How can just the mere mentioning of those two words not excite you?
With its newest installment, "The Force Awakens," coming to theaters December 17th, its fans expectantly, and somewhat nervously, wait for something more than just a sequel (not prequel) over 30 years in the making. This is not similar to other recent blockbusters like "The Hunger Games" or "Jurassic World," though I admit both were very successful and enjoyable. This is "Star Wars." This is The Blockbuster. The one that started it all -- the original. And so, fans are not just waiting to see what happens next, or what Han Solo and Chewbacca have been doing all these years, or light saber battles and x-wings. Though all those will be amazing to see. Fans are waiting to be awakened. When the title states that the Force will awaken, it is talking about a lot more than just a power that lets people move things without touching them. It is talking about a cultural phenomenon that provides enduring hope, excitement, and fun.
I grew up playing pretend "Star Wars." Legos, make believe light saber fights, the various video games -- you name it. But, more importantly, I grew up listening to adults talk about growing up with "Star Wars." There is something to be learned from seeing nostalgic adults become like children when they speak of "Star Wars."

My father remembers being blown away when he saw, in the first scene of the first movie, a giant imperial space cruiser rush overhead. I have an uncle that memorized all the lines of "Episode IV." (Recently, he showed his 6-year-old daughter the movies, and they are her new favorites. They beat out "Frozen," which simply defies the laws of 6-year-old likes and dislikes). I remember one of my friends in middle school who was a bit of a troublemaker used to proudly tell the story of how his father ran out of the theater after seeing "Episode V" incredulously screaming, "Darth Vadar is Luke's father! Darth Vadar is Luke's father!" much to the dismay of those waiting on line for the next showing. One of my professors recently told me how, as an 11-year-old boy, he was furious that this amazing space epic did not receive the Oscar for best picture. It just didn't make sense to him.

But where does this appeal come from? Why makes it so exciting? How does it turn hardcore "Frozen" fans into disciples of the Force? I can only speak from personal experience when trying to answer these questions (though I am not an hardcore "Frozen" fan).
After I took the SAT for the first time, I wanted to increase my scores, so my mother hired a tutor, and my God was he smart. He was not only intelligent, but also a good teacher. He explained concepts well and had a sense of humor. He was also patient and only showed me the correct method after I tried it myself and became frustrated. Naturally, I told my mother he was comparable to Yoda. I assume my mother told him I described him this way because when I emailed him and said thank you, he responded by quoting the little, green wise man --"Luminous creatures are we, not this crude matter." My tutor then went on to explain that I had potential that an SAT score simply could not represent.

The key to understanding the appeal of "Star Wars" lies in an example like this. These movies gave the world something more than incredible music, special effects, and a fantastic narrative. It gave everyone the opportunity to know what it means to hope. At its core, it is the story of an evil, oppressive empire that rules by fear and had already destroyed any viable opposition long ago. And from this emerges an inkling of hope, the last remnant of the Jedi who do not use the dark side of the Force. And through trial and tribulation, they prove that the good in the world cannot be suffocated by any evil fueled by anger, hate, or frustration -- the same way my tutor showed me how not to be frustrated with the SAT.

And so, fans are excited, and also somewhat nervous because this is a tough act to follow. But in a time when this type of message is needed, I believe that "The Force Awakens" will deliver. And it does not need to deliver something that tries to one-up the originals. It simply has to add something new. And personally, I cannot wait for that something new.