AZCentral talks about this being a time of mixed emotions for Star Wars fans. So true ... read on, then follow the link for the rest of the story.

Jim Manning also saw "Star Wars" 28 years ago - he was 7 then - and he not only grew up with the original three episodes, but also credits them with shaping his adult worldview. He compares the curtain dropping on "Star Wars" to what Boston Celtics fans felt when Larry Bird retired.

"To me, these were more than movies. They were a philosophy of life," says Manning, 35, an Amherst, N.H., pharmaceuticals sales manager who liked the two previous "prequels" that disappointed many "Star Wars" devotees. "There's a lot of polarity in my generation between the born-again types and those who totally lack faith. 'Star Wars' bridges that gap by showing that even good kids like Anakin can make bad decisions that lead to self-destruction."

Manning, like many other fans, plans to see the film as early as possible. He's taking a day off from work on May 19 to be sure he'll see it on Day One. So will Kate DiStefano, who'll attend an opening day screening with several friends.

"We'll see the movie, go out to dinner, discuss the movie - and maybe see it again," says DiStefano33, who lives in Methuen, Mass. "People I know are psyched to see this." Nevertheless, she adds, "I'm stuck somewhere between excitement and disappointment that it's all coming to an end."