or could be biopic films about famous scientists in history, or even true science fiction that envisions exploration and colonization in space,” Khaled Al-Ramly, Head of Marketing and Communication, said.
When we walked into the center, we could tell that the team had gone all out to ignite imaginations – there was memorabilia from the movie (the lightsabers from the original trilogy), huge posters, a stormtrooper walking around for pictures, plenty of snacks and even a car detailed with the “Solo” logo. Once we donned our glasses and and the show began we became completely lost in a galaxy far, far away. The crystal clear sound and the detailed visuals from the new IMAX screen made the adventure even more immersive, so much so you felt that you were right there with Han and gang.
Scientific Center’s Star Wars Auto Detail and R2D2. Source: bazaar
Stormtrooper is ready for ‘Solo’ at the Scientific Center. Source: bazaar
Before we give a quick review of the movie, here’s a Spoiler Alert warning!
Look away if you don’t want any details.
First the trailer:
Ok, you were warned!
Overall, the movie is totally fun! Alden Ehrenreich’s Solo not being a complete imitation of Harrison Ford’s more rough-around-the-edges portrayal is actually a good thing and he really makes the role his own. Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian is charming and the rest of the cast members like Emilia Clarke and Woody Harrelson stand out on their own without being sidelined by the lead. The plot and how they all end up changing Solo’s path and set up the premise for “A New Hope” seem believable.
It’s entertaining as an origin story, especially the little references for things to come and the references from the original trilogy finally being explained (Keep an eye for “Kessel” and “12 parsecs and that’s all we’ll say). If you are a fan who likes to know all the back stories and enjoyed “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” then you will definitely love this one.
“Solo: A Star Wars Movie” is out in theaters on May 24. For more details on the Scientific Center’s upcoming screenings and events follow them on Instagram @scicenterkw and Facebook @tsckuwait. Photos by bazaar staff.
