A Galaxy Far, Far Away
It is undeniable that the universe of all things Star Wars has found its place on this planet. The creation of George Lucas marks the latest last chapter in the nine episode saga as “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” opens in theaters on Friday, December 20th, 2019.
My own connection to this universe began in May of 1977 as I was gifted with a copy of the two-disc record album of the soundtrack several weeks before the first film opened in theaters. With the epic poster included of the desperate battle above the Deathstar, I was hooked and but good before I ever saw a frame of the film. And I wore out that copy of the album listening to it over and over and over. And made a pest out of my high school self letting everyone know they couldn’t miss this film.
My first viewing of “Star Wars” (no extra title added at that point) came on the night of Friday, May 27, 1977. A date night, with the girl who would become my wife some nine years later. Theater One at the Festival Cinemas in Walnut Creek, CA. And front row seats, because even though the film had been in theaters only three days at that point, it was a sold out crowd.
From that first moment the Star Destroyer chased the Rebel Cruiser across the orbit of Tatooine, oh yeah… it was on. I don’t know exactly how many times we watched the film that summer, but it was a lot. Even to the point of watching it play at a local drive in from across a flood control channel. We saw it so much, we knew the music and dialogue by heart and didn’t need the sound.
It is safe to say that this little movie (which some including the director did not expect to add up to much) was, no pun intended, a force to be reckoned with. It certainly helped theater owners by doing a healthy business for a much longer than anticipated run. And marketing, although missing at the start, kicked off big as anything with a Star Wars connection was a top seller. With phrases from the film making their way into every day conversation, the cultural impact was firmly established.
Along the way through this universe, there were plenty of great moments with family and friends. Special was the screening of the first trilogy at the Coronet in San Francisco, all in one day and night. Yes, it was a lot of Star Wars at one viewing, but it was well worth it.
And I managed to make my way through the first three episodes, painful though they were at times. Even as we knew Anakin had the fate to become Darth Vader and be defeated on Mustafar by his friend and mentor, Obi Wan Kenobi, we all went to see the tale unfold before us on the big screen.
So when this last trio of films began, we went to theaters to see what lay ahead. It was nice to see the heroes back at it, still keeping the dark forces at bay. With new faces adding their own chapters to the story.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019, I was lucky enough to view the last chapter in Episode IX, “Star Wars; The Rise Of Skywalker”. At a preview screening in a Dolby Atmos theater, I watched as the story begun over 42 years before reached its conclusion. I am sure there will be more viewings as well as a Blu-ray disc purchase ahead.
Not to worry, as I offer no spoilers today. If you have followed the story through all eight episodes previous, then by all means do so again. I will say that I was emotional to the point of tears several times, but part of that is just the fanboy in me, getting sentimental. And worries to the contrary, J.J. Abrams did well covering his bases. The additional footage of Carrie Fisher, from “The Last Jedi” is well used to good effect in keeping the story moving.
Beyond that, if you enjoyed the prior 8 episodes (even with Jar Jar), you will find this one satisfying as well. While folks at Disney plan for other ventures into the Star Wars universe, I think it is safe to say this one is a nice conclusion to the previous films.