Jay Shepard:
Prior to seeing the film:
It occurs to me that this screening is the beginning of the rest
of my life. The last 28 years have led me up to this moment, and what a fun time
it has been. The waiting, the anticipation. It's all going to play out. Now.
This month. May 2005.
How will we survive in a future bereft of any new Star Wars
films? For me I will breathe a sigh of relief and allow the books, comics and
television shows to come as they will. I am happy and blessed to have
experienced the films in my life. They helped define me and, strangely enough,
helped me become the person I am today.
I try not to anticipate too much going into a film, because,
inevitably you will be let down. If the film is based on a book or other media,
it will never live up to the expectations of fans. So why does everyone think
the newest film will be so amazing, and yet it isn't even released yet? The
promise of an amazing film is on everyone's checklist. It has to be better,
doesn't it?
Immediately upon viewing:
Wow! There's so much to take in! I was wanting it to hurry
along, and I wanted it not to stop at the same time. The acting was the best out
of the prequels by far. And while there were points that made me sit back and
remember I was watching a film, there were definitely more parts that totally
swept me away. I was young boy watching Empire in that darkened cinema.
I will admit, I did have high expectations for this particular
film. Does it live up to them? I say yes! It's hard to judge with just one
viewing, as there is a mountain of information to digest. But Lucas does it
right. He successfully bridges the prequels and the original trilogy to such an
extent, that further exploration of characters between the films, however
enjoyable, is actually unnecessary.
The biggest surprise for me, is how I feel about Darth Vader.
When I was 7, he was the ominous bad guy, working for evil Empire. After
watching Revenge of the Sith, my feelings are all topsy-turvy. He is much
more human now, even encased in his armor and metal helmet, than I ever saw him
before.
Well six films. It's been a long road. Am I happy they are
complete. Yes. Do I wish there were more? Films, nope. I think these six films
compliment each other very well. More Star Wars in general? Oh yeah, sure! The
adventures in television and books and comics telling more tales, that will be
fun.
I have gained so much from these particular films, moreso than
any other series or tale. I am sad that they are over, but the lessons I have
learned and the experiences I have had will stay with me for the rest of my
life. Whatever you take from these films, at least do this. Take something to
heart. Make it personal. It belongs to you. But have no fear, because Star Wars
IS Forever!
