This is a superb article that perfectly articulates how Star Wars was so much more than just a film (or indeed trilogy) for our generation. I suspect for today's generation, Marvel will be to them what the heyday of Lucas/Spielberg was to us (to the Star Wars trilogy I'd add Jaws, Close Encounters, Indiana Jones, and Back to the Future as cinematic touchstones of my childhood).

I found your article very moving to read, and a lot of it resonated with me. For instance, I also got engaged to my wife during the opening weekend of The Phantom Menace (though here in the UK, that was July, a couple of months after the US release), and we went to see it together that same weekend.

My own children are also more partial to Marvel than Star Wars (though they enjoy the films).

Like you, the original Star Wars trilogy helped me through some very difficult personal situations in childhood.

I do see your point about the irony of the additional films not really having the same magic, despite in some cases their positive elements. However, for me The Last Jedi came very close indeed, for very personal reasons. You can read about that experience here, if you're interested.

Thanks again for a great article.