Customer Reviews

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

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I have often thought upon viewing the prequel trilogy, the intervening years between the original and the new. To be sure, most of the criticisms of the new trilogy are adult in nature. We speak ill of wooden dialogue and acting, convoluted storylines, and themes that aren't true to the nature of the purity of science fiction. I was only five when Episode IV was release, so my only criticism of that particular film came in the form of whining to my folks that I couldn't see it again and again and again.
My point is this: George Lucas has his flaws, most of which are related to him being out of the director's chair for more than 20 years before embarking on his new trilogy toy, but I think, more importantly, that we as a filmgoing populace have changed as well. The fact that Lucas has been able to bridge that gap successfully (while telling the story backwards, to boot!) demonstrates the man's immense talents. Perfect? Far from it, but damned entertaining, nonetheless.
Which brings me to the crown jewel of the prequel trilogy. "Revenge of the Sith" is the second best film of all six, ranking only behind "The Empire Strikes Back" in terms of depth an substance. The acting is better and the writing, if not terrific, is helped by a game cast and a pace that doesn't allow you to catch your breath. Hayden Christiansan, for the most part, owns this role, displaying an adult gravity he was unable to display in the dramatically clunky "Attack of the Clones" The rage, frustration, and fear contrasted with Anakin's heroism and confidence in the face of battle made for a complex character who you found yourself rooting for despite the story's preordained outcome.
The special effects, as usual, are outstanding, but for the most part serve the film this time. There are points during the first two prequel films that you feel Lucas and Co. are simply showing off some of their shiny new toys, but in this film there is a more concrete sense of purpose.
Dramatically the film belongs to Ian McDiarmid. His performance creates the right balance of charm and villiany and by doing so makes Anakin's turn all the more believable even though the turn itself feels a tad sudden. In fact, I dare say that I enjoyed McDiarmid more when he was under the guise of Palpatine than when he fully reveals himself as Sidious. The scene during the opera is one of the great dramatic highpoints of any of the six movies.
As for the flaws: sure, there were a few. I would like to have seen a more galvanizing series of events leading to Anakin's turn, perhaps some more perceived betrayals at the hands of the Jedi Council? I would like to have seen a more fleshed out performance by Natalie Portman, who seems to be more of an afterthought than a character in the third film. (On a side note, Portman is a terrific actress, but was, in this humble reviewer's opinion, the most ill-served of the entire cast by the clunky dialogue that pervades all three films.)
The one part to which I didn't object that seemed to be the bane of many Star Wars fans is the scene involving the birth of Vader. I liked the allusions to "Frankenstein" for that is what Vader's story eventually becomes in the following trilogy: a search for his humanity, much like Mary Shelley's creation.
I also didn't have a problem with Vader's reaction to the fact he'd caused Padme's death. You have to remember that, despite the fact that he now has James Earl Jones' booming voice, he's still Anakin and still very young. It does sound odd, I admit, but it's still completely in character. You also have to remember that Darth Vader will have a good 20 to 25 years to complete his transformation into the cold, remorseless killing machine we come to know and love in Episode IV.
In all, "Revenge of the Sith" does a terrific job of tying things together in a manner that harkens back to when I was a child watching Star Wars for the first time. It's impossible, as an adult, to completely dismiss some of the flaws in the later films, but Episode III definitely comes close. It is a magnificent piece of escapist filmaking that has heart, soul, and character and I would highly recommend it to anyone, Star Wars fan or no, looking for a fun time at the movies.

After all the hype, the seemingly endless years of waiting and the hopes and fears of moviegoers all over the world regarding the final Star Wars movie, the battle ground was set for the (finally) favourably titled `Revenge of the Sith.'

George Lucas had worked under no illusions. If this film failed to deliver, then by many detractors standards it would serve as the final nail in the coffin of the new and 'modern' trilogy. Thankfully then, not only has Lucas succeeded in crafting one of his most accomplished films ever but arguably his most important; `Episode III' is an incredibly self assured triumph. Masterfully bringing the epic saga full circle, completing a story begun in 1977 and thereby seamlessly connecting the original trilogy with the prequels, `Sith' effectively addresses much of what critics found noticeably lacking in the previous two instalments, lending much needed credibility to the 'new' trilogy, displaying a marked improvement in direction and substance, and a commendable maturity in attention to character and story.

