“SOME people think I’m mad.”
Accountant Michael Foley is one of Wagga’s keenest Star Wars fans and for 16 years he’s been collecting Lego sets based on the legendary movies.
“I’m the only the accountant, where people take photos in the office,” he said.
He’s had tickets to Wagga’s midnight screening since they were first available in October, his Lego collection is insured for a “significant sum”.
The first Star Wars movie he saw at Wagga’s drive-in cinema was The Empire Strikes Back but he’d already been hooked after watching the original on television.
He said the appeal of the movies was simple.
“It was something completely different when it came out, something mysterious,” Mr Foley said.
“It got everyone hooked when it was released.
Mr Foley said choosing his favourite movie from the franchise was tough, but said it was between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
“The original movies told a story and left the background out,” he said.
Mr Foley said it was just a tiny snapshot of the incredible universe.
“Even 30 years later, it’s something that could have been made today,” he said.
Mr Foley will be taking four of his five children to see the new movie at midnight on December 17.
“They’re all into it (Star Wars),” he said.
Mr Foley said one his children was named after the actor Harrison Ford who plays one of the heroes – Han Solo.
The latest movie The Force Awakens will have 13 screenings on December 17 just in Wagga.
Mr Foley said he was trying to avoid leaks and news about the movie.
“I don’t want to get too invested … I’m trying to avoid the news and just enjoy the movie and recapture some of the magic which made it so enchanting.”
