Star Wars: Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith (2005)

28 years ago, a filmmaker by the name of George Lucas defined movie making technically, essentially, and perennially. He created what would become an epic of mass proportions that will stand the test of time as one of the greatest stories ever told. His original movie was called Star Wars. He brought back to the screen an air of mythology, an era of heroes, and he also brought back some much-needed excitement into cinema. Star Wars spawned 2 sequels; The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. These adventures are timeless. Not since Oedipus Rex had family conflicts been so dramatic and enticing. The hero, Luke Skywalker, discovers the evil dark lord, Darth Vader, is his father, and that his sister is the rebel leader, Princess Leia. All of that gripping plot made up the original trilogy; the trilogy that let little kids' dreams and imaginations run free. Fifteen years after that classic story arc ended, Lucas began work on another trilogy, a backstory of how Anakin Skywalker becomes the dreaded Darth Vader. In 1999, The Phantom Menace was released in a disappointing manner, being riddled with script flaws and lacking the charm and magic of its predecessors. 2002's Attack of the Clones improved on these inadequacies, but not enough. Now, after much beseeching by viewers and fans, Lucas brings back that sought-after magic that the originals possessed in his new masterpiece, Revenge of the Sith.

In this chapter, the great Clone War rages on, with a battle of monumental scale that opens the film, where General Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker rescue the captured Chancellor Palpatine. Anakin's wife and beloved also sees fit to announce her pregnancy to her husband, fearing that their secret marriage will soon be revealed and Anakin will be kicked out of the Jedi order. Anakin starts having dreams of Padme's death, much like the dreams he had in Episode II when his mother was on the brink of death, and seeks counsel. As Obi Wan hunts down the leader of the separatists, General Grievous, Anakin seeks comfort from his friend, Chancellor Palpatine, who has sinister plans unfolding behind the scenes. The dark side of the force grows stronger as an angered Anakin seeks trust of the Jedi Council, and a way to save Padme from death.

 

Smarts

95%

I use no hyperbole when I say that this one of the greatest tragedies to grace the big screen. The Anakin/Vader character is indeed a dark, tragic character whose very human flaws are exploited and who is manipulated endlessly to bring about his downfall and the fall of all around him. This is a masterpiece of darkness and compelling imagery.

Speaking of imagery, the film boasts some of the best special effects I've seen in a long time, sporting breathtaking scenery and vibrant shades of colors that you'll go ga-ga for. What more can you expect from Lucas' wizards at Industrial Light and Magic?

This is a movie built on strong performances, the strongest being that of Ian McDiarmid, who puts an eerie chill down your spine as Chancellor Palpatine and the mysterious Sith Lord, Sidious. The manner in which he delivers his lines is the x-factor for Palpatine's success as a character. Without the emphasis put on those lines and the way in which everything he says is drenched in guile, venom, or cracked sanity, Palpatine would seem so insignificant, not all the wicked character he is clearly depicted as here. I would have loved to see more of this from him in the other prequels, but it's better late than never.

Hayden Christensen bears the weight of the whole movie, though. This movie is why the other prequels were made. If he did not make a believable Anakin this go-round, the whole effort would have been shot to hell. I did not like Christensen in Clones. In fact, I think hated him in Clones. But he does a total complete turn around here to bring to life this talented and troubled young man in such a way that we can truly sympathize with him.  Ewan McGregor is similarly terrific, showing heartbreak and disappointment towards his apprentice and guilt towards himself. His Erroll Flynn-ish Obi-Wan never had the chance to show his full potential before now. Natalie Portman had a very difficult time with her character in the last two films, but seems to finally get it together in this one. It is obvious her character is needed to put Anakin over the edge and give birth to Luke and Leia, but is needed for little else beyond those ends.

And of course, a Star Wars movie wouldn't be Star Wars if John Williams music did not back it up. His timeless themes for these films are classic and essential, masterful and original. Williams does it again for this last hurrah, backing up the dark enviroment of the movie with gloomy, portentous, and depressing themes. Battle of the Heroes is the central theme for the movie, much like The Imperial March is for The Empire Strikes Back. William also experiments to dramatic effect, bringing new sounds to the Star Wars music like mystically Arabic vocalizing, droning, and climatic choruses. Being that this is the last Star Wars movie, Williams does a perfect job integrating in the old themes, like Princess Leia's Theme from A New Hope and Qui Gon's Funeral music from The Phantom Menace.

Despite all the things they do right this time, the film is, however, haunted by the same problem the first two prequels had with atrocious dialogue. It improves with Sith, but not totally. There is more empathy and emotion, but a few lines are just outright bad and several lines are put forth in stilted monotone. The dialogue isn't nearly as wooden as it has been in the past though, and, most importantly, the story does not fall apart at the seams due to poor writing.

 

Popcorn

97%

The battle scenes are monstrously intense and the source of most of the thrills to be found in the film. Much beheading, explosions, burning, and cut off limbs to be had by everyone. This movie has the most duels in any Star Wars movie. Probably more than any movie ever for that matter. And they are choreographed with passion and superb tension and skill. The final duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan is the highlight, fittingly. Thee actors throw all the energy they have into the fight by the looks of it, and their hard work pays off as we watch them battle furiously as lava bursts around them and emotions flow in a torrent.

There's never a dull moment in the film, especially if you're an Easter Egg watcher. Some of you may notice the Millennium Falcon at the docking bay in the beggining of the movie, which is quite a treat. The movie is very emotional, on top of it all. I saw people leaving the theater with tears in their eyes. I'm still debating whether it's because the film was so depressing, or because it was the last Star Wars movie. You'll get a few laughs as the grim plot unfolds, but mostly it's edge of your seat, fist in mouth levels of intensity. There is also good reason why this film is the only PG-13 Star Wars film. Younglings should be with an adult when viewing this movie, of that there is little doubt. I recommend parents view the film first or read a parents guide before taking the children.

 

Final

Revenge of the Sith is a highly anticipated and often though impossible to exist masterpiece. The drama, the internal struggles, the darkness, and the love is crammed into a massive production for the ages. It answers the great question fans have been asking for decades and connects to the original trilogy in the most suitable way possible, especially the final shot of the film. You couldn't ask for a more perfect conclusion to this titanic cinematic series.  Star Wars changed everything about movies with its creation. It's more than great science-fantasy, it's unbridled creativity mixed with mythology, and a quality that is flashy on the surface but is beneath the surface, quite classy. Many have tried to do something as grand as Star Wars and failed. One man broke all the rules and helped pave the way for the bright cinematic world we have today. Thank you Mr. George Lucas, for creating, for imagining, for being independent, and for bringing your legacy full circle with such grace.