by Michelle Miles
This originally posted on Pop Culture Divas a while back, but Kathy’s movie post inspired me! So, here’s one from the vault by moi.For a while, I’d had a hankering to watch the original 1977 version of Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope. Back when this movie came out, it was revolutionary. It changed science fiction forever and it gave us characters that have endured for more than 30 years. Now my son, who is 10, is a Star Wars fan. He has toys and games galore. It still amazes me that this movie that started as a space adventure has turned into this giant franchise.
But I digress.
There are valuable lessons to be learned from these movies. Allow me to illustrate.
When trapped on a frozen tundra, your tauntaun makes a good shelter. And – hey – it’ll keep you warm by slashing open the belly and crawling in. Handy trick.
Using sarcasm will insert a moment of levity into a dangerous situation. Because we all know that while hiding out in a trash compactor to get away from the bad guys, cracking the joke that “we’ll all be a lot thinner” will help alleviate the stress of trying to get out.
And speaking of…
The trash compactor is the perfect place to “disappear”. Because no one will find you in there!
When trying to hide your rebel friends from the evil Empire, giving them a false location will save your home planet from total destruction. Well, okay. Not always. But it’s a good cover, so go with that.
Believing there is ‘good’ in someone, will keep you from having to fight them. Unless, of course, you’re provoked by a wrinkly guy in a hooded cloak that continues to berate you about your choice in friends. Then, yeah, beat his ass.
When stranded in a forest, make friends with the cute furry bear-like creatures. Then they’ll take you back to their home high in the trees so you can wait to be rescued by your friends. Works every time.
Hanging upside down will cure hibernation blindness. All while you try to save your friend from the tentacles of the Sarlic. It’s true.
Relationships are hard, especially in space while leading a rebellion. But taking time out to play kissy face while making repairs to the ship is a total must.
Blood is thicker than water, so embrace your dysfunctional family. So your dad is the evil head-honcho of the Empire and your brother is someone you thought you might be attracted to. It’s all water under the bridge now. Hug your dad and tell him you love him anyway and maybe he’ll change his evil ways.
And last...Always follow the advice of some dead guy telling you to go to some humid creature-infested planet, because even though you’re about to freeze to death, it sounds like a great vacation getaway.
And, in case you were wondering, yes, I do believe Han shot first! I'm a die-hard original Star Wars fan.
Michelle Miles writes romance, loves movies and collects shoes while drinking coffee. You can learn more about her books at http://www.michellemiles.net.
13 comments:
Glad my post inspired you, Michelle! I LOVE Star Wars. What's not to love about these movies, although I am partial to the originals.
I mean, a young Harrison Ford as Han Solo? Perfect.
There are so many lessons, as your rightly pointed out, that we can learn from these classics. I especially like hiding in the garbage and that wonderful line. Although staying warm in a tauntaun--not so much--stinky!
Thanks for a great post, Michelle!
My confession: I went to Star Wars as a favor to a guy I was dating. I had no idea how entralled I'd be. Later on, when the second one came out, I went to the premiere and managed to scream "NO!" when Han Solo was frozen into the sculpture thingy.
Jabba the hut is still oogly.
I haven't read anything about Star Wars in years and it makes me want to press "My DVR" and look it up on Comcast for this weekend's movie. I liked the tips for daily living via a Star War's buff. Well done.
Patti
Always follow the beautiful princess...she'll lead you into the trash compacter of life.
You should always believe the guy in the Black Cape claiming, "Luke, I am your father." Otherwise you'll become the one-handed Jedi.
And never trust the governor of a floating city, even if he is a 'friend'. He might hand you over to become the next carbon freeze test case.
Love the post. My kids love, love, love watching Star Wars. I think they are trying to catchup to the # of times my husband and I have seen the original movies.
Hi Michelle~
Hubby and I are Star Wars fans, and so is my daughter (12)...we've had her watching the originals since she was a baby! LOL
Great post! :)
~ Jane~
fun post! makes me feel a tad dated though since I get all the references...
Don't feel dated...since the re-release and new movies Star Wars is still the biggest thing since sliced bread in the nerd world. I am a Trekkie first but love the epicness that is Star Wars.
Great post, Michelle! Think you should change it "Everything I learned about writing..." :)
Loved the post, Michelle.
It did date me...I remembered it all vividly. I could even quote the lines.
I was taken by Princesses Lea's lipstick while trying to save her peaceful planet (I know..of all things)I went out and and found some gloss just like it...lol.
Fun!
Phyllis
I think Star Wars will continue to endure, especially since there is a new generation that is into it too. I can't tell you how many Star Wars legos I have in the house. I also don't think you're never too old to enjoy those movies. I'm a die-hard original fan. Always have been. Always will be.
I also love Star Trek, but that's a post for another day. I'm turning my kid into a Trekkie, too. ;)
Thanks for stopping by everyone!
Michelle,
I am also an original Star Trek fan, but I reaaly enjoyed the newest movie. It left open many new possibilities!
Phyllis
Yep, Han shot first. He would've been stupid not to. I love the new extras Lucas added to things like Mos Eisley - but he should NOT mess about with the story like that.
Love Star Wars. Love the fact it has become a classic. It's also the sort of thing I write.
Love Star Wars!! Still watch it occasionally and the Princess begging OB1Knobi to help her. Who could resist such a passionate plea. Still love this movie. Of course we watched Saturday Night Fever a couple of weeks ago and I just about puked. I thought what did we see in this film? We were that blind at that age? Not even the BeeGees could save that film.
I learned something from the Star Wars movie, too. If the butter on the popcorn tastes a little off, don't eat a whole tub of it! I got so sick from the popcorn when I went to see Star Wars at the theater way back when it first came out all those years ago. I still can't hear the opening notes of its signature song without feeling queasy. : )
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