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A lot of my generation has never seen a new Star Wars movie in theaters. If they have, it’s probably Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, which came out in 2005. Us 1997/98 kids were only seven or eight (apologies if I just made you feel old). The original Star Wars is twenty years older than the 1997 kids (sorry again). Every Star Wars fan is excited for The Force Awakens, but it’s very exciting for those who have never seen it in theaters. In fact, I think it’s very exciting for many different reasons.

It’s having your favorite childhood movie series back in theaters, for some. For others it’s a shared love for Star Wars in your family. Everyone seems to have something about the series they love. When the trailer rolls before movies in the theater, the crowd becomes pin-drop quiet. In drama class, full of kids 7th through 12th grade, everyone was talking about Star Wars. Whether they would be considered just “casual” fans or debating the extended canon and the identity of Kylo Ren, everyone was involved. Everyone is talking about Star Wars.

Why is everyone talking about Star Wars? Besides the fact that the new movie is coming out.

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Honestly, I don’t know the answer. But I think it’s that the series ended up being timeless. It ages like fine wine (I assume. I’ve got zero idea what aged wine tastes like. Or any wine, for that matter). Whatever, never mind. It’s the fact that so many people can like it. It’s so well done that even in it’s faults or flaws we make fun of it for, we still love it. And we keep loving it. It’s been passed down through generations. It’s still alive and well in the kid’s toy section. People of almost any age can hold a happy conversation about what they like from Star Wars. It’s garnered books, comics, TV spin-offs, LEGO video games.

That futuristic tale set a long time ago in a galaxy far far away is still relevant. Still available to everyone. It’s easy to just pick up a movie and watch it, or check into the books or cartoons if you want to get more into it. It’s got action, wit, seriousness and plenty of jokes. It’s a whole galaxy of stories. So. Many. Stories.

From the movies, to Rebels, to books and games and costume groups, Star Wars has a little something for everybody. And since parents grew up with it, they show it to their kids, who eventually, show it to their kids. And the magic of the series keeps going.

I can’t wait to go see The Force Awakens with my dad. Expect a follow up post about the movie once it’s out!