If you happened to hear any high pitched screaming earlier today in the northern hemisphere, that was probably me, after seeing the new trailer for Star Wars Episode VII! Okay. I probably was one of thousands of fans who were squealing around the globe. I can’t believe I was only twelve-years-old when I saw the first film with my father and was instantly captivated. I then had to put up with my dad’s incredibly corny Darth Vader impressions, raspy breathing and all. When The Empire Strikes Back came out, I remember cringing when Luke lost his hand, and sobbing uncontrollably into my dad’s reassuring shoulder as Luke learned that Darth Vader was his father. When Return of the Jedi came out, it was with mixed emotions that I went, because my father had passed away the previous year. I think he would have liked it though. Especially the chase scenes on Endor with the Speeder bikes. Unfortunately, the prequel trilogy didn’t quite recapture that original magic despite some great casting, including Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan. So it’s been with much trepidation that I’ve been awaiting the December 18th release of The Force Awakens. Will it be able to regain that spark of the first films, or will it give us more horrible storylines and characters like Jar Jar Binks? Well, after watching the trailer a few, oh all right, several times, I have hope. In addition to all the new and exciting footage, there were parts that just gave me goosebumps. There’s the powerful image of the scorched and battered helmet of Darth Vader.
There’s also the young voice Of Mark Hamill/Luke, from 30 years ago as he tells Leia: “The force is strong in my family. My father has it. I have it. My sister has it.” Now there’s a new addition. “And you have the power, too.” Cue chills! What truly clinched for me though, were these two familiar faces.
As Han Solo cracks that unmistakable crooked smile and says, “Chewie…We’re home” you can’t tell what they’re looking at, but I for one, feel, yes. I’ve come home.
