There are also a number “more than you can imagine” (even if you can imagine an awful lot) of easy-reading books about Star Wars, Rebel Star Wars, etc., in both Lego and non-Lego modes. Plus novelizations of the original three (“So You Want to Be a Jedi” is actually pretty good, if you want to turn your kid onto a little Zen/emotional training by way of the Force).
The Sprout did fine with the original three on TV at 4 1/2, with a little extra cuddling at the scary moments. Through he, uh, seems to be more dark-side identified (it’s the red light sabers that are doing the knocking over), so maybe your experience would be different. The Sprout also already knew a lot of the plot points, from talking with his friends and some of the books he’d seen. (We asked our parents if it’s true what the other kids said about Santa Claus not being real; our kids ask us if Darth Vader is really Luke’s father)
Thanks to all the suggestions and anecdotes. If others have seen the movies earlier and been fine with it, that’s great. But as many have said, each child is different, and I know he’s not ready. “What know you of ready?” you ask? For 9 years have I raised children and my own council will I keep on who is to see my movies! Sorry… couldn’t help myself there.
I think we’ll stick with the lego stuff for now, and maybe Rebels.
(and yes, when the time comes, OT first, unadulterated versions. Then sequel or prequel trilogies as desired. I respect Machete order, but I prefer release order, and have come around to viewing the PT as completely optional.)
Nah, I agree with you. It’s not going to warp him or anything like that. Four year olds are able to understand the concept of make-believe, and distinguish between it and reality. Especially if parents are there to help and guide. It really is a matter of explaining that Darth Vader is just as fictional as SpongeBob or Thomas the Tank Engine.
Check out Lego star Wars and Lego Droid Tales. Both are on Amazon, but not Amazon Prime eligible. I purchased both for my four year old, and he loves them!
He’s also seen all the Star Wars movies, but as a parent, YMMV.
The original Star Wars isn’t too scary for a 4 year old unless the kid has problems. But if you want to think so, hey, your kid, your rules.
But certainly Jedi should be okay. Other than the Rancor, anyway.
7 months later, he’s seen all of I-VII, in release order (with some strategic covering of eyes at some of the goriest parts), and most of the Clone Wars episodes. None the worse for wear, and still loving SW. (He did cry once, when Yoda gets blasted with the Emperor’s Force Lightning. Wouldn’t have expected that one. Oops.) He comes home from day care with drawings of tie fighters vs. x-wings and the Geonosis Arena battle. It’s pretty adorable.
For what it’s worth: I was 4 in 1977. My brothers got to go see Star Wars, but my parents didn’t let me go, because they said I was too little. I am bitter about it to this day.
If he’s into Lego and Star Wars, you should get hold of the Freemaker Adventures – TV series of Lego characters in the SW universe (and interacting with the Rebels).
Sorry… couldn’t help myself there.