Today’s the day! The new Star Wars movie begins it run in theaters this evening. My or pre-purchased ticket, reserved months in advance, is for an 8 PM screening.
Hopefully, I won’t be completely useless at work today due to the excitement. I’ve actually seen the movie at the premiere screening earlier this week, but the movie’s so good, I definitely want to see it again, even if just to pick up more details I might have missed.
It is Star Wars, after all, right?
I’ve loved the universe of Star Wars almost my entire life. I was too little for the initial premiere of the original film, and I’m side it was not a luxury my parents, taking care of my 1-year old self and my baby brother, could afford, that warm May day back in 1977. My first viewing is the same as many my age: on TV (likely on ON TV, an early cable provider), and I was hooked.
Every time after the first, if I saw that Star Wars was on the TV schedule, in TV Guide, or via a commercial, it felt like a short holiday. I knew I would be trying to watch it when it aired.
I’m sure my parents loved it too. They certainly had no problemd watching when it was on. All three of the originals were experienced by my brothers and I (3 of us by the time Return of the Jedi was released) on TV, in fact. It wasn’t until the re-releases in theaters, after years of wearing out the boxed VHS tape set, that we’d see the first trilogy in theaters.
So, fast forward from the 90’s to the present. We all still love the films, I’m able to not onlh costume up as, but also able to perform as a Jedi, as part of a group of like-minded fans and friends, in Saber Guild, an LFL-recognized, international lightsaber performance group.
We create and perform shows, in characters of our own creation and with known characters, and any funds recieved are donated to local charities. We volunteer our time to spread the wonder and excitement of Star Wars to others.
It’s my association with, and participation in that group that got me involved in the comic conventions I’ve attended, such as the Long beach and San Diego comic-cons. I’ve met many fellow fans and made many friends across the other costume clubs, such as the 501st and Rebel Legions, The Dark Empire, and others.
It’s been a great deal of fun, and some work, but it’s also been a dream come true. I feel so lucky, and grateful to be alive, now, because, even in the face of the spread of evil and fear-mongering I’m the wider world, there are those that fight that depressing really off, in bursts, as they can, by spreading love and hope. I could not be prouder to be a part of such a community. Yes the movies are fun, but the community is what drives many fans to band together for good causes.
I’m excited today that yet another generation will get to experience the awe and wonder from what follows these words on the big screen:
A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…