“When 900 years old you reach, look as good you will not.” –Yoda
Well, it’s not as old as Yoda… only 40 years have passed since the release of the original Star Wars film. But in movie years, Star Wars is a senior citizen. When it comes to movie franchises, only James Bond, Godzilla, Planet of the Apes and the Pink Panther have been around longer.
But instead of limp lightsabers, AT-AT Walkers (literally) and stairlift riding Wookies, Star Wars’ vivacity has increased. It is a marketing and merchandising juggernaut.
Just take a stroll down the aisles of your local grocery store and you’ll find Star Wars branded crackers, cookies, cereal and macaroni. Stroll through the Star Wars aisle at your local toy store with an 8-year-old and you’ll never leave.
Although a lot has changed since the highest grossing film of 1977 hit theatres, its appeal has not. Young boys still love robots, space ships and aliens. Star Wars’ appeal still resonates with them as teenagers. It would be tough to imagine a tenth-grader still interested in Paw Patrol.
And the beauty is, this has been happening for 4 decades. New generations of kids still want to swing a lightsaber, join the Rebel Alliance, and defeat the Empire. It keeps growing. That original generation of Star Wars kids are now parents and grandparents.
So as May 4th approaches (commonly recognized as Star Wars Day after the phrase “May the Force be with you”), embrace the opportunity to connect with your family.
The strength of the Force lies not in its ability to raise a swamp sunken X-Wing Starfighter, or choke an incompetent Admiral, but rather in its ability to unite.
Bond with the multiple generations of your family this May 4th:
- have a Star Wars viewing party
- build a Star Wars Lego set
- play Star Wars Risk, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit etc.
- learn the Cantina song
- unveil some old Star Wars toys to the grand kids
- bake a Star Wars themed treat
There’s an endless supply of craft ideas on pinterest, these are a few of our favourites:
And if you’re feeling really ambitious a Rocking Speeder Bike