Star Wars: Rogue One Vs Solo - Which Is Better?
4. Pacing
Comparing the pacing in Rogue One to that of Solo is a fairly simple task for two reasons. First of all, the films' runtimes are virtually identical (with Rogue One clocking in at 133 minutes and Solo at 135 minutes.)
Secondly, to decide which one is better, you simply have to look at the first act. Both films are (mostly) paced terrifically and their second and third acts absolutely fly, but both have also been criticized for their respective first acts feeling a bit too slow and clunky.
Both first acts are mostly filled with set-up and exposition that help set the course for the rest of the story, but both also have bombastic conclusions that really kick the film into overdrive (the destruction of Jedha's capital in Rogue One and the train heist in Solo).
That being said, while Rogue One's first act has a better payoff, Solo's is much faster-paced and arguably does a decent job at getting the audience warmed up for the rest of the movie.
Winner: It's a close call, but Solo takes this one. Both first acts are very methodical, but while Rogue One has the better overall story, Solo (quite literally) cuts to the chase much quicker.