The 6pm show was already sold out. The only available tickets were for the 9:15pm 3D showing. We have generally been avoiding 3D movies that weren't originally shot with 3D cameras, but I'm willing to make the sacrifice in this case. There might have been more tickets available at the Kenai theater, but I've come to really enjoy the Orca--especially with the new seats.
If you are uninterested in speculation about the upcoming film, you should probably stop reading now. There are a few predictions that I would like to make about the film prior to knowing anything about it other than the trailers that have been shown so far. I might be way off base in my thoughts, but for me, guessing what might happen is a big part of the joy in anticipation.
Have the uninterested stopped reading?
...
Okay. First, this movie is supposed to bring "an end to the Skywalker saga." Considering that the eight previously numbered movies are now being called the "Skywalker saga," that Anakin and Luke are now Force ghosts, and that Leia will likely join them, this puts more weight to the theory that Rey is somehow a Skywalker (especially since Kylo even shed the Solo portion of his family). The most interesting theory I have seen on this matter is that Rey is a type of clone (clones are mention a LOT in the series) made from Luke's hand that he lost in The Empire Strikes Back. It is also possible that she is somehow a clone from Anakin--explaining her affinity for mechanics. Either would explain her reaction in The Force Awakens to first touching Anakin's lightsaber which was last seen in Luke's lost hand. The clone theory also fits with The Last Jedi's revelation that her parents were "nobodies."
Second, the Emperor is somehow back in this one. In The Revenge of the Sith, Palpatine insinuates that he has discovered the means to live forever. It's probably not as pretty as what Qui Gon figured out for the light side (I hope we have a return of a shimmery Liam Neeson), but will be more along the lines of what he did to Anakin in turning him into Vader. However, there are theories that Palpatine has been the creator of the Skywalkers from the start, somehow manipulating the Force to give Shmi that virgin birth discussed (but then forgotten) in The Phantom Menace (this would me that the title The Rise of the Skywalker will refer to the revelation of this idea). Considering that title of Episode I, "phantoms" might play a big role in tying the nine films together.
Third, R2 and 3PO have been the only two constants throughout the Episodes, making an appearance in every one. Considering that 3PO was built by young Anakin and was still serving him until he became a Sith, there's a good chance that he holds some hidden programming that leaves some of the old Anakin within him. This might explain the red eyes he showed in the first teaser trailer. One way or the other, I'm guessing that this movie brings an end to the story of these droids.
Fourth, I believe that Rey redeems Kylo by the end. However, I also think that both of them end up sacrificing themselves for the sake of the galaxy (perhaps to keep the Emperor's consciousness from somehow possessing them). I can think of no other way that this would be the "end of the Skywalker saga." I am personally hoping that there is not a romantic connection between the two.
I look forward to seeing whether any of my predictions are true or not. I'm glad I already have my tickets.