Final Checklist for Star Wars: The Force Awakens

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens tomorrow. But are you freaking out? Here are a few things to remember before heading out to the cinema.

We’re down to mere hours now. Whether you’re just returning to Star Wars after a long hiatus or you’re a die-hard super fan who lives with it every day, this is a very exciting time for cinema.

However, with so much excitement and so much going on, it’s easy for people to lose their way, and get bogged down in thoughts and habits that will hurt their experience, as well as hurt the experiences of others. This is the time that, historically, will matter in the hearts and minds of views for years to come. So, let’s make it the best it can be!

Here a few simple things that I like to remember when going into a film I am anticipating. I wanted to share these, in hope that they may help others have the best possible movie experience, too.

Clear your mind.

Once you walk inside that movie theater, take a deep breath, close your eyes for a few seconds. For just over 2 hours, you’re here. The rest of the world doesn’t matter. Politics don’t matter. Your bills, your job, your classes, your grades–leave them all on the outside of that theater.Be mindful of the moment, be mindful of the present, and you WILL be transported to a galaxy far, far, away.

Expect nothing.

Even if you’ve seen most of the movie. Even if you know the plot. Expectations are worthless. If you walk into a movie theater, you must open your mind to the unknown. Take what you see at face value, and judge it on its own merit. Inserting your expectations of what you thought you’d expect from a movie into a first-time viewing experience is like holding a ghost up to a mirror: you’re not going to see what you’re looking for. If you truly must hold on to your expectations, I suggest leaving the theater prior to seeing the film, create your own movie, and watch that instead.

Viewing a movie for the first time with no expectations is to let in the direct vision of the filmmaker–to let the story tell you about itself. It is to greet this work of art and get to know it on its terms–not yours. The art of viewing film with no expectations is the art of viewing film without critical prejudice.

Unlearn what you have learned.

Everything you think you know, even about the past movies, is about to change. And that’s ok! In order to continue a story, past events must be revisited, and they must be reinterpreted. Otherwise, they have no cohesion, and it is less of a unified saga than just another anthology of stories told over the years. So, along with the open mind that’s free of expectations, prepare to let go of all you have come to love about the lore of Star Wars, and…

Embrace the change.

You guys, it is going to be fun. We get to have the opportunity to experience more Star Wars. You’ll have the chance to revisit, reinterpret and relearn these stories with a greater knowledge, greater understand, and a deeper meaning than ever before. This opportunity is a gift.

Be grateful.

This movie, by all rights shouldn’t exist. We are very fortunate to have this amazing story back in our lives, continuing on in a way our own stories will never be able to. That’s right: Star Wars is no longer a passing movie franchise. It has evolved into a legend, and with new stories being created in perpetuity, will be passed down through out the ages, long past all our time here on Earth.

Save your critiques.

Star Wars has always, and will always evade film critics, especially at the outset of their premieres. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking one viewing give you the authority to apply a critique to it. What’s good and what may not be good has no meaning at this point. Just allow yourself to go on this ride. Allow yourself the rare opportunity to just watch the movie as you–the you that’s always been you–before the education, before the pop culture savvy, before the social media. I could take the easy route and say, watch it with the eyes you had as a kid, but that would not do it justice. That part of you that you want to connect with nostalgically, is still part of you. What’s gone are the opportunities to let that shine through. This is that rare opportunity.

Star Wars is for everyone.

From the gruffest old man to the youngest child, there is no such thing as a Star Wars fan. It’s a stupid term. These films are created by Lucasfilm, but they belong to the entire world in a way very few things are. People you would never expect, from world leaders to grandmothers to your boss at work or your teacher at school love Star Wars on a deep level. You’ll be surprised who you see talking about and loving it. And that is a very good thing.

Don’t argue.

If people don’t enjoy Star Wars, or don’t like some of the films, or don’t agree on trivial aspects of the film. Some people will want to debate this, picking up endless debates that may have left off 5, 10, 15, or 20 years prior. It’s better off to not debate these points–it only divides people, needlessly. Just move on, accept the differing opinions, and focus on what brings Star Wars fans together.

Remember, it’s about fun.

Very few things in this world allow you to connect with an absolute feeling of pure, unrestrained imagination, adventure and fun. It’s ok to connect with this feeling, no matter how old you are. Just let it in.

And, if you decide you want more Star Wars in your life, there’s plenty out there for you! More than ever, actually. First and foremost, subscribe to RetroZap and our network of shows! Then hit StarWars.com and JediNews.com. Of course, there is an entire galaxy of websites and podcasts out there, too. I implore you to search through them and find the ones that appeal most to you.

Enjoy the show!

JT