“A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…”
“Don’t know what that’s from? Fifteen-year-old Anthony Bonarrigo can tell you in a second – it’s from the “Star Wars” phenomenon.
The Todt Hill resident and Monsignor Farrell High School sophomore, became hooked into the world of the Jedi during the prequel trilogy. He was 8 years old when “Episode I: The Phantom Menace” came out.
“I’ve always liked science fiction but when I heard the story of “Star Wars,” Anthony explains, “I became engulfed in its detailed characters and stories.”
The die-hard “Star Wars” fan that he is, Anthony is eagerly awaiting the final film of the prequel trilogy, “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,” which comes out on Thursday.
I have very high expectations for this film, as do many fans,” Anthony says. “We’re hoping that it makes up for the other prequels that weren’t up to par compared to the old trilogy,” he explains.
To shed some light for those of you are in the dark when it comes to George Lucas’ sci-fi masterpiece, here’s a quick recap.
“Star Wars” consists of the original trilogy, made in 1977, 1980 and 1983, and the prequel trilogy, made in 1999, 2002 and 2005.
The events leading up to the Galactic Civil War, the fall of the Galactic Republic, the rise of the Galactic Empire, and the wars fought between the Light Side (the Jedi) and the Dark Side (the Sith), and the civil war itself is ultimately was is “Star Wars.”
Ordinarily, you may just classify it was a series of war movies, but George Lucas – the mastermind of it all – tells the story of Anakin Skywalker, the chosen one who was destined to bring balance to the Force. Originally training to become a Jedi, he turns to the Dark Side. One of his children, Luke Skywalker, is the only one who can stand up against him and fight for good to prevail.
‘Star Wars’ is his Hobby
But Anthony’s favorite character is Boba Fett, a bounty hunter who the Galactic Empire hired to find and capture Han Solo. (Really, it’s too complicated to get into.)
However, he doesn’t like his interest in “Star Wars” to be referred to as an obsession – he thinks of it only as a hobby. Although he did admit to once, and only once, dressing up as Obi-Wan Kenobi for Halloween.
Nevertheless, Anthony’s friends think he’s a little too into the films – especially when his cell phone rings (you guessed it – the “Star Wars” theme). However, his family is uber-supportive. His father stood on line for an hour at Toys ‘R’ Us on April 2 – at midnight – just to buy the new “Revenge of the Sith” action figures.
Not that he needs anymore. Anthony already owns multiple original action-figures, including the entire Vintage Original Trilogy Collections – 12 figures still in packaging. He also has Boba Fett’s armor, an All-Terrain Armored Transport, an X-Wings, Slave-1 and a Republican Gun, among other memorabilia. “One of my more unique pieces from my collection is a scrap-metal sculpture of Boba Fett,” says Anthony.
Making Action Figures
But 100 action figures are not enough. He makes his own, too! Anthony buys random action-figures, boils them in water for about a minute, and then takes off their body parts and switches them. Then he makes manipulations – shaving off pieces, adding paint and making them more maneuverable, to resemble the characters from the movies.
However, regardless of the tons of action-figures, Anthony says his favorite collectable is his light saber. “It’s a prop replica of the one that was both Anakin’s and Luke’s in episodes III, IV, and V.”
But he does do other things besides living in a “galaxy far, far away.” Anthony says he likes to skateboard around his neighborhood, draw and play the guitar. “I’ve even begun writing my own music,” says Anthony.
Still, his interest in “Star Wars” is what sets him apart from the rest. “I’ve only seen each movie at least three times,” he laughs, “I get most of my information from other sources besides the films.”
