John's Star Wars Page

Born in 1975, I was able to see every one of the original Star Wars films on the big screen, and my childhood flourished with each and every toy put out by Kenner, bedroom sheets and posters depicting Vader and his minions, and the inevitable series of Halloween costumes.

My enthusiasm for Star Wars has continued into adulthood, and although not at the level that has spawned fans who have built scale-model X-Wing fighters in their back yards or who keep a collection of mint-on-card figures inside a walk-in safe, it's led to some interesting experiences. Beth and I flew out to Los Angeles to catch the charity premier of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (a week before fans in general would witness the final installment of Star Wars), and I've made my own Jedi costume for wearing to midnight showings of the films.

Episode III Charity Premier in Los Angeles | Jedi Costumes | The 1978 Holiday Special
Alternate Ending for Episode III | Favorite Scenes from the Star Wars Saga

Episode III Charity Premier in Los Angeles

Just once, I wanted to see the premier of a Star Wars film not at a midnight screening in some theater in the middle of nowhere but where Star Wars began, in Los Angeles. After reading about the charity premiers for past films, I ponied up a donation to the Artists for a New South Africa to attend the LA premier of Revenge of the Sith.

Though not at the Chinese Theater (to the disappointment of many a fan), the premier was on a great screen. At the party, we met stars like Jimmy Smits, Billy Dee Williams, Mark Hamill, and a working R2-D2. Best of all, we got to see the film a week before everyone else! I do have to say that our ad in the program was far superior to those of many who donated more money (this means you, Babs).

Seeing the charity premier in L.A. didn't stop me from also attending the midnight screening back home when the film opened to the public. I donned my full Jedi costume, and Beth wore her hair in Princess Leia buns and draped a vintage bedsheet over her arms as a shawl to get into the spirit!

I will say that I enjoyed this film the best of the newer trilogy and perhaps second to only Empire and perhaps Star Wars amongst all the movies. The scenes of the betrayal of the Jedi are amongst my favorite from the entire saga, as is the crippling of Anakin and birth of Vader.

Costumes

I put my sewing skills to work when I made a simple Jedi costume for the midnight premier of Episode II, which I later fleshed out and wore to the midnight premier of Episode III.

I haven't ventured into other Star Wars costumes yet, although I know one day Beth will have at least one Princess Leia costume (although she's unfortunately refused to wear the metal bikini from Jedi).

View details on how I created the Jedi Master John costume.

The 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special

Few are those who remember watching the 1978 holiday special on television, and fewer still those who find anything of merit to say about the production. George Lucas himself has said he wished he could destroy every existing copy of the film, and it hasn't ever been released commercially--and for good reason. There exist things in this galaxy that make Jar Jar Binks seem a creation of genius in comparison.

I recently wrote a review of the special... read it if you dare. It might bring back memories you'd prefer had forever remained buried!