The force has awakened in Tucson.
Or maybe it has always been strong here.
That seems to be the case for some of Tucsonβs biggest Star Wars fans, as they gear up for the newest movie, βStar Wars: The Force Awakens,β which opens Friday, Dec. 18.
Some of them talked about their passion for the films. And, from what we hear, the love of βStar Warsβ isnβt a crush. Itβs a deep-seeded love that started when the first film came out in 1977 and grew stronger with each addition β even during that awkward Jar Jar Binks phase.
Brian Petty, 51, an artist who creates screen accurate costumes, was 12 years old when he first saw βStar Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.β He was immediately hooked.
That first film remains Pettyβs favorite. The classic story of good versus evil mixed with cool costumes drew him in. Not to mention what went into getting the movie made.
βI appreciate the story behind the movie just as much as the story of the movie,β Petty said.
Once he saw the first trailer for the newest film, he hasnβt looked at any others.
βI donβt want to know anything,β he says. βI want to be 12 years old again.β
Petty, a meat cutter at Sprouts by day, spends most waking hours after work in his small backyard workshop pouring molds, mixing resin, painting and finishing helmets for costumes. His wife, Lynne, does the sewing.
Most costumes are created for local chapters of costuming clubs such as the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion, which use them at community and fundraising events.
Petty is working on a Darth Vader helmet and a Storm Trooper helmet to raffle off at Roadhouse Cinemas. Money raised will go toward the Make a Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
The fundraiser will culminate in an evening at the movies for Make a Wish kids, on Jan. 1 with costumed characters.
βTo me its more meaningful to go to the hospital or do the Make a Wish thing,β Petty said. βI do it because its a way for me to give back. I love βStar Wars,β but I want to dress up and do it for the right reasons.β
Petty, is one of the fans we spoke to and asked five questions about their love of βStar Warsβ:
What is your most quoted movie line?
What do you think of Jar Jar Binks and why?
If you could be any character in a βStar Warsβ movie, who would it be and why?
If you were a Jedi knight, what would you use your powers for and what would be your weapon of choice?
If you were to have a drink at the Mos Eisley Cantina, who would you be drinking with and why?
