{"id":54466,"date":"2015-12-17T06:31:29","date_gmt":"2015-12-17T14:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/?p=54466"},"modified":"2017-10-09T13:03:26","modified_gmt":"2017-10-09T20:03:26","slug":"star-wars-the-force-awakens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/star-wars-the-force-awakens\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Non-Super Fans for Star Wars: The Force Awakens"},"content":{"rendered":"

It has been over 30 years since the last Star Wars movie (from the classic\u00a0trilogy) was released.\u00a0Instead of the excitement dying down over time, the fervor continues to grow and at rapid speeds. Star Wars fans span the globe, comprised of people from across the full gamut of ages, genders, nationalities, and backgrounds. The stories of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2, 3-CPO, the force, and Darth Vader have been passed down through the generations as part of our pop culture heritage. With extreme\u00a0anticipation building with each advance ticket purchase, how will\u00a0Star Wars: The Force Awakens<\/em> be received?\u00a0I was able to attend an early press screening to find out for myself.<\/p>\n

Star Wars: The Force Awakens<\/em> Review\u00a0\u2014 No Spoilers<\/h3>\n

Major Star Wars fans will completely flip. The overall tone\u00a0of the The Force Awakens retains that of the old movies\u00a0while\u00a0giving enough of a fresh start to draw audiences in and have them pleading for more. It’s everything die hard enthusiants\u00a0have been waiting for and more. Familiar faces are back, the light and dark sides of the force are\u00a0again in conflict, and new heroes and villains\u00a0are taking up the fight.<\/p>\n

The iconic opening title marquee does a great job at getting the audience up to speed with what’s happening. Star Wars: The Force Awakens<\/em> picks up where the Return of the Jedi\u00a0ended, but a few decades in the future.\u00a0Many things have changed and the peace of the universe is again threatened as the balance between good and evil has been thrown off.<\/p>\n

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Just a warning though \u2013 this film\u00a0can\u00a0be overwhelming. So much is going on to properly set the stage for an extended story arc that the pace is very quick. It will take some time to let things sink in and an additional viewing or two may even\u00a0be needed. It’s not just about telling a story, it’s about reviving and then building upon a legacy.\u00a0The film is PG-13 so parents will want to make sure their kids can handle the fighting and intensity that was also in the original three movies.<\/p>\n

5 Tips for Non-Super Fans \u2013 Star Wars:\u00a0The Force Awakens<\/em><\/h3>\n

However, among those who live and breathe light sabers and Yoda-inspired proverbs are also those who simply missed the boat on the whole Star Wars craze, me being included.\u00a0Despite the seeming majority of those around me being fully immersed in the universe containing\u00a0Tattoine, the Death Star, and the Ewoks Village, I just can’t seem to get into it. So how was Star Wars: The Force Awakens<\/em> for me and how might others similar to me react? I’m sure it will be mixed bag but keeping these points in mind will help.<\/p>\n

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  1. Know the Basics<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If viewers have NO clue about Star Wars and have ZERO idea of who Luke’s father was, though, they might be a little lost. You might want to at least fill in your fellow movie-goer on the basics of the Star Wars storyline. Don’t go too deep into detail or include any of the stuff about Anakin, the Counsel, the Sith, the Clone Wars, etc. because then you’ll just confuse them and turn them off.<\/p>\n

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    1. Discovery Through the Eyes of the Characters<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The new main characters, Rey and Finn, are just learning about what happened before and how it ties into what they are currently experiencing. Let the non-super fans discover the Star Wars Universe\u00a0alongside the characters as they come to understand the force and who they are up against and why.<\/p>\n

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      1. No Bathroom Breaks<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        From start to finish, the movie is packed with plot reveals\u00a0and key character development. If viewers miss even one portion, it will be a challenge to follow what is going on. So limit the drinks and fill up on salty, liquid-retaining snacks or you’ll have a lot of extra explaining to do.<\/p>\n

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        1. A Lot\u00a0of Talking<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          While the action is non-stop, there is still quite a bit of dialogue. Younger viewers may present an ongoing barrage of questions but if someone stops to explain things, they’ll miss out. Main points are\u00a0touched on a few times in case people don’t “get it” the first time so any questions will likely be answered as the movie goes on. Just\u00a0encourage\u00a0everyone to stay quiet and to save\u00a0their questions for later.<\/p>\n

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          1. Fandom Not Guaranteed<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Don’t expect everyone who sees Star Wars: The Force Awakens<\/em> to be blown away and standing in line at the next Comic Con for new leaks about episode eight. I was not shrieking with excitement or biting my nails out of suspense. I was not crying at crucial moments or gushing as certain characters interacted. However, I was getting the feeling that I needed to watch the original trilogy. That’s always a good start.<\/p>\n

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            As a non-super fan I appreciate that, while catering to an existing fan base, they did not alienate those who might be\u00a0less than thrilled about Star Wars or attack head-on as if saying, “You must love this movie, or else…” Instead, it piques the curiosity and gently introducing the world from broad angle. I get the feeling that this movie was not meant to be a standalone blockbuster but, rather, part of a much bigger adventure that I might want to keep following. So let the interest grow as the movies continue to be released.<\/p>\n

            Star Wars: The Force Awakens<\/em> is a fantastic addition to the Star Wars world (unlike the prequel trilogy that many prefer to deny the existence of). The creators really went above and beyond to stay true to the classic story that is so widely treasured. Yet, at the same time, they managed to breathe new life into it and begin a new saga many more will enjoy. That said, go see it on Friday!<\/p>\n

            Star Wars: The Force Awakens<\/em>\u00a0will be in theaters December 18th, 2015!<\/h3>\n

            Follow these links for the latest and greatest info.<\/p>\n