Kicking off with an opening space battle that utilises a roller coaster ride POV to spectacular effect, the film twists and turns us in it's stylishly comfortable grip, throwing us headlong into the already ensuring action. Meeting up with old friends Obi Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker (the love and respect between accomplished master and seasoned Jedi clearly apparent in these early sequences) as they cut a destructive swathe across the screen, cursing and teasing each other in equal measure as they take apart ships, scenery and even mechanical staff wielding bio-droids (magna guards) is a joy to behold (and it's noteworthy here to mention how utterly at ease both Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen now appear to be in their respective guises)...but the fun ultimately cannot last forever...Controlling the pace like the master story teller and film editor Lucas is, it's a restrained twenty minutes before the Jedi once again encounter Christopher Lee's elegantly vicious Count Dooku, but Anakin is no longer the fool hardy padawan he once was and it's from this point on that the first 'real' inevitable step towards the dark side is taken. Forsaking the cartoon-like cuddly tones of 'Menace' and even the pressure-cooker foreboding of 'Clones', 'Sith' stakes it's claim in this newly explored darker territory with glee; this is not, and was never designed to be, an episode for kids.

As the story progresses and tragedy draws ever near, the film bludgeons Christensen's Anakin with heart rending blows at every turn. His learning of his secret wife Padme's pregnancy is cursed with sudden and traumatising visions of her death in childbirth, reawakening his feelings of regret and loss over the death of his mother (whom he is still convinced he could have saved) and in-turn, his feelings of resentment towards his 'family', the Jedi, who continue to praise his abilities yet refuse him the one thing he desires most in the world. With the enduring guidance and influence of the artificially benign Chancellor Palpatine (seemingly able to offer Anakin all the answers at a time when he is most in need), the young Jedi begins to doubt everything, even the fidelity of the very woman he is trying to save till finally, when the pitch of the movie appears to have reached it's dramatic peak, Anakin makes a choice that will ultimately lead him down an irrevocable path that will change the face of the galaxy...and set the stage for cinematic history.

`Revenge of the Sith' boasts not only some of the most audacious set pieces yet attempted in a blockbuster (Kenobi and Grievous' wheel bike/dragon mount chase, the continuation of The Clone Wars, Yoda and Sidious' epic senate duel, where politics and morality clash physically for the very first time) but some of the most intense and emotionally affecting. In essence; `Sith' is an action movie with heart. For sentimentality and effective storytelling using the minimum of trickery or techniques, look no further than the wonderfully sombre and underplayed moment of telepathic understanding that Anakin and Padme share across a Coruscant afternoon sun shrouded cityscape, or that Padme's final words are of concern for the man who has, in essence, murdered her emotionally and physically, or the look and tone of sadness Yoda exhibits as he is forced to flee his encounter with Sidious, or more importantly, the haunting shades of music and imagery that follows the execution of Order 66...

...but for both emotion and hyper charged dramatic electricity, the climatic Mustafar duel between Vader and Kenobi is unsurpassed. This is a duel that people have been waiting to see since 1977 and it does not disappoint. For the battle of heroes where 'brothers' clash with clear intentions that only one will survive, Lucas has married all tools at his disposal (a tragic yet epic sweeping score, a blink-and-you'll-miss-ten-moves lightsaber choreography, acting intensity that never fails to convince, CGI that threatens at every turn; VERY real danger, etc..) to create a sequence that both excites and moves in equal measure and despite the fact that we all know how the battle ends, it makes it no easier to watch the horrific events unfold.

