The Force is calling to moviegoers, and they are eager to let it in.
Star Wars mania reached a new high Monday as fans overwhelmed cinema websites selling advance tickets for the next instalment in the blockbuster intergalactic saga, and the new trailer for the film instantly went viral.
The huge demand from keen fans in the United States and Britain seeking to secure their seats for the first screenings of The Force Awakens — which hits US screens on December 18 — led to site crashes and loading issues.
“Certain cinemas are being overwhelmed with requests,” said Odeon, a leading cinema chain in Britain. “The website has taken a battering today.
“We’re trying to fix the problem as quickly as possible. Please bear with us as we summon the Force.”
US sites Fandango and MovieTickets.com also experienced problems as fans rushed to purchase tickets.
Vue Cinemas in Britain said Jedi fans snapped up 10,000 tickets in the first 90 minutes of tickets going on sale.
Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens is one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year, and the first in the series in a decade.
The trailer, which premièred during Monday Night Football on Disney-owned ESPN, quickly set Twitter — which even created special emojis for certain Star Wars hashtags — and other social media sites alight.
The preview — which runs about two and a half minutes — features black-clad villain Kylo Ren looking at a crushed mask of Darth Vader and vowing: “Nothing will stand in our way. I will finish what you started.”
A damaged Tie-Fighter spins through space. The Millennium Falcon and X-Wing Fighters zoom through the air. Epic battle scenes erupt on a desert planet and over snowy mountains.
The trailer ends with a female voice — possibly Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), who appears for the first time in this preview — saying, “The Force — it’s calling to you. Just let it in.”
artslife@thenational.ae
The Brutalist
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Past winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2016 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2014 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2011 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2010 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2009 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
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- Took up a public relations role for Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April 2020
- In October 2020 she was hired to lead No 10’s planned daily televised press briefings
- The idea was later scrapped and she was appointed spokeswoman for Cop26
- Ms Stratton, 41, is married to James Forsyth, the political editor of The Spectator
- She has strong connections to the Conservative establishment
- Mr Sunak served as best man at her 2011 wedding to Mr Forsyth
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
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Avengers 3: Infinity War: an American superhero film released in 2018 and based on the Marvel Comics story.
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Analysis
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AT4 Ultimate, as tested
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
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1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
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France is her favourite country to visit
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Fathiya Nadhari's instructions to her children was to give back to the country
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- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
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UNSC Elections 2022-23
Seats open:
- Two for Africa Group
- One for Asia-Pacific Group (traditionally Arab state or Tunisia)
- One for Latin America and Caribbean Group
- One for Eastern Europe Group
Countries so far running:
- UAE
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
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The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
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