By Mary Shinn
Herald Staff Writer
Eager fans gathered in the lobby of Allen Theaters Thursday many hours before “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was set to start.
Despite the disappointment some fans suffered after the Star Wars prequels were released, many were optimistic.
“Our hopes will always stay high, even after the prequels. ... We’re going to stay positive no matter how badly we’ve been hurt in the past,” said Sean Moriarty, who had been in line since 4:30 p.m.
The premiere sold out during the weekend, and employees expected between 800 to 900 people for the film, showing on six of the nine screens, said Jessica Evers, a manager.
A few fans believed the new director J.J. Abrams and members of the original cast were the perfect combination.
“I think J.J. Abrams is going to do a fantastic job,” said Ron Floroplus, dressed as Han Solo.
Floroplus was joined by ewoks, a mandalorian warrior and a ferocious wampa at El Rancho on Main Avenue to celebrate the first Star Wars movie in 10 years.
For some, it was an opportunity to revel in the nostalgia of a much-loved childhood movie remade, even though the original series has long-been labeled B movies.
“When you’re a kid, there is no such thing as a B movie,” said Dan Chowen in a homemade wampa suit.
The originals also captivated a few teenagers, the next generation of Star Wars fans, waiting in line at Allen Theaters.
“They rely more on actual storytelling than they did high budgets,” Storm Summers said. He blamed an over reliance on computer-generated imagery for the unsatisfying prequels.
But even if the “The Force Awakens” doesn’t fulfill the endless hype, the love for Star Wars likely won’t be fading, and references to it are inescapable, no matter your age.
“The coolest thing about Star Wars is the inter-generational appeal,” Emma Scala said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
