We all have our battles to fight.
Some may be bigger, demanding and more challenging than others. But the advice I always tell my parents is ‘Choose Your Battles’. There’s no point in getting into a verbal tug o’ war over picking up washing from the floor (irritating I know) when actually there is a more serious issue of running off in the street. For each situation we can deal with in a different manner, on a different scale.
The cinematic force awakens for many Star Wars fans this week and there is much excitement and lightsaber waving. But the film has been criticised for being far too graphic. Unlike the originals which were thought to be more ‘fairy tale’.
So is this a battle worth the fight?
Should we take our under 12s to see this latest blockbuster? Does the branding entice your child? – or does the thought spending money on a Darth Vader pencil case fill you with exasperation?
Let’s hear from a Super Fan and her SW obsessed family. I first met Sarah Burns a few months ago and instantly liked her and her quirky sense of humour. But little did I know then that Sarah and her family have collected over 38,000 toys and props. Her husband James is a long-time contributor to Star Wars Insider and he co-hosts two RebelForce Radio podcasts. Phew!
For SW fans check out his website Jedi News
So what is her opinion?
The following is an interview with Sarah:
What were your expectations before seeing film?
I am a huge fan of the original trilogy (although not such a big fan of the prequels) and I was hoping that it would make me feel all the same things that the first film did when I first watched it as a child – the wonder, the rooting for the good guys, the way I was on the edge of my seat hoping that Luke would blow up the death star, the satisfaction when good defeated evil, and of course, the way it had a strong and sassy female character, a ‘self rescuing princess’.
Did it live up to these expectations?
It lived up to these expectations, and more. The original characters were there to hand over to the reins to the new ones, and the new characters were equally strong. The story satisfied, the action sequences were exciting but not too long, there are moments when the audience cheered and moments when a few tears were shed.
Do you think it’s suitable for under 12s?
I think the 12A rating is correct. Some under-12s will be fine with the film, but it won’t be suitable for all of them. There are some shocking moments (which I won’t spoil by giving away) but it is very much done in the context of good vs evil, rather than just being thoughtless violence.
Any thoughts how this brand helps children with special needs
The film throws up many interesting discussion points. Is it ok to do bad things because you are told to? How should you help other people? How does it make you feel when a loved one is hurt? What should you do when you feel helpless or overwhelmed or sad? Should you give in to your anger and temper even though you know it might hurt those around you. It is a film with a lot of heart. Additionally, the brand itself has a very strong reputation of helping those less fortunate; Star Wars costume groups the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion have a long history of raising money for charities like Make A Wish. One actor who has been involved in Star Wars since 1981 is Warwick Davis, who has dwarfism and runs the Reduced Height Theatre Company.
Do you think the merchandising is priced reasonably?
Some merchandising is reasonably priced and some less so! You have to pick and choose carefully. Things like LEGO will always be worth getting, just because it is an excellent toy, which is also a useful tool for teaching, for example with LEGO Therapy for children on the autistic spectrum and using LEGO to teach fractions and square numbers for those with learning difficulties.
The overriding message of Star Wars is hope, and it has lessons for everyone.
Whilst we are on the subject, and not to let this phenomenon pass by, I have created this fantastic Star Wars game to help our children learn key words.
We need to take every opportunity to make learning fun and tap into our children’s interests. This game uses images of all the beloved Star Wars characters and encourages reading and spelling of key words.
For more fantastic FREE resources visit my website Yellow Sun
So yes we CAN choose our battles BUT win the war 🙂