In stark contrast to maulings regarding the acting in the other two prequels, the performances in `Sith' are first rate. Ewan McGregor predictably shines in a role it seems he was destined to play (particularly in the final minutes of the Mustafar confrontation) and flickers of Alec Guinness punctuate throughout, never threatening to turn his performance into mere mimicry. Natalie Portman, (however little she was required to do), breaks our hearts as the man she loves literally rots from the inside before her very eyes. Ian McDiarmid turns in an oscar worthy performance, hamming it up where necessary to break stride suddenly with a glare and a disembowelling tone when the mood takes him, but above all (and despite protests to the contrary), it is Hayden Christensen for whom the highest regard must be reserved. His performance permeates one of utter believability, shifting remarkably from eager Jedi knight to chilling Sith apprentice so smoothly that it's startling to witness. The ferocity and utter neutrality that Christensen exhibits as the young Darth Vader is truly impressive if not downright mesmerising, yet the best is saved for last in the final confrontation that husband and wife share prior to the fiery duel into the very bowels of hell. Hayden's demeanour of a man who believes above all else that he has done the right thing yet utterly blind to the fact he has caused more damage than good is staggering, his tone (in a wonderful symmetry with 'Menace`) echoing the youthful idealistic young boy he was once, reminding us yet again how far the soul has fallen. It's a moment (like so many others) that entrenches itself so deeply into the mind that you will be hard pressed to rid yourself of certain emotions long after `Sith's' credits have rolled.

Expectedly, `Revenge of the Sith' will delight as many as it will disappoint, but as far as taking us on a new and unexpected journey a long time ago through a galaxy far away in spectacular fashion (never allowing indulgence or flights of mere fancy to intrude upon the story), `Sith' is a worthy contender for the greatest Star Wars film of all time.

In closing, I have already watched `Sith' more times than I have seen the original trilogy and the film leaves me with a different impression every time. The birth of Darth Vader is something everyone has been dreaming about since the release of the classic `A New Hope,' thank god George Lucas has managed to create a movie that will live on just as long.

It has been interesting, to say the least, to follow the buzz surrounding the final Star Wars prequel film, from the time before the film was released in theaters to now, 4 years afterward. In the beginning, people were claiming that "no one cares about Star Wars anymore" after the first 2 prequels (despite their having made nearly $750 million total in domestic box office, and that Ep.II was generally considered an improvement and a step in the right direction after Ep.I), and that Ep.III was going to be another "bomb". Then, lo and behold, just when some people were salivating at the chance to rip apart yet another SW film, the critical reaction to "Revenge of the Sith" came back positive, with accolades from Time, Newsweek, the NY Times, USA Today, and others who had hated the previous films; many declared Ep.III the finest entry since "The Empire Strikes Back", and one reviewer even liked it more than the original "Star Wars". The film would go on to make over $380 million to become the biggest blockbuster of 2005. It seemed that rumors of Star Wars's death had been greatly exaggerated.

That is...until after the movie had been out of the theaters for a few months, and then all the usual suspects came out, nitpicking and complaining like they always do. It became "cool" and "hip" to trash this film just like its predecessors, and soon things were right back to the way they were before, with people claiming that Ep.III was also a "flop" that no one really liked, pretending that the film's critical and commercial success never happened. And so here we are again, with the perpetually disgruntled fanboys crying about their "raped childhoods", etc. (It is ironic that this time the mainstream critics were mostly more forgiving than those know-it-alls who think George Lucas personally OWES it to them to make his movies to their exact specifications.)

Anyway, it is THEIR problem if they don't "get it", NOT Lucas's, or anyone else's. "Revenge of the Sith" completes the prequel trilogy in fine form, and brings SW full circle, as well. Ep.I began in a rather muddled fashion, trying to balance introducing the characters with a plot focused on small, localized events. In Ep.II (which was a decent movie in its own right), the grand plots sweeping the entire galaxy began to take shape, and events began on a galactic scale to lead inexorably to Ep.III, wherein we witness the fall of both the Republic, and Anakin himself.

In the crucial role of Anakin Skywalker, Hayden Christensen is clearly more comfortable this time out, capturing Anakin's conflicted emotions and insecurities that rage beneath his ostensibly heroic persona, which cause him to become disillusioned with the Jedi and his own lot in life. This leaves him open to the manipulations of Palpatine -- the second crucial character here. Ian McDiarmid does a masterful job as the Emperor, who is revealed as the driving force behind the events in the saga to that point. The relationship between Anakin and Palpatine, his trusted father figure who leads him astray into making his Faustian bargain, is the heart of the movie, and is what makes it work. Indeed, one of the most emotionally powerful sequences is << SPOILER ALERT >> when Anakin betrays Mace Windu and pledges his loyalty to the now disfugured Palpatine and his cause, then receives his first orders as Darth Vader -- effectively marking the birth of the evil Empire. Yet, it seems clear that Anakin is still conflicted and unsure of himself, even as he commits more evil acts, up until his final transformation at the end -- by which it is too late.

