I've been waiting twiddling my thumbs for Roger Ebert's review of STAR WARS EPISODE ONE. Why? Because he 'GOT' the other three films, because I respect his opinion, and because.... Well... I grew up reading his STAR WARS, EMPIRE and JEDI reviews.

Today, we have his latest look at the STAR WARS universe. He gives it three and a half stars (same rating he gave EMPIRE btw. He gave STAR WARS and JEDI four a piece though).

I'm still in line, taking a break to come home, update the page and take a much needed shower. You know... I can't remember a time that I have been.... so relaxed. This week, with my fellow fans, has been a joy. Playing games, sharing food and drink and merriment. It's like some sort of Summer Camp for the grown film geek in me.

To me, it's fascinating to come home and see all the chaos online about this film, because... quite frankly, I'm glad I'm missing it. The negativity that some boards and folks are spewing seems.... Odd to me. Right now, the predominant emotions I'm feeling towards this film are... Fear (fear that I've grown past Star Wars, or that Star Wars has grown too young for me), Joy (joy at the knowledge that, I get to spend 2 hours in a galaxy far far away in less than 2 days), Satisfaction (satisfaction with my fellow line people at the Metropolitan.)

Tomorrow, Rylan Bosher... my best friend from Elementary school joins me in line. I haven't seen a movie with him in 17 years. 17 years. But tomorrow night... I will. I saw all three films with him. We shared our toys, and after my parents divorced I haven't seen him since.

Will we find our friendship again? Will our eyes open wide and our mouths turn into the widest of grins? Will I feel Joy at 2:30am Wednesday morning?

I don't know. I hope to. I'm seeing this film on my own terms, the way I've always dreamed of. When Rylan contacted me about a week ago... I realized. Ahhhhh.... All the pieces in their proper place. Goooood. Gooood.

But enough of me. Go read Ebert's review by clicking on this link, and relax. Be calm. Let the movie do... whatever it is it does to you. Don't force it.

Wow... I'm seeing Star Wars.... at last