My Childhood Awakens -- Star Wars to return!
I often joke there are two events which made me into the person I am today: Being born and watching Star Wars. This statement is meant in jest, but upon watching the original trilogy when I was 11, I meant it with a greater level of sincerity. I also very much agree with the line said by character Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother, "The only people who don't like Star Wars, have never seen it."
My level of dedication to the film often extends to annoyance of my co-workers. When my phone rings for most callers the "Star Wars Theme" plays loudly, and when my family calls the "Imperial March" plays.
Geek, nerd or scruffy-looking nerf-herder, all these terms aptly describe my dedication to a series which meant so much to me as a child, and has extended well into my adult years.
Last winter, I was finishing up the paper and was posting a link to the Greene County Daily World's Facebook page, when I saw the first teaser trailer appear in my time line.
Before clicking the link, I double checked the source, to make sure it was not a fan video, because, up until this point, many false trailers were circulating on the Internet. After determining it was not a trap, I watched the minute long teaser at least three times -- each time more child-like.
Since then, two trailers and a TV spot have appeared, and the date of its release, December 18, is drawing near.
Since the announcement of a new trilogy, there has been some people whose lack of faith has been disturbing (last one, I swear) -- but rightfully so.
Like most Star Wars fans, I eagerly awaited the opening of the 1999 release of the Phantom Menace. Beyond the travesty of that movie-like experience, and the poorly written character of Jar Jar Binks, I as well felt the pang of disappointment.
Sadly today many people still carry the scars left by the Phantom Menace and view it as a betrayal of trust. The original Star Wars trilogy is a connection to many people's past where life was simple, and the world did not retain the gloss of cynicism which often comes with age and experience.
It is hard not to watch Star Wars, at least for me, without thinking back to times where I would be armed with a toy lightsaber while trying to move the remote with my mind. The great aspect about the original trilogy is it created a bond with its audience, which extended into many people's adulthood.
The prequels left a sour taste in many fan's mouth, as it did mine. But this will not detour me from seeing the latest extension of the saga in theaters on December 18.
For me, Star Wars represents optimism, it represents the classic trope of good triumphing over evil, and is a part of my past, which will remain with me until my last day.
So, as a notice to my employers, I will be unable to attend work on December 18, because I will be searching for my inner child.
Grant is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at (812) 847-4487, ext. 19. He can also be reached via email at gkarazsia@gmail.com.
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