Yoda, IMAX it was

I’m one of the millions who saw the original Star Wars movies back in the late 70’s on the big screen.  I was mesmerized then as a kid, and have found that to some degree my fascination still exists.  Before you label me some sort of geek, know that I have never slept outside a theater dressed like an Ewok waiting to see this or any film (though, wouldn’t it be funny to dress up like Star Wars characters or LOTR or something and go to a sappy Julia Roberts movie?  I’m in!)  But I will admit to having seen all the flicks on the big screen.

Well, this time was very cool.  Freakin’ cool, I might add!  The wife and I were in Nash Vegas for a conference, and during some down time visited a mega-mall next to Opryland.  Star Wars was on the IMAX screen!  No, it wasn’t an official IMAX film (it was 35 mm), but it was nonetheless huge.  Probably the largest crowd I’ve ever been a part of at the theater – those IMAX places hold a ton of people, and every seat was filled. 

As for the movie, I loved it.  Sort of a coming out party for R2-D2 and Yoda, and we meet Chewy for the first time (OK, after having just typed the last sentence, even I think I’m a geek.)  But it was a great film, and really tied the entire story together.  And what self-respecting Star Wars fan wouldn’t smile at an entire crowd of Wookies?   I thought Chewy was the only one, some sort of Cousin It ancestor.  When they put Darth’s headgear on for the first time and he does that “Darth Vadar breath” thing, that’s very, very cool.

Of course, I arrived home the next day to be greeted by two angry pre-teen sons who demanded we go see Star Wars immediately, and may never forgive us for seeing it on an IMAX screen without them!  So, for the first time in my life, I saw a movie on the silver screen exactly one day after having already seen the same movie.  Literally, almost 24 hours later.

For my friends who can’t seem to get lost in fantasy films, sci-fi or whatever, get a life!  These movies are great escape & diversion, something I need from time to time. 

(Letterman mentioned that the new movie made some $158 million in the first weekend, shattering records, etc.  “Gee,” said Dave, “that’s almost as much as my neighborhood gas station took in last weekend!”