By Young Marsh;
Mosaic Staff Writer
Regardless of your love for all things Star Wars, chances are you’ve heard the big news. About three months ago, Disney bought Lucasfilm studios, and in doing so, the rights to the Star Wars Universe. With the $4 billion dollar purchase, Disney has announced their plans to create a new trilogy, with the first film to be released in 2015, in a six year time frame. In addition to the new trilogy, Disney plans to produce two standalone films based on Star Wars characters. That is a lot of Star Wars.
Now, most people have seen at least one Star Wars film, or are familiar with iconic characters and props—Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, the Death Star, and Lightsabers. If you did not recognize any of names in the last sentence, then you have made a junior in college feel ancient. There’s no need to worry though, as there are many just like you in the same boat.
My roommate and good friend, Kevin, had never seen any of the Star Wars films before last week. Kevin wasn’t completely devoid in his star wars knowledge, but by and large, he knew very little about the franchise that had spawned millions of fans and billions of dollars in revenue. With the future of Star Wars in the hands of J.J. Abrams, the leading mind behind popular movies like the Star Trek reboot and the television show Lost, the galaxy located far, far, away seems to have a bright future. And so my roommates and I set out to watch all the Star Wars films in chronological order, as an ode to the past, present, and future of Star Wars.
I was apprehensive about the choice to start chronologically. Having grown up seeing the films in order of production, I, like many, gave the three prequels a lukewarm review. I was afraid that the first three mediocre films might sour Star Wars for Kevin. What actually transpired, though, was the exact opposite. Kevin thoroughly enjoyed them, as did I. Kevin’s enjoyment stemmed from the fact that because he had never seen them, he had never discussed the films with anyone. Without discussion on the prequels, he didn’t have low expectations when starting the movies. On the other hand, I enjoyed them because it was the first time I had seen the Star Wars films with someone who hadn’t. Every scene that I loved from my childhood was augmented by the idea that someone in the room was discovering and falling in love with them for the first time, just like I had.
My next trepidation came in the thought that Kevin would now dislike the original trilogy because of how dated they’ve become. But once again, I was wrong and Kevin liked them even more than the prequels. He now quotes lines from The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi with a huge grin on his face.
If you haven’t seen the Star Wars films, you really should do so. They are a blast to watch with a group of friends because of the universal appeal of Star Wars. The franchise has become so engrained in our culture that we even see Darth Vader in super bowl commercials. So even if they don’t appeal to you, don’t knock ‘em till you try em’. My roommates and I are so happy that we showed one of our friends a new universe to explore, discuss, and love. It would be wonderful for you and your friends to do the same.
Who knows, maybe you’ll be the first in line at the opening of Episode Seven when it comes out.
