Christmas has come early for 10,000 service members deployed in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
No, they’re not being reunited with family and friends. But they do get to see a free screening of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
U.S. troops can travel to a galaxy far, far away without even leaving the base: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Walt Disney Studios teamed up to present special showings through Jan. 5.
“Bringing a blockbuster movie like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker to deployed troops during the holidays is a big morale boost,” Exchange director/CEO Tom Shull said in a statement.
“These service members are away from family and friends during this special time of year,” he continued. “And seeing a big release at the same time it’s being shown back home strengthens their connection … and eases the tensions of deployment.”
Critical reviews of The Rise of Skywalker began rolling in this week, ahead of its Friday launch worldwide.
Some felt it “earns much of its affection with cameos, callbacks, and other candy,” while others argue that it is a “distinctly unsatisfying conclusion” to a decades-long saga.
Did anyone even ask if the troops would rather see Cats?
The Force has long been with American soldiers stationed overseas: Exchange cinemas previously played Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in 2016, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi in 2017.
“It’s a privilege to do something special for these brave men and women,” according to Ken Caldwell, executive VP and general sales manager for Disney’s North American sales and distribution branch. “This is our way of thanking our troops for their service.”
Free screenings will take place at locations where the Exchange does not operate Reel Time Theaters; Exchange cinemas in Qatar, Afghanistan, and Kuwait will play the film during its normal theatrical release.
More on Geek.com:
- Coca-Cola Doesn’t Need the Force to Illuminate These Lightsabers
- New Star Wars Game Show Starring Jar Jar Binks Actor Coming Soon to Disney+
- British Illustrator Designs Awesome Star Wars Museum Mock-Up
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Turns You Into a Resistance Spy
from Geek.com https://ift.tt/38XjsGf
via IFTTT
0 comments:
Post a Comment