Remember when no one had heard of Jar Jar Binks? When there was no chance getting caught in a conversation with some jerk who would go on and on about George Lucas doing weird things to your childhood?
It was about 10 years ago, and 10 years ago this weekend "Star Wars: Episode One - The Phantom Menace" was released in theaters. I still have such fond memories of this movie and taking our five-year-old Eric to see it. Finally, I would not only be able to see a new "Star Wars" movie, but introduce my child to it as well!
As the lights dimmed and the familiar "a long time ago in a galaxy far far away ..." flashed on the screen, it brought a tear to my eye.
And yes, there were things wrong with the prequels, particularly "Episode II," but there were great moments too, plenty of them. The lightsaber duel between Obi Wan, Qui-Gon and Darth Maul at the end is still one of the best "Star Wars" fights ever. I still prefer to think of the fond memories with my kids - and honestly - myself, enjoying those new movies in a way that a movie like "Fanboys" could never hope to capture.
May the force by with you.