The third player is Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, who continues to fight for the doomed Republic ( I especially like the battle with General Grievious, who swings multiple light sabers like whirling neon helicopter blades) until he is forced to take action against his former pupil; the aftermath is particularly moving, inspiring pity not only for the mortally wounded Anakin, but also for Obi-Wan, who seems to suffer just as much. McGregor has practically made the character his own; he could almost be the "Han Solo of the Prequel Trilogy" -- which lends a bit of irony to Han's remarks about Kenobi in Ep.IV...

Finally, there is Yoda, who seems to feel the final defeat of the Jedi as a personal loss. His duel with the Emperor, where they both unleash their powers to the greatest extent yet, was also one of my favorites. The deleted scene on the DVD showing Yoda's arrival on Dagobah, while not vital to the story, did capture the melancholy of his situation perfectly.

All these elements, wrapped up in the usual barrage of sights and sounds that can only be found in a Star Wars film, make Ep.III a classic that ranks right up there with the Original Trilogy; the entire last act of the film has a pervasive mood of sadness and melancholy, coupled with the exhiliration one gets from watching the best tragedies. All the cards are laid on the table -- the covert plots and foreshadowings of the previous 2 episodes are finally brought to fruition, and the previously hidden conflicts are now waged openly, leading to the civil war of Eps.IV-VI. The fall of the Republic is symbolized by the transformation of Anakin into Vader, and the original series can now be viewed as his struggle for redemption, as much as the Empire vs. Rebellion conflict. Vader has been redefined as a tragic figure, rather than a purely evil one; it is impossible for me to see Vader now without imagining the brooding, grieving Anakin behind the mask. It also sheds light on the true nature of Vader's and the Emperor's relationship as master and slave, having been from the beginning based on lies, deception and betrayal -- a theme that would resurface throughout the original films. (In fact, this was hinted at even before the Anakin/Obi-Wan duel, when Anakin refers to "his empire" in his speech. It suggests that he was NOT acting purely for unselfish reasons [saving Padme, etc.] when he chose his path, but also for his own secret desire for power.)

As for the Emperor, he shows his true nature in his reaction to Vader's scream when he realizes what has happened. (Many criticize this scene, but it is a fitting illustration of the Faustian themes of the film, with the Emperor as the grinning devil and Vader as the tormented soul in Hell.) Yet, at the same time, when Palpatine rescued Anakin after he was burned and near death, he showed hints of the fatherly affection that he may have indeed felt for him, despite his twisted motives.

At the end of the day, the Prequel Trilogy, with Ep.III as its crown jewel, effectively fleshes out the background of the Star Wars saga. While some parts of the PT were uneven, it makes it possible now to view the original movies with a new sense of the history behind them. And "Sith" is a film that actually improves after repeat viewings, which enable one to catch all the nuances that might be missed the first time around. With this movie, Lucas rewarded the fans who stuck with him, and brought the Star Wars series full circle.

...And now, the saga is complete.

So the time has come that I review "Revenge of the Sith." As those who have read my reviews for Episodes I and II will know, I do not have much sympathy for the people who continue to claim that these three films have wrecked their lives forever. What life is this that you ever had, Universal 1-Star reviewer, if a few movies you didn't like devestated you THAT much? "George Lucas raped my childhood". Get real... or at least get therapy.

Alright, so George Lucas is a much more creative--and, in all likelyhood, much more intelligent--person than these one-star reviwers who somehow seem to think that they could do what he's done better than he's done, but even HE was facing a tall order in delivering "Star Wars-- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" to viewers successfuly. Not only was he looking at a fanbase in which many had completely lost faith in him after the previous two films, but he was also releasing a climactic story that brought with it close to thirty years of hype and expectation. (Of course his job was theoretically made somewhat easier in that all the fans who were THAT disatsified with the first two prequels should have learned to lower their expecations by the time the third one came along. In practice, however, some things simply never change.) Nonetheless, against the odds of ever satisfying these people, some of whom literally wanted him in court for the supposed rape of their childhood memories, George Lucas resolved to finish his great life's work... and "Revenge of the Sith" is the final result of that resolve.

