Are You Ready for Star Wars?

Even if you’re not a Star Wars fan, you KNOW that the new Star Wars movie is coming out this week. It’s all over the news, the face of any possible medium of advertisement, and if you have any friends, they’ve probably mentioned it. The world is buzzing. It’s a monumental week.

 Many people have different feelings regarding the new reboot. For example, I–a huge Star Wars fan–have mixed feelings. On one hand, I’m very excited for a new Star Wars in general. On the other hand, look what happened to the prequels. On another hand, I trust JJ Abrams. On another other hand, will it have the true Star Wars-y feel that us true fans crave? So many feels. So many hands. I’m TRYING to avoid seeing any spoilers of Star Wars (even trailers) to go on raw and see where the adventure takes me.

Anyhow, before you go see Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, there’re a few things you should do first.

1. Watch (or re-watch) the original series. Just do it. Episodes 4-6 are truly amazing and it will most certain get you in the mood for some Star Wars action. Rent them, buy them, steal them from a friend–do what you need to do. You can watch the prequels, but I won’t say it’s a necessary requirement. We had a marathon of all six over the past weekend.

2. Get your tickets. You may be a little late for this train (tickets became available October 19), but better now than never. Most theaters will be sold out opening night, but you MAY be able to catch a showing that weekend if not the next.

3. Get plenty of sleep the night before. Especially if you’re going to a late showing! You don’t want to be nodding off during the last 45 minutes and be that one fool who doesn’t know how it ended. I will probably have trouble going to sleep the night before, but I am planning on going to bed early, reading before bed, and maybe doing a sleep meditation. I’m getting that precious sleep for our 10 pm showing!

4. Decide on a good group of people to go with. Even if that means by yourself! I can imagine nothing worse than someone who cares nothing for the movies, sitting beside me, TEXTING while the galaxy is at strife before us. Go with people who you know you will enjoy the movie with. For example, I’m going with my brother and my partner, two people who care about Star Wars and understand it in a way I do. I also plan to see it with my parents soon after. They won’t be obnoxious during the film–they will only make the experience better.

5. Get some good music going on. Have you ever had goosebumps as hard as when you watched the binary sunset on Tatooine? A big part of that was the genius of John Williams. Listen to this playlist and get the good vibes going. I already know this is my Thursday soundtrack. 

6. Have an open mind. This is a tough one, especially for someone like me. Star Wars was such a big part of my childhood and is very important to me to this day. I’m very critical when poor attempts are made. However, one must have an open mind when going to a new Star Wars. I’ll tell you right now–it’s not going to be exactly what you wanted it to be. It’s come from a different mind (although JJ Abrams has a deep love for Star Wars) and it’s being produced in an entirely different atmosphere than back in the 70s and 80s. Keep your mind open and you might just love it. 

I could fangirl into all the nerdy ways you could prepare, but to each their own! I’ll probably sport a Star Wars tee and a lightsaber, but just because you don’t doesn’t make you a non-fan. I’m expecting to be giddy all through work Thursday (sorry in advance, friends) until I can sit in the movie theatre seats and watch the famed scroll pour over me. I really really hope this Star Wars is great. However, I’ve been trying not to raise my expectations or see any spoilers. I want to be amazed. I want to be drawn in. I want to feel immersed in the universe I love so much. Are you ready for Star Wars? I am. And as always, stay hungry and fit!

*Question of the Day: What are you most looking forward to about the new Star Wars? Do you have any mixed feelings?