In honor of the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie, we interviewed people throughout the office about the film experience. Whether they keep Jawas by their desk or were dragged to the movie theater, they all came out with similar reviews. (Plus, one name pronunciation that made a Star Wars buff irate.)
Hope you enjoy!
KEVIN CAIN
What did you think of the new film?
Absolutely loved it. The new characters mixed great with the old characters. Lots of action, great drama and “The Scene” which you can’t talk about until everyone has seen it.
How many times did you see it?
Just three times so far.
Why do you love Star Wars?
Why? It’s a classic tale of the Hero’s Journey. Good triumphing over evil. Never give up no matter the odds. Believe in the light side.
Favorite character?
Luke Skywalker. He refused to go bad to rule the galaxy. Believed in love and saved his father. I could go on, but there’s not enough time.
AMBER OOLEY
What did you think of the new film?
It kept me awake from 6:30–9:15 a.m.!
How many times did you see it?
Once.
Why do you love Star Wars?
I’ve always enjoyed Star Wars because it was a part of my childhood and it reminds us that the good (aka light) side will always win.
Favorite character?
It’s always been Han Solo. However, in the latest movie, BB-8 takes the cake.
CODY PAULSON
What did you think of the new film?
Loved it, lived up to expectations.
How many times did you see it?
Once.
Why do you love Star Wars?
I’m a sucker for anything sci-fi, especially if it’s space related.
Favorite character?
Rey, because female Jedi!
MARY HAUSER
What did you think of the new film?
I understood it! I also loved the underlying themes of light, dark, good and evil.
How many times did you see it?
Uno.
Why do you love Star Wars?
I was not a huge fan before. My husband tried to get me to watch them all, and I was quite confused by the order. My linear mind just couldn’t wrap itself around why on earth you would release movies in any order other than a sequential one. However, I did love the downfall of Darth Vader in Episode VI, and I have a special affinity for Ewoks and Yoda.
And now with my particular liking of the new movie—I think I can safely consider myself a fan.
Favorite character?
The aforementioned Yoda and Ewoks, but they aren’t in the new movie. For the new movie, I’d have to go with Maz Kanata because of her sweet goggles.
BEN LUOMA
What did you think of the new film?
Great movie. Great writing, with classic Star Wars fun and witty dialogue. Brought back simple storytelling with its relatable characters and a basic good vs. evil theme, or I guess I should say light side vs. dark side. Anywho, that was something that, for me, was missing from Episodes I, II and III.
How many times did you see it?
Once. But… I plan to see it again with my wife.
Why do you love Star Wars?
I love Star Wars for likely the same reason as everyone else who does. It reminds you about hopes and dreams, about looking beyond and taking a leap of faith, believing in something magical or unexplainable, and the joys and pains that come with overcoming adversity. It’s your childhood, something we’ve all grown up with, something to share with your children.
Favorite character?
I grew up on a farm so as a kid I always identified with Luke Skywalker. He was a farm boy with big dreams that went on to discover The Force, wield a lightsaber and save the galaxy. But…I definitely grew to be more of a Han Solo. 😉
*WARNING* DARK SIDE ALERT
MAX HUTCHENS
What did you think of the new film?
I thought it was great from start to finish.
How many times did you see it?
Once.
Why do you love Star Wars?
I love Star Wars because if I don’t, my office manager will “misplace” my paycheck.
Favorite character?
Kobe 1 Hanabi.
TAYLOR BJORK
What did you think of the new film?
I thought the film was excellent! The grandeur of it matched the hype that was built up around it.
How many times did you see it?
So far, I’ve seen it twice.
Why do you love Star Wars?
I love Star Wars for lots of reasons. I like that not all the characters speak English so you have no idea what they are saying. I love the thought of exploring the whole galaxy. I love the good/evil aspect. The magic of it is pretty cool, too: the force, the lightsabers and the spaceships. Plus, it’s way better than Star Trek.
It was everything you want an epic science fiction story to be.
Favorite character?
My favorite character from the new movie is Rey. Although Kylo Ren is a close second (that helmet and voice, though!).
How does their opinion compare with yours? May the force be with you!