As the film opens, it is made clear that the Clone War, which started in the previous segment of the series, are still very much in full swing after of the passage of three whole years. The Seperatists, led by Jedi-turned-Sith Count Dooku (Christopher Lee), aided by General Grievous of the battle droid army (an ILM creation voiced by sound editor Matt Wood), have landed the most devestating blow as yet to the Republic by kidnapping Supreme Chanellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid.) The first 20-25 minute portion of the film deals with the rescue mission headed by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), who is now a full Jedi Knight rather than an apprentice. They are now fast friends with a good history of great comradship throughout the war.

While Palpatine is eventually rescued by the Jedi--and Count Dooku ends up removed from the picture swiftly--General Grievous has escaped once again, and so, says Palpatine, the war must continue until he is captured. Meanwhile, Anakin's secret wife, Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) has gotten pregnant; but good news turns sour when Anakin has what he believes is a prophetic dream of Padme dying in childbirth. He has good reason to suspect that this dream represents an event that will come to pass, as he had a similar experience with his mother several years previously. Simaltaneously, Obi-Wan is sent, based on received intelligence, to get rid of Grievous, who is hiding on a distant planet, once and for all, and Yoda goes to Kashykk, the Wookie planet, to lead another battle, so Anakin gets left alone with Chancellor Palpatine to battle his conflicting emotions and desires. Without divulging any excess information, it is from this point on that the real story, twisted and twisiting, begins.

I cannot emphasize enough that this film, in its every element, dwarfs its predecessors. The space battle that opens the film, through which Anakin and Obi-Wan force their way to rescue the Chancellor, is the gigantic and exciting space battle in the entire series, rivaled in thrills only by the final battle from "Return of the Jedi." And fittingly so: this is the final space battle we are very likely to see in this series. Some have complained about the CGI use, but A)It looks GREAT, completely realistic and B) the battle itself is so exciting and invigorating that one hardly thinks to imagine how it was created while it's happening. (Plainly, I've never understood how CG can bother anyone as much as it has some. It could have something to do with growing up in the '90s and early 2000s, but I don't get what annoys people so much about CGI versus puppets. The Coruscant interiors are often breath-taking, and I don't know anyone can deny that the 2005 digital Yoda isn't WAY more realstic looking than his puppet form. OK, he needed a little more work in 2002, but I'm hardly complaining since he looks so *real* in 2005 that I could reach through the screen and touch him.)

As great as the opening space fight is, the lightsaber battles are even better. In spite of the fact that most of his fight work was done by a double, Christopher Lee commands incredible presence in his one scene as Dooku. It's also a great three way fight, with a lot of clashing swords, tension, and at least one brilliant piece of dialogue delivery from Lee. The ending also puts to shame much of what came before (hint: the long trail of severed body parts throughout this series is taken to a whole new level with a beheading. Like producer Rick McCallum, I greatly appreciate that Lucas had the courage to put this moment in the film.) There are four other saber fights in the film. Of them, Grievous' fight with Obi-Wan is the most fun purely in the sense of great action. Grevious isn't Darth Maul, but it is extremley cool that he fights with four lightsabers at once, and, for that matter, that he is in fact a gravely injured human being cobbled together in a manner similar to Darth Vader. Add to this the resourcefulness of Obi-Wan--who, at one point, can be seen landing Grevious a good blow or two with an Electro-Staff, possibly the *coolest* weapon introduced to Star Wars since the saber itself--and you have a more-than-worthy action sequence before you.

Oustide of this, it really is hard to decide on a favorite lightsaber duel in this film. Mace Vs. Darth Sideous allows Sam Jackson one more opportunity to be the baddest purple lazer-wielding Jedi in the galaxy, and shows of Ian McDiarmid's acting skills superbly, winding up one of the most exciting sequences in the whole series. But I really have to give the props to intercut face-offs of Darth Sideous and Yoda, and Obi-Wan and Darth Vader. I seem to remember reading some criticism around the time of the film's release about the decision to have Sideous and Yoda's duel placed directly alongside Anakin and Obi-Wan's, but from the moment it began, I thought it was a brilliant sequence: at the same moment in time as two friends turned bitter enemies are fighting each other, the ultimate forces of Good and Evil in the Galaxy are facing off. It's a superb idea... and it looks great, too! Not only do we have the two greatest and most epic sword fights in the series, but there is a visually amazing segment in which Sideous begins hurling objects in the Senate room at Yoda; this is worth seeing not only for the incredible tenson and the struggle for domination between these two characters, but also because Ian McDiarmid hams it up deliciously opposite his "little green friend" in shot after shot. He's like a kid playing with a new toy--and that approach could not be more appropriate than it is. Tiny Yoda is, at times, like a toy in Sideous' palm.

