Since it’s Star Wars Day I’m going to write a bit about my love for/history with the flicks. Plus I’m including some fun pics.
When I was 13 years old the original Star Wars flicks were rereleased to get everyone hyped for the future prequels. Prior to 1997 I hadn’t had any interest in them. I thought they looked boring and were for boys.
However there was so much hype surrounding midnight screenings (which were totally new here) and my father wanted to introduce my sister and I to them.
So i went to see A New Hope and I fell hard. I’ve always considered myself to be a bit more like a guy in my thinking. I fell for Han Solo. Yes, that began my Harrison Ford obsession. You see where teen guys got all hot and bothered over a young Carrie Fisher I was going crazy for mutton chopped Ford. A sarcastic guy with a giant, furry sidekick? What is not to like?
So I immediately went home and dug out the tape my father had me record them on from the Christmas before (they used to run the original trilogy around Christmas yearly) so I wouldn’t have to wait until the next month to see the second movie.
Of course it wasn’t all about holstered dudes striking poses. I too loved the lightsabers and CRAZY twists in the sequels. He’s what to her? Who is his father?
By the time the first prequel came out two years later I owned two lightsabers and had 3 Star Wars posters in my bedroom. Yeah, I was totally cool. To post a photo of the Episode 1 fishermen style bucket hat that I wore the year I was 15/16 would no doubt be amusing but my eyebrows were out of control so I think I’ll pass. I even had a birthday cake with Ewan McGregor wielding a lightsaber for my 16th birthday, yeah.
I actually enjoyed the first prequel. I can tell you this because looking over my high school journal I counted seeing it at the theater at least thrice (okay, it was also cuz of McGregor). I wasn’t as crazy about the other two prequels but I did used to dislike Hayden Christensen so that didn’t help.
Okay I don’t have the blu-rays (cuz I’m poor), didn’t go see the 3D transfer of Episode One (3D transfers suck!) and I did take the opportunity to joke about it on twitter.
My Star Wars joy is still there though. You can see my excitement in the photos below.
I enjoy frequenting the nearby Steel City Con on occasion where I love seeing fans dress in Star Wars regalia. Believe me when I say that when I used to attend horror conventions this was a big no no. Horror fans do not react well to a Luke Skywalker parading around, just a warning for y’all. I also was able to meet a couple of actors from the flicks.
with Billy Dee Williams and his son Corey Dee Williams (yes, that's a Millenium Falcon tee)
Anthony Daniels (C-3PO)
I ran out of money so I just snuck around and took this on the fly.
random R2-D2 sighting
Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker)
During a previous Steel City Con (2010) I had the pleasure to meet Jake Lloyd. As I like to look up actors prior to meeting them, the night before I learned he is basically universally hated by Star Wars fans. Seems totally harsh to hate on a then little kid, but whatever. At any rate his table was completely empty. He was very amiable and totally let me take a photo free of charge. I am making a hideously awkward face because my father said “she’s your favorite” just to have something to say while he was taking the photo. So yeah.
I also met some other fans that day with kick ass costumes.
Anakin Skywalker
Darth Vader
Stormtrooper
May the force be with you!
You may also enjoy:
Mary’s Somewhat Excellent 2010-when I first mentioned the 2010 convention, I also met David Faustino (Bud Bundy, Married With Children) and Mr. McFeely (Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood) that year.
Style File: Strawberries Forsythe-when I met William Forsythe in 2011. Plus photos from previous cons including Bill Moseley, Sid Haig, Lew Temple, Priscilla Barnes & Ken Foree (all from The Devil’s Rejects)
Star Wars photos I’ve blogged on tumblr
Han Solo photos I’ve blogged on tumblr
Cool Off Site Links:
Corey Dee Williams-info on him being his dad’s stand in and playing Klaatu in Return of the Jedi.
Billy Dee Williams on twitter
Corey Dee Williams on twitter
Jake Lloyd on Facebook
Carrie Fisher on twitter
Anthony Daniels on twitter
Hi, I'm Mary. I share awesome things with the world. 
