For George Lucas in particular, as well as for the film and theater industries more broadly, the release of "Sith" is shaping up as a "going out with a bang" event.

That's nice, because in more ways than one, tonight represents the beginning of the end of the beginning.

On the ride to the bottom, we hope you enjoy the bad dialogue, clumsy attempts at political commentary, and lush digital fakery. And please remember to disable your John Williams ringtones. (Unfortunately, there is just no stopping the silly cheering, clapping, and other equally pointless antics of the overzealous True Believers.)

At Movietickets.com, a spokesman said the new "Star Wars" film accounted for 98 percent of all tickets sold on Monday.

The film industry has limped along through a blockbuster-free spring. Over all, box office receipts are down 8 percent for the year to date, and weekend grosses have been lower than last year's for 12 straight weeks. Nationwide attendance at movies this year is 7 percent lower than in 2003.

But, lo! -- sales of Katamari Damacy are up sharply! The stars are coming back! I feel the cosmos!

I'm sure you know the old saw about how "Dog Bites Man" isn't news, but "Man Bites Dog" is.

Perhaps there should be a new variation on the theme, in which "Head Bites Own Tail" isn't news, but "Long Tail Strangles Head" is.

Have you ever seen a snake commit suicide? You will, and the dying giant that will bring it to you: Hollywood.

In the future, will people look at "Star Wars" as today we look at the Cathedral of Notre Dame?