So the action is great, but what about the other elements? As I keep saying, this movie completely dwarfs its predecessors in all areas. Ian McDiarmid, in the role of Darth Sideous, is likely to be the first actor to jump out at you as being absolutely brilliant. McDiarmid is a Royal Shakespeare Theatre actor, and he performs with all of the excellence associated with such qualifications. While he eminates the role of a ruthless villain in some scenes, perhaps his greatest triumph is the scene at the opera (not kidding-- a scene in a Star Wars movie that takes place at an opera) where he begins to cajole Anakin into joining him with the implicit promise that he can teach Anakin how to save Padme from certain death. Apparently, McDiarmid's unusual, crackling tone has more to do with a soar throat than anything else, but either way it enhances an already excellent scene. Elsewhere, he slips chillingly back into his Emperor voice (to wit: "I can FEEL it.")

I am confident that almost every reviewer who posted here with praises extoled Ewan McGregor's excellent take on a younger Obi-Wan. His range--from silly, completely over-the-top humor, right to utter pain and disapointment--has to be seen to be believed. It is that brilliant and moving a performance. He is certainly one of the greatest young acting talents we have today-- even if just for his uncanny ability to chanel Sir Alec Guiness' role minus 20-30 years near PERFECTLY. Elsewhere, Frank Oz manages to leave the viewer wondering that he has never broken into an acting beyond all those muppets; his voice performance is stirring and, again, dwarfs what he has done in past installments of this series. Samuel L. Jackson shifts admirably between his stoic and battle-ready sides. While he actually gets to *act* MUCH more in this installment, he is not as memorable as in Ep. II. He shows off his range at times, but he doesn't have the opportunities, as in previous pictures, to reveal his personality, and that's part of being in a *series* of movies: you're probably going to be more memorable when you first revealing your personality than later on when everything has been established.

Natalie Portman has surprisngly little to do, all things considered, but makes the viewer feel her character's emotions with all the necessary weight. She really nails her last scene with Anakin, especially considering the wordy dialogue, and the scene in which she and Anakin are staring out of their windows, looking in each other's direction, says it all with no words and a lot of artistic excellence from all involved.

Hayden Christensen. Hayden, Hayden, Hayden. It's hard for me to believe that so many can absolutely cruficy him for his work in this series. To some, he will be forever "wooden"-- if these people were to ever admit otherwise, they would lose their pride, it seems. The truth is, however, that, perfect or not, he nails the role of someone who, blinded by and consumed with power and greed, turns against his friends, against the principles he has lived for his entire life, and is brimming with an agony of conflict that eventually must overflow. From tender scenes of love to thunderous outbursts of anger and darkness, he rarely misses a beat. It's hard to believe that anyone could wood behind any of his work in this film. He improved greatly from Attack of the Clones (where, again, he seldom missed a note where it counted), and is now able to play a completely three-dimensional, inherently tragic figure. Kudos to him! He has an uncanny ability to role off virtually the most flourid lines Lucas can conncot for his character.

Elsewhere, some say the film was predictible... DUH! We've already seen parts 4-6, so we know what has to happen, at least at the most basic level. It's predictible for us, but it wouldn't be for someone coming to the series with no prior exposure generations from now, beginning logically at the point of Episode *1*. The bottom line is that it simply isn't fair to hold predictibility against this or any of the Star Wars prequels. For today's audiences, it was an inherent problem. However, George Lucas is a great storyteller, so he was able to overcome this. The storyline of this movie is strong-- it keeps suspense going, and is well-paced and believable within the context of the Star Wars world. The characters are well-drawn, with strong motiviations for their actions; what, other than the unmatched power of love, is likely to turn one to the ever-present Dark Side of the Force? Ultimately, this whole series is a masterwork of storytelling, whatever else it may or may not be.

