'Star Wars' fan I am

July 5, 2011

By Kelli Straka
O-N-E Intern

“Star Wars” fanatics, brace yourselves — what I am about to reveal could have you crying bumblefluff like a Wookie for the rest of the day. And if you’re not an absolute “Star Wars” nerd, all you need to know is what I am about to say is a little shocking.
In the last 19 years of my existence, I had never seen a “Star Wars” movie until last week.
It’s not that I didn’t want to see them; it’s merely because I haven’t gotten around to it. Watching “Star Wars” hasn’t exactly been at the top of my priority list these past 19 years.
But after much grief from friends who love the movies and thanks to a friend, who happens to own the entire series, I have made it my goal to complete the infamous sci-fi movies by the end of the summer — and most likely before then.
As a “Star Wars” geek, my friend, the one who owns all the movies, made me promise to watch the episodes in the order they were released — four, five, six, one, two and three. Additionally, I had to watch the original “Star Wars” made in the late 1970s.
After asking why I had to start in the middle and arguing that I would surely be confused since I was missing the first three movies, we started the movie.
And just like I predicted, I was confused.
In the beginning, I had to read this print rambling about rebels and a Death Star, then try and retain this information while the movie began in the middle of a battle scene.
Initially, I wasn’t too impressed. Not only was I slightly confused, but the graphics were, well, not what they are today — which I didn’t really consider before watching. Also, the lines and acting were incredibly cheesy, which is harsh criticism coming from someone who likes Disney Channel original movies.
But as I continued to watch the movie, the plot became more interesting. I became more curious whether young Luke Skywalker would rise up and defeat Darth Vader.
It could also have been Harrison Ford’s stunningly good looks, the humorous and sassy remarks from C-3PO or George Lucas using “the force” to make me like the movie. But either way, the movie grew on me.
After telling my friend the movie was average and acting like I didn’t like it that much, I went home and decided I wanted to see the next movie. And the next day, that’s what I did.
The next movie was fantastic. Harrison Ford was just as dreamy as ever. Princess Leia ditched the obnoxious honey bun hairdo. The plot thickened as viewers learned Skywalker is Darth Vader’s son with the notorious, “Luke, I am your father,” line.
Sadly, as much as I would have hated to admit it after watching the first 10 minutes of the first movie, or the fourth movie, I really like the series. I’m not about to go declare myself a fanatic or dress up as a character and attend the next “Star Wars” convention, but the movies are A-OK in my book.

Kelli Straka is a second-year journalism student at Appalachian State University and an intern at The O-N-E.