Wednesday, April 1, 2015

A Future World at a Drive-In Movie


The clunky speaker hung from the driver’s side window.  That, now famous score, played as we viewers read, “. . . in a galaxy far, far away . . .”  I will never forget the first time I saw Star Wars.  I was just a kid and my Mother had taken me to the drive-in theater.  It was a special night, just the two of us.  The popcorn bucket was full and smelled fantastic.  It was dark in the car as I looked out at the vehicles parked around us.  The place was packed.  Other kids my age and adults alike; people were everywhere, sitting on blankets in the beds of pickup trucks or on the hoods of cars.  It was like a giant outdoor living room with everyone trying to find the best seat.  Not knowing at the time, but we were all about to take a wild adventure through space with George Lucas at the helm.  Besides a slight crush on Luke Skywalker, I walked away from the experience with a love for the movie.  I remember the slew of toys and games that came out with the release of the movie.  I had C-3PO and R2-D2; and everyone loved Chewbacca.  I know I am dating myself, but it was a great time! 

 
Through the years, the sequels have graced screens around the world.  The fans of Star Wars are tried and true.  What I find so interesting on a scientific level, are the many parallels between the movie Star Wars and The Universe episodes I just watched.  The underground dwellings, traveling at the speed of light, humans on other planets and robots or droids being programmed to do much of the work.  The attention to detail paid while creating Star Wars was amazing.  Something I had an appreciation for when I was a child, but didn’t understand why.  It is that detail, I believe, that has kept the movie goes coming back for more.   There is a reason Star Wars stands the test of time.  In Sci-fi Adventure, it’s a classic! 

3 comments:

  1. I am also a fan of Star Wars. I like how this movie's feats seemed impossible when they were born, but now we can travel into space and send droids (e.g. the Rover) to other planets to collect information. It would be nice to develop the technology to where we won't have to wear spacesuits while traveling or going to the market. There would be the usual problem of accepting and tolerating other people's cultures and traditions, but that what America is about and it took a lot of time to get to that point. All we have to worry about is where will we get our resources and if we will get attacked by people like the Sith or completely annihilated by the Necromongers (ultimate conquerors in Riddick).

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  2. I was intrigued how you started your post. Your usage of words was very descriptive and clear. I actually felt I was sitting right next you even though I have never been to a drive in theater before. I personally have not seen all the Star Wars sequels, but I do think it is interesting to see so many parallels in space throughout the film. For example, the Death Star blew my mind because it looked like a moon. Instead, it was a big spaceship. I believe it is amazing that Star Wars has droids that act like humans. What is your favorite detail regarding the film? How do you feel about the original cast coming back for the new Star Wars movie?

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  3. I enjoyed your post. Your description of the first time that you saw the film was wonderful. What a memory! We have a local drive-in theater near where I live. Even though there are many indoor theaters, in the summer, the drive-in is packed. I think it forces us to slow down, sit back, and make an event out of viewing a movie. We always have a good time. Star Wars is a great adventure. It lets us experience a world where space travel and different life forms on different planets are combined with human relationships and trials. The big screen is the perfect place for the adventure.

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