The poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)The poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Chatham

The Force Is Strong With Local Fans

Star Wars fans have returned to a galaxy far, far away with the premier of the seventh installment in the long-running film series.

Like millions of people across North America, long-time fans and first-timers in Leamington gathered at Southpoint Cinemas to watch the first showing of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Thursday.

"It's actually a little bit of history. I get to bring my [kids] now," says Andrew Wilson of Leamington, who attended the movie with his son Ewan and daughter Paige. "I went and saw [the original film] when I was Ewan's age, back in 1977."

Paige says she is looking forward to a more modern take on the Star Wars franchise.

"I'm a total nerd too, at points," she says. "I like sci-fi and how they portray how outer space would be."

Leamington resident Evan McKay says it was important for him he to see the movie opening night.

"[It's] the energy," he says."There's going to be so many people and they're all geeking out with you to see this amazing movie."

Star Wars: The Force Awakens officially opens in theatres on Friday, with a number of cinemas showing the film early on Thursday.

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