Star Wars: the circle is complete

A long time ago, in a theatre not that far away…

Recently I had one of those great moments in life when you know you are creating nostalgia, and indulging in it at the same time. My Dad and I took my kids to see the latest Star Wars movie, and in doing so finished a journey he and I began 41 years ago (yes, I know star Wars was released in 1977, but it did not make it to Queensland until 1978).

It simply isn’t possible for anyone who wasn’t there to understand the effect Star Wars had on movies, and for that matter civilisation, back in the day. In an era before saturation media and tsunami-like promotion, Star Wars exploded largely through word-of-mouth and a few television advertisements; and it did so in the face of negative takes from reviewers who simply did not understand what they were seeing.

Star Wars hit like a bolt of lightning and echoed for far longer. The opening scene has spawned a thousand imitations, all of which have paled in comparison. One minute Princess Leia’s tiny ship flees across the screen with a few energy bursts following it; the next, a Star Destroyer looms menacingly into view – somehow giving the appearance that it came from behind the audience (and the knowledge that this was impossible did nothing to contradict that appearance).

From that point the movie had a grip on the public imagination that has never relaxed. Jurassic Park comes and the Marvel movies go, but nothing has ever had the impact that original tale has had, blowing our minds with special effects that seemed impossible and a tale that resonated with pretty much everyone.

For 41 years my Dad and I have enjoyed this saga and shared that enjoyment, a wonderful connection through all the intervening life events (graduation, marriage, kids, etc.). Now, at last, the final chapter had arrived, and we were seeing it together, as if fulfilling our own long-foretold prophecy (prophecies feature heavily in the Star Wars universe and especially in the last movie).

Sitting in the theatre waiting for the first blast of the iconic opening theme, with my Dad on one side and my kids on the other, brought me a great sense of uplifting, comforting nostalgia and shared enjoyment. Three generations of Star Wars fans sitting in anticipation of the end of the story, ready for whatever it might be.

For the record, the film is brilliant. It ties things up wonderfully well and consistently with the spirit of the entire saga, doing justice to the original movies and concluding the modern storyline nicely. The special effects yet again stretch the limits of what is possible, and the film is visually stunning.

Yes, I know the critics have basically panned it, but they were always going to; critics have never gotten Star Wars, because it has never been aimed at them. Star Wars is for those – whatever their age – who have not lost their sense of wonder, the ability to joyfully dive into a story and enjoy it on its own terms. It has always been the antithesis of professional movie reviewers.

Critics deal in cynicism and write for their own ‘in’ crowds. Their value is almost always irony rather than illumination – that is, a bad review by a professional critic is usually a good reason to see the movie in question.

Star Wars deals in hope, the power of those in common cause buying into a noble aim, the sense that good will triumph over evil if our belief in our purpose and each other does not waiver. It isn’t a bad message, whether in a galaxy far, far way or planet Earth 2020.

It is also a great way for parents and kids to connect, a recipe for a shared enjoyment that thankfully can be passed on from generation to generation; something that connects them together. Let’s face it, The Force is as good a name as any for it.

So I thank my Dad for taking me all those years ago, for sharing the journey with me, and helping to pass on the enjoyment of the Star Wars universe to my children. I hope all children find something like this to share with their parents, and all parents with their children (and grandchildren).

Remember, the Force will be with you; always.