It only seemed appropriate that with the next phase of Star Wars films returning in just six days times, that I do as well. Welcome back friends, family and anonymous creeps who have nothing else to read and some how stumbled upon this blog. It feels good to write something other than sports scores and headlines.
With the return of Han, Luke and Leia, though, it got me thinking of why are we so excited to have this franchise back? Why do we love these movies so much? In preparation of Dec. 18, I have (like most) rewatched the first six. That means seeing the heroes of Jar Jar Binks (not sarcasm), the horrible acting of Hayden Christensen, the worst dialogue known to man, the greatest film to ever be made (circa 1977), the one everyone actually loves, and the one everyone should love (ewoks! they're just like teddy bears). As I watched, I kept asking myself what makes these movies so good? Is it the special effects (it was 30 years ago), is it the great storytelling with surprises (vater is father in German, we should known despite the spelling change! -- thanks "Pitch Perfect"for that fun fact), or is it the fact that they have been described as classics and we think we should love them?
I don't believe it's the latter part, though, I wouldn't be surprised if that may be the case for some people. No, I don't think it's any of those points. The reason we continue to rewatch Star Wars, talk about it and are so excited for the next installment is because we are trying to relive that first moment when we saw it for the first time. I would love to take some NZT so I could remember the exact moment I saw Star Wars for the first time and how exactly I felt. Even what I felt like when I saw Phantom Menace for the first time. And that's what I'm hoping for when I see The Force Awakens. I hope everyone who was born after 1977 gets to have the same experience everyone born before 1977 got to experience. A film to change how we see movies.
That's a lot of pressure to put on Mr. Abrams, and probably an unrealistic expectation, but one I am holding out for. If anyone could do it, it would be my boy J.J., creator of the show that made me watch TV. If the expectations fall short, that will not mean a failure for me though. Just the fact the original three are back tells me I don't have to worry about it being a failure. Because despite the money they made for making this and the hype that would have happened if they didn't return, I truly believe to the core of my being that they would not be in this movie if they didn't believe it. And that's enough for me.
Am I nervous? Sure. Am I excited? Not even a question; there are no words to describe the excitement. Only, I can tell you this: I'm looking forward to the moment the lights dim as I sit in my recliner chair next to my brother, my Star Wars buddy, and disappear into the universe we have all cherished. With you the Force be.
Until next time ... Live long and prosper.
