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When “Star Wars” was released in 1977, it captivated audiences and critics alike, so much that it is still the second-highest grossing movie of all time, with inflation. “Star Wars” still earns its place as a worldwide phenomenon by living out its legacy through fan enthusiasm and new entries into the franchise.

Roger Ebert, who was the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, said in his review for “Star Wars” that when he saw the film, he forgot he was is a movie theater because the events in the film feel so real. The budget of “Star Wars” was a very small $11 million, which was used to make an entire fictional galaxy come to life by buying hundreds of futuristic looking props and alien costumes. Yet, despite the low budget being spread very thin, the final product was still executed well enough to capture the affection of critics, such as Ebert. The passion for the franchise is still going strong with fans being incredibly excited for the newest sequel “The Force Awakens,” which is planned to be released on Dec. 18.

Last week, life-long fan Daniel Fleetwood, 32, was granted an early screening of “The Force Awakens” after an online campaign. Fleetwood was given two months to live in July after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and his final wish was to see “The Force Awakens” since he believed he would not live to see the film’s release date.

While “Star Wars” has had an impressive impact on many other people, it also left a big mark on me and the lessons I learned.
Growing up, my single mom was always at work and I only saw my dad maybe three times a year. However, I still learned valuable life lessons from watching “Star Wars.”

Luke Skywalker taught me to never give in to “dark” temptations, Darth Vader taught me that it was never too late to turn over a new leaf, and “Star Wars” as a whole taught me that there will always be good and evil forces in the galaxy.[/ezcol_1half][ezcol_1half_end]

The Force will be strong on the doors of cinemas all over the world this winter when fans of the beloved saga, “Star Wars,” will be rushing to see the latest installment, “The Force Awakens”. The J.J. Abrams directed seventh part of the franchise started by George Lucas is statistically the most anticipated film of the year, having already sold out tickets from every cinema in the St. Louis area on its release date of Dec. 18.
One person who will not be filling seats on “Episode VII’s” opening day, however, is me.

I consider myself a movie buff, yet, I have never been a member of the fandom that celebrates what many consider the most essential franchise in cinematic history due to a general lack of interest. This past weekend, to gain some perspective and to prepare for “The Force Awakens” (which I do intend to see at some point), I took the time to watch “Episode IV: A New Hope” and “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back”.
Now, after experiencing the phenomenon for the first time in many years, I still do not see what all the hype is about.
Before you call me a minion of the Dark Side, do not get me wrong.

I am not saying that I did not like the movie, but rather that it was of no significance to me. I appreciate Lucas’ contribution to cinema by introducing a vision of a world in a galaxy far, far away that I am sure was unique at the time until it was tirelessly imitated for years after, but I cannot find myself reaching the same level of excitement every time I hear the words “Luke, I am your father” (which is not even the exact quote, by the way) or when someone tells me how psyched they are to see “The Force Awakens”.

I feel this way about films such as “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, another Harrison Ford adventure, or “Drive”, but I only regard “Star Wars” as a fun little sci-fi adventure that amazes me to hear that it has stood the test of time so efficiently. Just like Han Solo, I do not understand nor do I fully buy into the power of The Force, yet I wish it to be with you all.
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