Families can talk about everything from role models to the impact of media violence after seeing the blockbuster sequel.
Betsy Bozdech
Common Sense Media
Executive Editor, Ratings & Reviews | Mom of two
Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens is the hugely popular sequel to George Lucas’ sci-fi blockbuster series. Adult fans love sharing this special series with kids of all ages and learning what Han, Chewie, Leia, and all their new friends are up to in that galaxy far, far away. While The Force Awakens is more about action than introspection, there’s plenty for families to talk about after the credits roll. Try these topics/questions to get started:
- What role does violence play in the story? Do scenes of explosions and space battles affect you differently from those of close-up, one-on-one duels and killings? Why do you think that is? And what makes more of an impact: violence or loss?
- Who are the movie’s heroes? What makes them heroes? Are Finn and Rey positive role models? How are they different from Han, Leia, Luke, Anakin, and other characters from the earlier films? What motivates them? How do they demonstrate courage? Teamwork?
- Talk about the themes from the previous movies that repeat themselves here. Why are issues of loneliness, good vs. evil, fatherhood, mentorship, and so on so important to this series? How do they play out on-screen?
- How does Kylo Ren deal with his anger? What are some other options for managing frustration and disappointment? How do the two sides of the Force represent feelings we all wrestle with?
- Have you noticed all the Star Wars merchandise in stores? Does seeing the characters on products make you want to buy them?
About Betsy Bozdech
Betsy’s experiences working in online parenting and entertainment content were the perfect preparation for her role as Common Sense’s executive editor of ratings and reviews. After earning bachelor’s and master’s… Read more
View all posts by Betsy Bozdech on MomsChoiceAwards.com here.
This post was originally posted by Common Sense Media on 12/15/15.
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, visit us at www.commonsense.org.
9 Comments on “5 Conversations to Have with Your Kids After Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens”
I am so far behind the time,i still have not seen this movie!
I love this idea, we saw Star Wars together as a family right around Christmas and I didn’t think to ask all these great questions, will have to do it now, I am sure they still have the movie fresh on their mind.
Glad you like these ideas, Kara!
I haven’t seen this movie yet (we usually wait til it is out on video/for rent) but now I know what to talk about with my girls
Hope you can make it until then without too many spoilers from this movie, Kelley. Our family doesn’t see many movie’s in theaters either…it’s just so much pricier. Glad you like these discussion points though.
I really liked this. I need to try this with other movies. A person never thinks to ask what their kids feel about what is happening in the movie.
Thanks Sarah! Glad you liked these ideas. It’s definitely a nice chance to turn a movie into a great conversation or an educational opportunity.
Thanks for all the tips going to watch this with my little ones this weekend and these will help.
Hope you all had a great time at the movies Alicia! Did you end up using some of these conversation topics afterwards? How did it go?