There are movies, music and experiences that impact our lives so greatly that we can’t help but be launched into full blown fandom which lasts a lifetime. When I think of the Star Wars franchise and the effect it has had on my own  life since first viewing the original films as a youngling, my heart soars! For me, the adventure began in elementary school on my parents’ bed with a VCR and a sister just as eager and (we’ll say) nerdy (endearingly, of course) as I. Immediately, I became transfixed by the complex backstory and swoon worthy Mark Hamill… not to mention wearing my hair in the trademark Leia ‘cinnamon buns’ became a whole thing. The aforementioned sister and I were even Luke and Leia, circa Return of the Jedi, for Halloween one year! 

The impact of Mr. Lucas and what would become the Skywalker Saga,including the in between films, can and will be echoed throughout eternity via the undying love and adoration that is the Star Wars fandom. For so many of us, Star Wars and nostalgia go hand in hand from our own generation to those of our children and loved ones we’ve passed the torch to. Come along with me as we celebrate the magic, past, present and future, of one of the most beloved franchises in all of the galaxy! 

Episodes Four through Six (Also Known as The Original Trilogy)

Every episode collection has sentimental value based on the ragtag group of heroes you grew up with. While A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi were well before my time, these were the films that I was ‘raised’ on, so to speak, and those which hold the most sentimental value. Picture this: a long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, tiny Britta circa 1994, belly down, heels up, head in palms with a big ol’ bucket of popcorn staring intently at the twelve inch box TV that was marathoning my favorite trilogy on any given rainy weekend. While The Empire Strikes Back will always be my favorite among any and all Star Wars films (So much happens! So much is revealed! I KNOW!) A New Hope and Return of the Jedi also transport me back to my childhood in the same way an old song or a familiar smell does. Before the Prequels made their way on screen, Lucas was presenting newly edited versions of these three films well up until the 90s, and for good reason. It’s no wonder Star Wars fits so well within the Disney umbrella – immersing yourself in these films is like coming home. 

Episodes One Through Three (The Prequels)

The debut of The Phantom Menace in 1999 brought in a whole new fan base of ‘children’ of all ages, with an emphasis on what we now refer to as millennials. Folks were rushing off to see these new Star Wars films as if the franchise had never existed: because to so many, it hadn’t. The phenomenal cast wasn’t the only gem of this relaunch – it’s unique inception of brand new characters like martial arts expert Darth Maul as well as younger versions of our favorites, Obi Wan and Master Yoda, bracing emotional scores from John Williams which built on the original and breathed new life into the world of cinematic scores (you might remember MTV was amongst those playing music videos of Duel of the Fates, and they were the perfect homage to our beloved episodes four through six, as well as beacon of light into the future of Star Wars and all it’s potential. Not to mention just one glimpse of Jar Jar’s underwater city, exploring new depths of visual potential (pun intended) is enough to make any cinematic skeptic grin from ear to ear. 

The Epic Conclusion 

If I could describe the end of the Skywalker Saga (episodes seven through nine) in one word it would be.,.exciting!! Just as The Phantom Menace brought a fresh fan base to an existing, beloved universe, episodes seven through nine continue to bring in the younglings…and they’ve brought their parents, grandparents, and cool aunts! At the risk of sounding a bit old school, in my day your parents dropped you off at the theatre with an established meeting time (no smart phones!) and you had better not make them park and come inside to find you in the arcade. But gone are those days! Eager moms and dads take their kids out of school the following day  for midnight opening night showings of these magical films. From the actual episodes, to the in between films (Rogue One is one of the best Star Wars films of all time, in my opinion!) this new series has given folks of all ages renewed hope to enjoy what has always been theirs to behold – the magic and brilliance of Star Wars, George Lucas, now complete with the magic of Disney!

Much like the discussion of who is ‘your’ Spaceship Earth (Team Judy Dench!) everyone has a different version of who ‘their’ Star Wars heroes are. I will always keep a light on for Luke, Leia, Han and my two favorite droids *bleep bloop blip*,but the door is always open for the new and exciting magic that is Star Wars. This is because Star Wars is a timeless celebration of a beautiful story laced with love, family (blood related or not) and of course, tragedy. Much like most Disney narratives (anyone else love using Disney and Star Wars simultaneously?) this franchise takes you on a proverbial hyperspace mountain of joy and sorrow, heartache and excitement, heart soaring to… heart in your stomach. As my life has changed over the years (not unlike most of you reading this, I would imagine) there are experiences that have been imperative to shaping me into the person I am now, as well as those that anchor me to the past when I needed it most. This is why everything, from the original trilogy being re-released with changes – whether we agree with them or not – to the most recent incarnation which is The Rise of Skywalker, people continue returning to this now-franchise. Star Wars is a profound encounter.