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Arts Fans Out in Force
A large crowd turned out Friday for the benefit screening of "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith" at Modesto's Brenden Theatres.
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Gallo of Sonoma winemaker Gina Gallo takes a moment to pose with Chewbacca.
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All manner of intergalactic rogues (in reality, members of the 501st Legion Central California Garrison fan group) line the red carpet as guests enter Brenden Theatres for the première of George Lucas' final installment of his 'Star Wars' saga.
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Marie Gallo, left, and Kate Nyegaard -- George Lucas' sister -- socialize during a reception.
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By MARIJKE ROWLAND and LISA MILLEGAN
BEE STAFF WRITERS
Last Updated: May 14, 2005, 11:23:12 AM PDT
In case you were wondering, Chewbacca signs his autographs "Chewie."
The Modesto première Friday night of native son George Lucas' final chapter of his "Star Wars" space saga was filled with familiar faces from that galaxy far, far away, including original series Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill.
Fans of the series were among the first in the nation to see its final installment at the benefit première of "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith." The film, which opens nationwide Thursday, had two sold-out screenings at downtown Modesto's Brenden Theatres to benefit the Gallo Center for the Arts.
The well-heeled crowd for the earlier $250 VIP screening watched red-carpet arrivals and clamored for star signatures. Hamill signed everything from light sabers to action figures and T-shirts for more than 45 minutes before being ushered into the theater.
After getting an autograph, photo and pat on the head from Hamill, 10-year-old Tyler Copley of Newcastle was all smiles.
"I can't explain how happy I am," the boy said.
Even costumed club members from the 501st Legion Central California Garrison were in high demand, as look-alikes for Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, C-3PO, stormtroopers and more walked the red carpet.
The event also saw "Starship Troopers" actor Patrick Muldoon, Jason Mewes, who played Jay in "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," third-season "Bachelor" Andrew Firestone, Modesto-based Broadway icon Carol Channing and more posing on the carpet.
"This is awesome," said actress Izabella Miko, who has a recurring role on Modesto native Timothy Olyphant's HBO Western "Deadwood." "Look at this town, everyone is super friendly. It's the same kind of enthusiasm you get (in Hollywood)."
Modesto was one of only 11 cities nationwide to host an advance benefit screening of "Revenge of the Sith." The other premières, all in major metropolitan areas, were held Thursday.
"This is so much larger than what I expected," said Gallo center marketing coordinator Caroline Nickel while surveying the crowd of ticketholders and enthusiastic onlookers. "I never realized how big this could be in Modesto. We are so thrilled."
Longtime fans like Galt resident Greg Salas said his friends called him crazy for camping out overnight to buy tickets and then forking over $250 for the movie. But, he said, it was worth it, especially after he got to meet Hamill.
"Who is crazy now?" he asked.
Impressed by Modesto
Hamill was bombarded by fans screaming everything from "Sign my X-Wing!" to "Luke, I am your father!" He said he was impressed by the Modesto crowd.
"I am sick of Modesto jokes," he said. "I lived in Oakland and we were always the red-headed stepchild of San Francisco. So I feel an affinity for Modesto."
Hamill said he came to the event because of a personal invitation from Lucas' sister, Modesto resident Kate Nyegaard, and his support for the city's future performing arts center.
Gallo center board president Marie Gallo and her daughter, Sonoma winemaker Gina Gallo, also attended the event.
"This is a boost for the center, big time," said Marie Gallo. "It's so exciting for the valley."
Despite all the star power, the movie was the main attraction for most ticketholders.
More than 2,000 fans filed in to watch Anakin Skywalker fulfill his dark destiny and become Darth Vader. The film screened simultaneously in three theaters for the early and late shows.
Despite the fact that the first screening started an hour and 20minutes late, the audience cheered loudly as the "Lucasfilm Ltd" logo appeared on screen, followed by the saga's signature credits crawl.
Enthusiasm remained high throughout the showing with some diehard fans applauding the most exciting fight scenes and repeatedly yelling out "This is awesome!"
"The acting and dialogue is so much better than the last two movies," said thrilled Sacra-mento resident Don Lunsford after the film ended. "Ewan McGregor rocks!"
High spirits reign
Nothing could dampen the crowd's spirits. Nobody even seemed to mind when the lights went on briefly during the middle of the movie in one theater.
Afterward, people lingered outside Brenden Theatres, taking in the crowd and enjoying the warm spring evening.
Turlock resident J.R. Wright, who attended the early showing with his wife, Sarah, said he was surprised that Modesto could get such a major event. "Kudos to the Gallos."
Earlier, many said they came because it was an important part of their childhood. Stockton resident Dan Pena took his 6-year-old son Gabriel - dressed as Darth Vader - to the VIP screening.
"I grew up watching this stuff and it is really cool to see this now with my kid," he said. "I can remember being his age and having 'Star Wars' posters and bed sheets and curtains."
While the film has a PG-13 rating for its darker themes and graphic imagery, Pena said he believes his son is old enough for the more mature story line.
Seven-year-old Hashem Naraghi Jr., who attended with his father, said he was never scared during the movie. He said his favorite part was "when the clones were fighting the battle droids."
Coming full circle
The film, which brings Lucas' franchise full circle, was a bittersweet experience for some. Rockland resident and 501st Garrison club member Craig Waechtler came dressed as the evil Emperor. But, when talking about what the films meant to him, he displayed an unSith-like soft side.
"On one hand, it is a joy to see the final film," he said. "On the other hand, I feel somewhat sorry for my kids. They don't have this to look forward to. They'll never see a new 'Star Wars.'"
But, Hamill said, it's not really the end of the saga, especially for the stars of the film.
"As I told the current cast, it's never over. You'll always be on a lunchbox."