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“…Something truly special!”
It’s hard to believe that The Last Jedi is now playing in theaters and has been seen by countless fans across the galaxy. After almost two years of mystery and anticipation, we now have a new Star Wars film.
Though there have been a huge wave of different opinions on the film and how it fits into the Star Wars universe, this was a big release and for those who braved the surge of fans seeing the film opening night, a very memorable adventure.
If you have ever been to an opening night for Star Wars, you know it’s a huge wave of surprises, excitement, and in some cases, stress. Just like a peak day at Disneyland, or in the mad scramble for a spot in a highly anticipated convention panel, all is on the line and there isn’t any time to lose. Being the first to see a movie is a real challenge, but a fun and lasting tradition worth the effort.
I had the opportunity to participate in AMC’s opening night double feature event. Since we were shown The Force Awakens before The Last Jedi, the party started in the afternoon and was the quickest way to avoid the evening rush of fans finding their way through the crowds for the evening shows. After the insanity of Star Wars Celebration, this was a huge breath of fresh air.
Especially with a ticket as big as Star Wars, there are so many different events and venues to choose from. I opted to take the easy path and the familiar route. Just like last year, I went to one of the local AMC venues. Based off my past experiences, I knew it would be fun and would add to the memories that I’ve had in previous film releases. It also meant I would get to see the movie in IMAX, which definitely adds a big plus.
Movies have a special magic to them, and so does going to the movie theater. That anticipation, that level of unknown is electrifying. What makes it even better is being there with fellow fans and nerds to share in the adventure. Everyone is happy, everyone is ready, and everyone knows what you are there for.
When the lights go down, you can feel the energy of everyone around you. It makes the laughter, cheers, and gasps more powerful. Seeing the film at home is a different type of feeling, but not nearly as fun in my opinion. Still, you never know what to expect, and that is when stories are made.
When the moment finally arrived and the lights again went down for The Last Jedi, we were all met with a bit of of a mishap. The opening crawl began, people threw up their hands in excitement, and the title, “Episode VII- The Force Awakens” began to scroll. The moment was ruined, and everyone was frozen. Rather than let myself sit there and wait for the venue to figure out the problem, I hopped the rail and ran out the doors. Within seconds, I rushed over and explained the situation.
By the time I went back into the auditorium, other fans began to follow my lead and all rushed out to see if the news was given to the employees. Sitting back down, I let the crowd know with a laugh that the staff knew and we all sat and waited for the reel to start itself over. Yet, The Force Awakens still made one more appearance and everyone began to wonder if we would ever get to the movie.
Thankfully, the third time was the charm, and our prayers had finally been answered. We had a new movie and all was right with the universe. That mix up was just as unforgettable as the rest of the experience. It added some funny twists and turns, and really gave me a unique opportunity to save the day.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier and am thankful for yet another chance to be a part of a big opening night event. We shall see what the future holds, as we now have Solo: A Star Wars Story as well as Episode IX to go.
For now, we will have plenty to talk about with The Last Jedi. In case you haven’t had a chance to see it, or would like to learn more about the latest installment, feel free to check out our review of the film.
If you still thirst for more, please visit www.starwars.com for all things Star Wars that include breaking news, events, and exclusive content.
As always, May the Force be with You!
