A New Not-So-Hopeless Alex

“OK, those are Ewoks, right?”

“Uh, no Alex. Those are Jawas.”

And thus it began.

After successfully (and happily!) avoiding the pop culture phenomenon that is, was, and forever shall be Star Wars for the past twenty-odd years, I finally sat down and watched A New Hope, from start to finish.

And, while I won’t be going to any Star Wars conventions anytime soon, I did enjoy the flick. Actually, it was a pretty interesting experience. It’s impossible not to know basic plot points and characters involved in the Star Wars universe, and over time, I guess I kinda just created my own little version of what the movies were about.

So, there were still some surprises left for me (such as Luke's family being burnt to a crisp early on in the movie), even though I figured the story would seem more like a retread of the bits and pieces of the film franchise that I already knew about going in.

But, from the start, I was happily engrossed in the story, and even though there was a little bit too much (get ready for it)...space travel...for my liking, I didn't run out of the room kicking and screaming at any point.

Not even when the Muppets started playing instruments in the bar.

Now, the version I watched was not the original theatrical release of the film, but the re-cut from a couple years ago with several added scenes. Not knowing the difference between the two, I guess what struck me most was just how clean the film looked.

Anyway, as I'm sure everyone out there knows, this version has Han shooting Greedo in retaliation. And I thought it was a good scene, and it made Han look like the classic, cookie-cutter, loner good guy character.

Then, after the movie was over, I checked out the original scene...where Han shot first. And that really changed the character for me. I know it's been argued to death over the years, but I have to say, Han shooting first just makes a whole lot more sense to me. I guess it'll be interesting to take note of how I view his character in the next film, but I can pretty much bet the house it'll be in a whole different light.

So, there it is. I've finally watched a Star Wars movie. And I'll check out another one...eventually.

I swear.