Friday, May 25, 2007

30 Years of Star Wars Today! And on the Eighth Day....

Incredible. It has been 30 years today since Star Wars was released in theatres, and it still endures as if it was made yesterday. George Lucas' timeless classic is one of my all time favorite films and every time I see it on any television station I inevitably stop and watch it. It means that much and holds up that well.

I just want to state upfront that since I am middle aged I actually saw the original three movies in the theatre. I specifically remember going to the local joint with my Uncle, Aunt, and Sister to see Star Wars. We had no idea what to expect, but since my Uncle and I shared a love of comics we thought we would give it a try. It more then exceeded our expectations. I walked out of the theatre wanting to be Princess Leia and have Han Solo and Luke Skywalker come to my rescue while still being able to kick butt myself. Leia empowered me in a similar way that Wonder Woman did. She was brave and tough and could hold her own. I still cheer for Leia when she speaks any of her dialogue!

I know that we went and saw Star Wars again a couple of weeks after it first came out and we had already seen it once. We just had to see it again, and boy did it hold up. By the time the movie ended I already knew I had to see it again.

And boy have I! I watch Star Wars at least a couple of times a year. I love the trilogy and think it ranks right up there as one of the greatest series ever. Between it, The Godfather, Die Hard, and Indiana Jones, it just doesn't get much better.

Today I just want to thank George Lucas for his vision, Carrie Fisher for her attitude, Harrison Ford for his swager, and Mark Hammill for his boyish charm. A special shout out to Chewie, C3P0, and R2D2 for almost stealing the show.

And then there is Darth Vader. He scared the living crap out of me as a young girl and to this day I feel that ominous sense of fear whenever he appears onscreen. He is the consummate villain, and a legend to us fans. It doesn't get any cooler then that.

A few other bloggers gave shout outs, and I want to make sure and post their links. At ComicByComic, Rich gives it a big birthday greeting. Heidi MacDonald sends much love from The Beat. Last, but not least, Mark at Comic Coverage gives Star Wars a happy birthday as well!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

"I just want to state upfront that since I am middle aged I actually saw the original three movies in the theatre."

Yeah, me too, Heidi! In fact, I would submit that I was the ideal age of 10 years old when I saw the first one...old enough to completely follow the story, yet young enough to still buy into the magic of it all without an ounce of self-consciousness or cynicism.

John Holland said...

I saw it too in the theatre. I have to say that I was older than ten when I saw it. I remember waiting in line for the next two when they came out. It was great.

John Holland said...

I hadn't realized that today marked thirty years. After reading your post I had to make one myself. Star Wars meant a lot to me.

Lisa said...

You should have been in our store on FCBD! It was packed with people milling about, waiting in lines, looking at comics and toys. We had the door proped open because of the moderately cool weather and because we figured that FCBD is THE day to have the door constantly open. Quietly a dark costumed man walks in. He gets about 1/2 way up the isle and his breather kicks in - loudly. It was DARTH VADAR! Suddenly the entire store gasped, got quiet, and EVERYONE turned to see Darth standing in the middle of the store. That was a priceless moment!

Carl said...

Hmmm, well, Star Wars.... I have evolved to a position on it that irks some of my friends. I can only see THE ONE AND ONLY TRILOGY and that other mess known as lowly prequel set, simply is part of a universe where the 2nd and 3rd Matrix movies, Superman III and IV and so many others belong.
I saw the original when I was 14, I had read the first paperback that came out a year before (the one with the Ralph McQuarrie cover) and knew the story. My family was of course stunned and tried to make sense of this weird new film, comparing it to The Wizard of Oz and other movies, completely missing that while it was definitely part of old school Hollywood movies, it was something completely new.
Star Wars was very important to me until the false prophet movies of Phathead Menace, Send In The Clowns and Revenge of The Sissy. I dropped Star Wars after that shameful shame passing as part of my beloved universe finally ended.
Until the original cuts came out. Then I watched them again, showed them to my kids and ONE AND ONLY TRILOGY or non-besmirched Expanded Universe are allowed in my house. Like I say to all my friends, while there is no 'I' in team, there is also no "Annie" in my Darth Vader. That's another movie franchise.
And there can be ONLY ONE...

Heidi Meeley said...

Mark, I was 10 as well when the movie came out- kindred spirits! Well, technically I was almost 11, but it is pretty close! I agree that it was the perfect age to see the film.

It definitely changed my life in a way. I fell deeper in love with fantasy and science fiction and my love of the trilogy continues to this day.

Heidi Meeley said...

John, excellent post! Star Wars is a benchmark in so many of our lives. I still love it so much!

Heidi Meeley said...

Lisa, I wish I could have been there! It sounds like it was SOOO COOL! Darth Vadar continues to scare the crap out of us 30 years later!!

Heidi Meeley said...

Carl, you are hardcore! I am glad you showed your kids the original trilogy though! God knows it's brilliance needs to be passed down from generation to generation.

My sister showed the original trilogy to my nephews and they still love to watch it from time to time. It has held up beautifully and it is still relevant today!