The force is strong in the post: The NBA equivalent for every Star Wars film

Episode VII — The Force Awakens is LeBron James returning to Cleveland

“This will begin to make things right.”

This bit of self-referential dialogue opens the seventh film in the Star Wars saga with a knowing wink to the mixed reaction to the prequel trilogy and a promise that things would be different this time around.

The film succeeds providing audiences with a ride Rotten Tomatoes’ Critics Consensus describes as being:

"Packed with action and populated by both familiar faces and fresh blood, The Force Awakens successfully recalls the series’ former glory while injecting it with renewed energy."

The film closely (very closely) mirrors the story of A New Hope, following a protagonist we meet while stuck at the edge of the galaxy, wishing for more. She’s joined by droids, daring pilots, reformed bad-guys, a legendary mentor, and more on a mission to save the galaxy from the forces of evil, led by a former ally turned Dark.

Reunions don’t always have happy endings. Sometimes things just aren’t as good as they once were. The Force Awakens delivers on the promise of its opening line and opens up a galaxy of possibilities for the future of the franchise.

“I’m coming home” announced LeBron James in the summer of 2014 as he decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers after four seasons (and two titles) with the Miami Heat.

It was a declaration met with much anticipation, and some mixed feelings by a fan base left reeling when their hometown superstar left them in the lurch (and the lottery) for South Beach.

The fans who didn’t burn their replica jerseys when James left town could break them out once again and rejoice. LeBron was back to make things right.

James’ return to Cleveland would bring the city their first title in 52 years when LeBron led the Cavs to a historic comeback in the 2016 Finals. Down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors, a team coming off the greatest regular season in NBA history, the Cavs clawed their way to three straight victories and the first championship in franchise history.

As Han Solo said to his co-pilot after setting foot on the Millennium Falcon; “Chewie…we’re home.”