Star Wars under the Stars

Do you remember your first time watching Star Wars? It’s like a rite of passage for little boys.

For my oldest son, we eased him into it by showing him a few scenes now and then. We weren’t sure how the violence or ugly creatures would affect him. But being a boy, he loved it.

Each time he couldn’t wait to see more. And even though he’s seen it a few times, Star Wars is one of those movies that never gets old.

Why is Star Wars so popular? What makes it strike such a chord with kids? 

Star Wars combines what kids love most: space, imagination, superheroes, and battles into one movie. My little boys love to look up at the sky and wonder what lies beyond. Are there aliens or strange monsters? What would a spaceship look like? Star Wars helps fills the gaps their imagination can’t with colorful characters, aliens and droids.

And as much as I might cringe at how much a boy can become fascinated with guns, in Star Wars the battle is for good to win over evil. It’s a concept this mom can appreciate. And, of course, the characters are battling with cool lightsabers; what boy doesn’t love that?

The appeal isn’t just for boys. What 70’s girl didn’t grow up wanting to be Princess Leia? As a little girl, Princess Leia was one of our few examples of a strong female role model.

She was a princess that could battle it out with the best of them. Not only strong, she was intelligent. She was an equal with Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.

For parents like us, growing up in the mid to late 70's, Star Wars was the first sci-fi movie to grab our attention with a new twist on the classic story of good versus evil. Star Wars gave us heroes with super abilities; we could see ourselves in the characters on the screen.

We didn’t need to have a superpower to be a hero.

Today, the Star Wars series, with new movies, helps parents and children connect. It’s a movie everyone gets excited about. Parents are thrilled to share something they loved as a kid with their own kids. Kids still love space, heroes, and battles.

This Friday, May 13, experience Star Wars, with your family, as you probably never have before. Watch Star Wars under the stars. Royal Suites Healthcare and Rehabilitation is sponsoring a FREE outdoor showing of Star Wars.

The movie will be projected against the building. While families are welcome to sit anywhere on the lawn, you are encouraged to bring your own lawn chair or beach towels. Seating will be limited. The activities start at 7 pm and the movie will begin at 7:30 pm.

Royal Suites will host these FREE activities before the movie:

• Character Appearances
• Balloon Animals
• Lightsabers for each child
• Soda
• Pretzels
• Popcorn
• Prizes for Mom, Dads, and kids
• Drawing for $100 Hamilton Mall Gift Card

Royal Suites is located at 214 West Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway. For more information, please call 748-9900.

Did you grow up with Star Wars? What did you love about the series?