Riders return after bye week looking for first win in seven games
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The Riders are 0-6-1 in their past seven games and take on the Stampeders on Friday.
Fans from a galaxy not so far away in Regina seem to be extremely happy with Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Dozens of people lined up outside the Saskatchewan Science Centre’s Kramer Imax Theatre Thursday afternoon to be the first to watch the newest movie in the franchise. Some wrapped themselves in sleeping bags and sat in camping chairs hoping to get a prime seat with their previously purchased ticket.
Several fans wore masks of Storm Troopers and Boba Fett. Green, red and blue lightsabers all stood out against a dark backdrop after the sun went down. Music from the movie blared out of speakers from a food truck which was set up and serving hungry fans for the special occasion.
Jamie Mason dressed up as a rebel from the fictitious planet Hoth from Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. It was a fitting choice since Hoth was an ice planet and it was anything but warm in line in the Queen City. But, like many others, she braved the cold because she’s “incredibly excited”. After all, Mason’s seen all the films and even read the books.
“I’m fully immersed in the Star Wars world,” she insisted.
While she enjoyed the six previous movies, Mason understood that wouldn’t have automatically translated into surefire success with this new movie.
“I have set no bar. I have avoided all reviews. I just wanna go in there and be surprised and as long as it’s a coherent story in any way I will be happy,” she explained before seeing the new Star Wars.
“I’m going in with just modest expectations. I’m very excited to see what the Disney franchise will do with this one. In the past they’ve done a really good job on storytelling and I’m excited to see their spin off this universe,” said Kevin Chow, who was also waiting in line.
Many people waiting seemed to share that sentiment.
“I have no expectations whatsoever because I don’t want to be disappointed,” said Joel Sopp.
Sopp was standing in line with the aforementioned Boba Fett, which turned out to be his son Braiden underneath the helmet.
“I was pretty hyped for this but I haven’t seen any of the trailers. I kept myself away from the media so it’s a completely fresh experience going in,” admitted Braiden.
“We’ve always been a big science fiction, geeky kind of family in the Sopp’s and Star Wars just fit right into that mold of our family,” added Joel.
Cheers of joy rang out in line when the doors were finally opened and hours of waiting was a step closer to paying off. Once fans were inside they were greeted by members of the Regina Costume League. Soon after, they grabbed their fountain drinks and popcorn and then took their seats.
Two hours and 16 minutes later, the show was over. And as fans made their way out, the consensus on the movie was pretty clear: thumbs up all around.
“I love everything that happened in this movie,” said Mason.
“I was just awed the entire time,” echoed Chow, who didn’t hear of anyone who didn’t like the seventh movie in the franchise.
In fact, he said the theatre erupted in applause at the conclusion.
The Sopp men enjoyed the movie as well.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a film that’s moved me to tears. I cried actually. I’ll be honest I cried during the movie,” said Joel. “I laughed a lot too though. It’s fantastic.”
“The story was very well thought out it seemed, very fluid. Made it very easy and intriguing to watch,” said Braiden.
Of course, Thursday at 7 p.m. marked only the first showing of Star Wars at the Imax. To see exactly where else you can see the movie in Regina and around Saskatchewan and when, click here.