Today is the big opening day of the latest installment from the Star Wars franchise. People have been  perfecting their costumes since Halloween; readying themselves and bursting with excitement for large screen viewings of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Here is a tip to you photographers: ready yourself for some serious cosplay photo opps! In the wise words of Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Lovely Princess Leia Organa is being tailed by a Storm Trooper

I’m on the side of space fantasy being incredibly exciting. I was six when the original film was released. Like so many other Generation Xers, we watched the trilogy countless times. I liked the way Yoda brings it. Then we grew up, had children, and introduced the films to our own kids. Ca-ching.

My sons became young fans of Star Wars, too. I keep their collection of both silent and noise-making illuminating light sabers above the kitchen cabinets for easy access. I’ve sewn each of my boys their very own brown fleece Jedi robe to wear for Halloween dress up and imaginative play.

Just call me Jedi.

Role playing as different characters is a wonderful part of imaginative play. I’ve touched on childs’ play in an earlier post.

When children take on the story lines from the comics or movies, they become immersed in a character. They transform, in the mind’s eye, even for a short time.

I believe that’s why the fantasy movie industry owes it to consumers to supply characters who travel across a full range of personality and behavioral balance on both sides of yin/yang.

Sith Lord Darth Maul on the Pole

Who cares if duplicate characters show up to the party? I think it’s more important that there is a chance to pretend play, even for a short time.

Lookout behind you, Luke!

Darth Vader: Unmasked

If somehow you’re new to the Star Wars franchise because you slept under a rock over the last 38 years, or if you’ve just landed your spaceship here from a galaxy far, far away, I have some advice before you wait in a line to see the new movie: You will better understand how fans can be swept up by the hype by watching the earlier movies. Watch the films in this order: IV, V, II, III, VI.

May the Force Be With You.