THOMASTON — The force was strong in Thomaston at the Flagship Cinemas Thursday night as the much anticipated opening of Star Wars, The Force Awakens, Episode VII premiered with four shows. The movie officially opens Friday, December 18, but Flagship had three special shows on Thursday, plus a special midnight showing and a costume parade.

The rebel alliance is alive and is rejoined by Hans Solo, Chewbacca and Princess Lea reprising rolls. New characters as well ensure a continuing saga and indeed at least three more movies are planned.

No spoilers will be given away, but one you won't notice is Daniel Craig, yes James Bond himself, making an appearance as an extra and even speaking a few lines. He's in costume as a Storm Trooper, but you'll recognize the voice.

Prudi Mclean is the general manager of Thomaston's Flagship Cinema. She said they were pleased with the night's turnout.

"We ran a lot of shows and that's why we had no trouble with seating," she said. "Overall, we sold a little more than 300 tickets for just tonight. We have a weekend coming and Christmas vacation begins at the schools and Christmas Day is always big so I think we're going to be busy. I think this year we'll have one of the biggest in a long time."

Mclean said the midnight show was one of the biggest they have had in a long time. Also featured was a costume contest featuring a host of Darth Vader's, Jedi, Princess Lea and Hans Solo, lots of light sabers and blasters.