Calgary fans flock to Star Wars, contribute to record-breaking ticket sales

The latest Star Wars instalment, The Force Awakens, has knocked its competition out of first place, shooting past the $1 billion mark globally in a record 12 days.

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It took Jurassic World 13 days to do the same.

It's the best Christmas holiday result and the top second weekend for any film in history.

Calgary fans flocked to movie theatres around the city Sunday including Scotiabank Theatre Chinook to experience it.

Steve Bate and his family were there to take it all in.

"I think a lot of it is the story, it really connects with a lot of people no matter the age," Bate said.

"We are here with my wife's mother, with my kids. It resonates with everybody. It is just one of those stories that just keeps giving."

For son Connor Bate, The Force Awakens is something new.

"You don't know what's happening to Luke and it's been so long since the last movie," Connor said.

Carol Jean Bate, Steve's daughter, says the excitement comes from good versus evil.

"Because I really want to know what happens and who is the evil villain," Carol Jean said.

Movie-goer Mason Hussey was looking forward to the new movie as it relates to the series as a whole.

"I am really excited because I love Star Wars, the other movies."

For sister Jada Hussey, the popularity is pretty straight forward.

"Star Wars is awesome because I like the battles," she said.

As to the movie's global popularity, Steve Bate says it's understandable.

"I am not surprised, I expect it to break every record ever know," Bate said.

"Until the next one comes out."