Star Wars was just pure adventure to me, I remember my Dad renting Star Wars on VHS from Benny's Videos on a Sunday and then the following Sunday it was The Empire Strikes Back but HORROR The Return of the Jedi hadn't been released yet!. I can even remember my pure excitement after Empire waiting for ROTJ to be released in the cinema, begging to be taken - totally hooked.
I think it was such a perfect wish fulfillment concept, boy stuck in a boring hum-drum life, finds out he is the son of this master of a powerful force which gives you almost super powers. Leaves to follow a wiley old teacher to save the princesS, destroy a death ray and become a celebrated hero to all - 6yr old me was all in for this kind of daydream, run round the local estate with my light saber [stick] type action.
Then there was the toys, creating your own adventures with your friends - it is as enduring a memory of my childhood as tying a towel round my neck and running around singing 'Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Naaaaaaa Batman' while jumping off sofas.
Then came the prequels - they didn't kill it for me but Phantom Menace I left thinking I would of been happier with just the last 25mins, Attack of the Clones I was OK with but I had no desire to watch it again. Finally at least for awhile there was Revenge of the Sith, it certainly had some action and there were a good few light saber battles but it left me feeling very flat, the lack of good characterization and no real chemistry left it all hollow. I always felt that the path to Vader should of been a more selfish, self destructive journey - they never sold it and I wasn't buying.
So last week I reclaimed my childhood, The Force Awakens ticked all my boxes, it was a Star Wars greatest hits there's no doubt there but what a fantastic mix tape of the original trilogy in one film. It had everyone there but more importantly it created new characters I instantly warmed to and loved, best of all for a new gen[der]ation it will be their Star Wars - I love the stories of parents reliving their trip to the movies with their mum or dad but now with their own children.
The new film just isn't enough, I want more... when is Episode VIII coming? not soon enough!
But the highest praise I can give is my wife asking me 'shall we watch it again?' - she who does not DO Star Wars.