Looking at the upcoming Father's Day promotion, I realize I was a week early in taking my parents to see Revenge of the Sith. But, hey, I was in the neighborhood. Or rather, neighbourhood, since we're talking about Winnipeg here.

My parents don't typically go to first run movie theaters. They saw Episodes I, II and III in the theater at the insistence of their Star Wars-connected son. I don't think they necessarily appreciated all the nuances and intricacies of the prequel plotting, but they were entertained (My mom liked Jar Jar), and as having witnessed my R2-D2-obsessed childhood firsthand, they could appreciate that it meant something to me.

Midi-chlorians and Darth Plagueii may have gone over their heads, but they keyed into the emotions of Episode III, and felt bad for Anakin for making the bad choices that he does. They laughed at Artoo, though Yoda was great, and thought the movie was visually stunning ("How did they make the lava?" my dad asks... well, how much time do ya got, dad?) Oh, and they too loved Boga.

They also got a better idea of what I've been up to for the last three years. They knew about my cameo, since I told them before hand. Even sent them the jpeg of my big walk-on. My mom made sure to tell the theater attendant -- the two people it takes to rip your ticket -- that her son was in the movie before she sat down. Mother's perogative, of course. I pointed out my appearance and they smiled. Supposedly, relatives back in Chile hooted and hollered upon my stroll, but that's just what I heard.

My dad took me to see Star Wars and Empire double-bill, playing at the now-long-dead Metropolitan theater in downtown Winnipeg back in, what, 1981? That was my introduction to the cinematic saga (though I had already been schooled in toys and coloring books at that point). He took me to see Return of the Jedi in 1983, and in 1984, the weeks I spent visiting Chile with them were punctuated by several trips to the movie theater to see El Regresso de Jedi.

So I was happy to complete the saga with them. And to be fair, I think my dad knows a lot more about Star Wars than he lets on. I remember about 15 years ago, he floored me by properly identifying who a little lead miniature of Admiral Ackbar was supposed to be. Granted, he didn't say, "Oh, it's Admiral Ackbar, Mon Calamari commander of Home One." But he said something to the effect of, "Oh, it's the fish guy from Return of the Jedi."

Not a bad recall, based on a tiny unpainted metal figure.

Oh, and for those who may be wondering about the source of my cameo character's name -- Janu Godahli... let's just say it was an early Father's Day present.

ph