Even though George Lucas didn’t like the latest episode, The Force Awakens, real die-hard fans like us loved it. We have been fans since The New Hope made its debut back in 1977. When The Phantom Menace opened in 1999, we waited in line at the theater for 8 hours and brought along our portable TV with VCR. Yes, remember those archaic devices? We plugged it in and watched the trilogy while sitting in beach chairs. Soon, mobs of people stood and watched the 3 episodes with us.
This time, we took it a step further.
In our home theater, we started the 17-hour marathon at 6:00 am and watched all 6 episodes starting with Episode 1. We took 3 food breaks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and finished at 9:15 pm. With Vader Taders, Sebulba Scrambles, and Skywalker Smoothies for breakfast, Chick-HAN SOLO-wich, Amidala Veggie Sticks, and Yoda Soda for lunch, Greedo Burritos, Dark Side Salsa, and Obi-Wan KEN-doments for dinner, and Wookie Cookies, Lando Light Saber Treats, and Princess Leia Popcorn for snacks, we were living the Star Wars dream! Then, we caravanned to the Scotts Valley Cinemax to watch The Force Awakens at 10:15 pm. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! Watching 2 trilogies to relive the character and story development was instrumental in our complete appreciation for the 7th episode’s “retro” storyline.