While plenty of students may have plans to catch the new “Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens” rated PG-13 over Christmas break after its release on Dec. 18, they won’t be the only Bisons in the theaters. Several faculty members are big fans of the series that spans generations.
Assistant professor of English Nathan Henton said his love of the movies originates from the compelling storyline and the relatable characters.
“I do really love the stories and the characters — the likable ones are really likable, even if they are rough around the edges (Han shot first), and the evil ones are really, really scary,” Henton said. “There’s also a family element involved: my parents, especially my dad, took me to see the original trilogy in theaters, and all of my siblings love the series, too. It’s something we can still do together.”
Associate professor of history Julie Harris echoed Henton’s sentiments.
“I love fantasy fiction and a great story arc,” Harris said. “There is a grand odyssey sort of adventure with every element that stories should have. I love all of those elements. (George) Lucas infused them with magic and created characters that just resonate.”
Harris said for her, too, enjoying the “Star Wars” films is a family affair. For previous Halloweens she, her husband and her two-year-old son James have dressed up as “Star Wars” characters. Harris dressed as Gen. Leia from the new film this year, and researched stills of actress Carrie Fisher released from the movie to make sure her costume was accurate. Harris’ son’s nursery is decorated with a spacecraft, a mobile of Lego Star Wars planets and an R2-D2 diaper pail.
Harris said she and her siblings plan to go with their families to see the new film over Christmas break.
“I think that’s part of the joy of it for my generation,” Harris said. “I get to be immersed in ‘Star Wars’ one more time.”
Assistant professor of political science and public administration Lori Klein said she and her family, including sons junior Sam Klein and freshman Seth Klein and her husband Kevin Klein, chair of the department of history, will catch the movie. Lori Klein said she is not worried about the fate of the next trilogy, because “Star Wars” is safe in Disney’s capable hands.
“These people know what they are doing in the realm of entertainment,” Lori Klein said.
Nonetheless, Lori Klein pointed out that the original movies take the cake.
“The originals are more dependent upon acting and narrative, the newer movies are more about special effects,” Lori Klein said.
Henton agreed that the originals are much more more groundbreaking.
“The original trilogy is far superior to the prequel trilogy in just about every respect,” Henton said. “Yes, the special effects are somewhat low-tech, but that also makes them look real. Compare that to the prequel trilogy, which often looks like real actors have been dropped into an animated world. The prequels have bad CGI that’s desperately trying not to look like CGI and failing miserably. Yoda just looks more realistic as a glorified Muppet than he does as a digital character.”
Henton said he also plans on seeing the latest movie over break, and he has high hopes that it will live up to its predecessors.
“I’m very excited by what I’ve seen in the previews,” Henton said. “I trust (director) J.J. Abrams to deliver, not just because of his other work, but because he’s a fan of the series. Back when Disney bought Lucasfilm — and, like many others, I was worried about that move — I read an article that pointed out that one reason for fans to be happy about the purchase is that George Lucas created the series but didn’t fully understand what he had. Fans do understand what “Star Wars” is, and now they’re in charge.”
