Brothers rent out theater for Star Wars, guests must donate toys for entry

ROSEMOUNT, Minn. (KMSP) - Sometimes you hear about people with a lot of money renting out a theater for a big movie just because they can. Instead, two Minnesota brothers rented out a theater for the new Star Wars movie to give back.

17-year-old Alex Huot created a Facebook page inviting his close friends and classmates to get their first glimpse of the latest chapter in the Star Wars saga. But since he isn't charging for tickets, he's asking them to bring a donation for toys instead.

"Around the holidays, it's always a good feeling to give something," Huot said. "It's good to give to people -- all the families who aren't as fortunate as we are."

When Huot learned The Force Awakens would open the week before Christmas, he came up with the idea to gather gifts at the theater for those who can't afford them. So with a little help from his older brother and parents, the high school senior spent $1,200 on 97 tickets for a 7 p.m. showing at the Marcus Rosemount Cinema.

While anticipation for the new movie is reaching intergalactic proportions, Huot said using the force for good is what being a Star Wars fan is all about.