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In Honor of Star Wars: 30 Years Ago Movies Changed Forever

May 26, 2007
by Alex Billington

I know this is one day late, so I apologize for the delay as I was very busy all day yesterday (dealing with Pirates of the Caribbean's record opening weekend).

Star Wars

30 years ago on May 25th, 1977, a film debuted in theaters that changed the movie industry forever. It starred the then 26 years old Mark Hamill and soon-to-be superstar Harrison Ford, and was a science fiction space epic. Star Wars was the film, and like all the big celebrations going on around the world this weekend, especially in Los Angeles, we've got to pay our own tribute to Star Wars.

From as far back as I can remember I've been a Star Wars fan myself. It's changed even my own life, a bit of an interesting consideration given I wasn't even alive back in 1977 when it came out, but still was introduced to it eventually. It's most likely the biggest stepping stone in my eventual love for the science fiction genre. Of course for the longest time I've always enjoyed and always respected the first film that kicked it all off and all the additional sequels and prequels that have made every other moment of my life just as exciting.

Who can say what this world would be like without Star Wars or where and what the movies today would be about if it weren't for George Lucas. This weekend take time to honor one of the great science fiction films ever created and certainly one of the most powerful changing points in Hollywood history. To Luke, Han, Leia, Ben, Chewie, C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth, and all the rest, I salute you!

Star Wars

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Reader Feedback - 3 Comments »

1

I was 5 when this came out, and my mom wouldn't take me to see it. But it was re-released two years later and I finally got to see it at the drive-in. From that day on I was up to my ears in action figures, trading cards, toy light sabers, etc, for years to come. The toy industry (and my toy box) was never the same! Although many prefer Empire, the first movie will always be the best and most dear to me. I try to block out the prequels and pretend they never happened (though I did see each one on opening day out of obligation).

By the way, if you ever get a chance to see Charles Ross's "One Man Star Wars Trilogy," don't miss out. It's an awesome tribute and hilarious. http://www.onemanstarwars.com/fansite/home.php

Dan on May 26, 2007

2

My story is almost exactly the same as Comment #1's only I was born in 1970. The prequels, and to be honest, even ROTJ I try to block out. I kind of like to keep it hanging in my head… like the battle must have gone on after Empire Strikes Back, and we'll simply never know the outcome. Sorry Han.

D-Railer on May 26, 2007

3

Me, too. Born in 1974, I was all over the trilogy by 1980. The prequels are awful in comparison, and the re-tooling of the original movies was and is truly sad - I like to remember Star Wars in its prime :)

Mark_F on May 27, 2007

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