CULTURE/SOCIETY and ENTERTAINMENT: An Apology for People Who Wait in Line for Star Wars

I have had more than one person ask me if I was skipping work on each of the days the last three Star Wars movies have come out. It's always half-jokingly, which of course means it was also half-serious.

And I have to admit, there's a part of me that would love to do that - hanging out with people with similar interests who are as interested - if not more interested - in the same things as you. It's an incredible bonding experience like those who wait in line for a concert - or, I would imagine, a sporting event (but being a nerd, I wouldn't know about sporting event from first hand experience). (But I am The OlderMUSICGeek, so I do know something of the wait for a concert ticket.)

Of course, I know, many will say a movie is not like a concert or sporting event. These are one time only events, each performance and game is different each time. That's why Deadheads followed that band everywhere. And some will follow their team everywhere too. And I can't argue this point.

But the whole point of waiting in line for the movie isn't exactly the same as a concert or sporting event. Part of it is the pride of being the first. Let's face it, the kind of people, who are willing to wait in long lines - a whole day or more - for Star Wars movies, are not the kind of people who expect to do well in too many aspects of life. This is their chance of glory. Not exactly a happy thought, but a honest one.

On the other hand, there is something about going to a movie with people who love it as much as you. We've all gone to a movie that you really are excited about, but your fellow moviegoers are not. It is definitely different than going to a movie that all of you are excited about. Well, you won't find such a clear consensus on a film as you will in a Star Wars line!

Before I finish I must say - it's one thing to wait in line for a movie in your teens or even your twenties. It's quite another to do it in your thirties or forties! I mean, seriously, don't these people have a life. I mean if that's the only way you can make friends or pick up a member of the opposite sex, you need to get out more! It is after all - (blasphemy, blasphemy!) - only a movie! You should have more important and better things to do by the time you reach 30.

Heck, I'd only wait in a line like that to go see The Violent Femmes or Flogging Molly, maybe NOFX.

And I'll leave things at that. May the Force be with you!

And while you're at, live long and prosper.