OAK CREEK — The Force was certainly with Star Wars fans Thursday night as they packed theaters for the local premiere of the saga’s finale: The Rise of Skywalker.
Star Wars super-fans were easy to pick out of the crowd at Marcus South Shore Cinema. Dozens dressed the part as they prepared to see how the series would end.
Marcus Theaters officials said the only thing fans cannot wear are masks. It wasn't an issue for Nora Woida who came as her favorite character, a furry Chewbacca.
“I've warn this onesie for the last two movies so the trilogy for the last one,” she said.
Frank Rocharo didn’t just wear a Darth Vader costume, his favorite tattoo shows he’s the ultimate dark-side fan.
“I’ve got tats too, don’t forget about that one, if you want to see a Star Wars fanatic,” he said.
The final episode of the nine-part Skywalker saga comes with decades of nostalgia for Dan Klemack.
“Ever since I was a little kid from the late ‘70s to now, so I’m part of that Star Wars generation and I think our generation is what drives all these films,” he said.
From one generation to the next, youngster Ptolemy Fredette thanks his parents for getting him into the franchise in time to see the finale in the theaters.
“They showed all the movies to me at a very young age and this is my mom’s shirt technically, but it’s mine now,” he said.
Ptolemy stayed up past his bedtime to watch the flick with just one concern.
“I was a little afraid it would be bad, but it looks cool,” he said.
Critics haven’t been too kind with their reviews. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 57-percent rating for a lack of imagination, but Klemack said he’ll be his own judge.
“I think if you’re a diehard fan, you’re going to enjoy the movie either way. Right? So forget Rotten Tomatoes,” he said.
If you plan on going to the movie, be ready for a long one. It runs for 142 minutes.
