Different empire, same love for ‘Star Wars’

Caution: This column contains spoilers for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” If you haven’t seen the movie but still plan to, please skip ahead to our next poll, and may the Force be with you.

Now that we’ve gotten rid of all the slowpokes, we can speak candidly about weird aliens, plucky robots and recycled plots. You know, “Star Wars.”

In our latest poll at HeraldNet.com, we asked your impression of the long-awaited blockbuster. About 48 percent said they hadn’t seen it. We don’t know what’s keeping these people from their duty as Americans. Perhaps they have small children and are trapped at the “Alvin and the Chipmunks” movie.

Among the rest, 30 percent said it was everything they hoped it would be; 18 percent said it was OK but could have been better; and 4 percent said they hated it, but that might have just been George Lucas and his friends.

Lucas seemed irritated that the new movie was more of a remake than a sequel, but then he took one look at his bank statement and all was well again. Besides, one could look at Disney’s new movie as an homage to Lucas’ originals. There’s a bad guy in a black robe and mask, a bar full of odd creatures, and even a giant death orb with an incredibly unsafe catwalk.

For those of us who grew up lusting after the Millennium Falcon or Princess Leia, it was fun to see the old movies reimagined with better acting and modern special effects.

At least it was fun just this once. If they come back in 2017 with yet another Death Star, we’re going to start worrying Disney’s Empire is short on ideas.

— Doug Parry, @parryracer

For our next poll, we’d like your opinion on an initiative that would increase the state’s minimum wage.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development

David Irwin cited red flags from the developers. After he resigned, the county approved the development that’s now stalled with an appeal

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

Everett
Man stabbed in face outside Everett IHOP, may lose eye

Police say the suspect fled in the victim’s car, leading officers on a 6-mile chase before his arrest.

A person walks up 20th Street Southeast to look at the damage that closed the road on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
WA delegation urges Trump to reconsider request for bomb cyclone aid

The Washington state congressional delegation urged President Donald Trump on… Continue reading

Aaron Weinstock uses an x-ray machine toy inside the Imagine Children Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order

The federal grant supports a program that brings free science lessons to children throughout rural Snohomish County.

Snohomish County 911 Executive Director Kurt Mills talks about the improvements made in the new call center space during a tour of the building on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New 911 center in Everett built to survive disaster

The $67.5 million facility brings all emergency staff under one roof with seismic upgrades, wellness features and space to expand.

Everett
Five arrested in connection with Everett toddler’s 2024 overdose death

More than a year after 13-month-old died, Everett police make arrests in overdose case.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

People take photos and videos as the first Frontier Arlines flight arrives at Paine Field Airport under a water cannon salute on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Water cannons salute Frontier on its first day at Paine Field

Frontier Airlines joins Alaska Airlines in offering service Snohomish County passengers.

Kaiser Permanente to welcome patients to new Everett facility

The new building, opening Tuesday, features new service lines and updated technology for patients and staff.

A woman flips through a book at the Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Pop some tags at Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley

$20 buys an outfit, a unicycle — or a little Macklemore magic. Sales support the food bank.

Searchers recover submerged shrimp boat, two bodies from Possession Sound

Everett police failed to locate a third person reported missing after the boat sank in Possession Sound on May 21.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.