I have a brother 8-years younger than myself. He was born just over a month after Episode IV was originally released in 1977. While growing up, I always took it upon myself to ensure he received as much attention as I could provide. Our parents both worked and either weren't available or just too tired to entertain us. Being the older brother, I would play the games he wanted to play, take him to the store for candy or toys, and, of course, take him to the movies. I took him to his first R-rated film (The Untouchables) and several others even though he wasn't old enough yet. My parents trusted my judgment and we had lots of fun.

Before I continue, let me say I have always been into Star Wars (as if you couldn't tell). I was there for each and every Star Wars release going back to '77. However, between 1983 and 1997, it was a veritable Star Wars drought. Despite this, I thought I successfully communicated my enthusiasm for this series to my younger sibling. To quote Obi-wan Kenobi: I was wrong.

As I was speaking to my now 28-year old brother about what he's been up to (he lives in Florida, I live in Illinois). He said he watched Revenge of the Sith. He hadn't seen it until now because of his commitment to the U.S. Army; he was honorably discharged in August. I asked him what he thought. He said it was better with the sound off. I thought I heard some static and asked him to repeat what he just said. He laughed and said 'IT WAS BETTER WITH THE SOUND OFF.' I laughed nervously and asked him what he meant. He said he's never been able to get into the Prequel Trilogy. He likes the OT just fine, but the PT just wasn't very entertaining. My heart sank. My brother, my student, my padawan (if you'll indulge me), the boy who followed my example through school and the military, combat arms no less (I was in Armor, he was in Artillery), didn't like the complete Star Wars saga. I ran off a bunch of scenes to which he said several of them were cool but mostly the films just made him fall asleep. The effects were great but the dialogue and the story was lame. I was devastated.

I finished the call without crying and sought out my wife. She listened (somewhat) attentively to me as I explained that my little brother did not view Star Wars as I did. She mumbled something and continued working on the computer. I was in a daze. I have spent the better part of 30-years celebrating the Star Wars saga and I had still failed to pass on my enthusiasm to my youngest sibling, a boy who had grown up before my very eyes, and for whom I would do anything. I can only imagine what the future holds for us now, as I can no longer bring up the prequel trilogy with him without the fear of being laughed out of the room.

This is my darkest hour...