‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’: Tips to prepare for the big opening

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is not so far far away anymore. Some tips to help you prepare for the Dec. 17 debut:

▪ Geeks’ heads may explode as the other big upcoming “Star” movie — July’s “Star Trek Beyond” — unveils a trailer before the new “Star Wars.” (The connection: “Star Wars” director J.J. Abrams’ company produced it.) Other movies likely to snag this prime trailer position, according to The Hollywood Reporter: “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (March 25), “The Huntsman Winter War” (April 22), “X-Men: Apocalypse” (May 27) and “Independence Day: Resurgence” (June 24). Plus: Expect promos from “Star Wars” owner Disney as well, possibly: “The Jungle Book” (April 15), “Captain America: Civil War” (May 6) or “Finding Dory” (June 17).

▪ Leawood-based AMC is quick to point out that though the movie is breaking advance ticket sales records, seats remain for showings throughout opening weekend. (For now.) Expect the movie to open with as much as $250 million, shattering more records. Sorry, die-hards, the only KC-area marathons of all seven “Star Wars” movies, at AMC Studio 28 and Cinetopia, are sold out.

▪ Buy a “Star Wars” ticket at any AMC on Sundays from Dec. 20 to Jan. 10 and get a free poster of the movie; new designs revealed each week.

▪ In case you missed it, most theater chains have long prohibited masks, face paint, weapons and other uncomfortable distractions. As AMC puts it: “Put on your costume, bring your lightsaber, turn it off during the movie, and leave the blaster, face paint and Darth Vader mask at home.”

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 11:57 PM with the headline "‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’: Tips to prepare for the big opening."