"Revenge of the Sith" certainly has imperfections. The acting isn't perfect, the dialogue still triggers a shake of the head from time to time, but it is a wonderful and tragic film taken in total.

W.O.

This is the final chapter of the Star Wars franchise. Much anticipation went into the release of this film, the be all end all of the whole saga.

The film chronicles the final days of the republic and Anakin's transformation from Jedi Knight to Sith Lord. Many of the answers to Star Wars fans questions are answered here.

Special effects of Mace Windu's battle with the emperor stand out in my mind as do the tragic scenes of murdered Jedi betrayed by the Clone Troopers they commanded.

The film ends on a tragic note and we witness the greatest light saber battle of all time as Obi Wan and Anakin face off against each other. Two close friends and colleagues turned rivals

At the end of the film the following three words still ring fresh in my memory.

"Arise Lord Vader."

The rest as they say is sci-fi history.

This is it. The big one. The end of a thirty-year franchise that has touched two generations. Ever since the summer of 1977, "Star Wars" has been an unshakable part of our culture. Its following sequels made movie-goers even more rabid for adventures set in that galaxy far, far away. But when George Lucas went back to tell the beginning of the story, his prequel films were met with harsh criticism. But that criticism is about to come to an end.

This year's "Revenge of the Sith" is the last of these prequels, tying the two trilogies together into an enormous sextet of stories. And despite rumors to the contrary, it is the final "Star Wars" film. Ever. The expectations couldn't be higher. And for once, they're met.

After years of fighting the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and his former mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) have become well-renowned as heroes across the galaxy. As the film opens, they must rescue the Galactic Republic's Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) from the clutches of the Separatist General Grievous (An ominous, computer-generated lightsaber-wielding cyborg, voiced by Matthew Wood).

But the film is far more than a simple rescue mission; once that goal has been achieved, Palpatine puts events into motion that will ensure he has even more power, as well as a young, powerful ally in Anakin. As anyone who hasn't been living under a rock for the last six years can tell you, this film chronicles Anakin's descent into darkness and his transformation into Darth Vader, the epitome of evil for the last thirty years.

Perhaps it was the darker, more complex storyline or the fact that Jar Jar Binks has apparently been demoted to "extra", but this film feels so much more rewarding than the last two prequels, and acts as the perfect bridge between the new and the old.

The first "Star Wars" film to earn the PG-13 rating, "Revenge of the Sith" is far more graphic and deals with darker ideas than any of the other films, but still doesn't feel out of place.

Each film is usually "carried" by a particular actor, such as Liam Neeson in "The Phantom Menace", where the performance rises above everyone else's. In this film, that actor is Ian McDiarmid, who is goes from being subtly manipulative to blatantly evil so gracefully that it is very eerie to watch. Though it is very doubtful he will get an Oscar nod, one can always hope.

Being the dramatic climax of Anakin Skywalker's fall to the Dark Side, this movie is actually emotionally draining, going from light and entertaining to dramatic and saddening over the course of its running time. This film actually made me cry, a first for a "Star Wars" film.

Despite some slight sagging in the middle as Anakin's relationship to his newly-pregnant wife, Padmè (Natalie Portman) is clumsily developed, "Revenge of the Sith" moves along at nice pace with all the right amounts of action, drama, and humor to please just about anyone.

George Lucas ran out of ideas before Ronald Regan was elected President.

The rehashing began in "Return of the Jedi" (THE NEW DEATH STAR!!) and continues in this tiresome timewaster.

In this film, Anakin Skywalker speaks lines originally spoken by Han Solo (i.e. "this is where the fun begins")is the sort of self-referential dreck that makes this viewer say to himself "why am I bothering with this?"

The final scene where Anakin/Vader learns that his beloved has joined the "Choir Invisible" and screams out "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" is so laughable that I cannot help but imagine it as a Saturday Night Live parody (another "entertainment product" way past it's prime)

In the final assessment, the Star Wars Trilogy consists of two good movies (Star Wars & Empire), two bad movies( Jedi & Sith) and two awful movies (Clone Wars & Phantom Menace).

Mark Hamill who is so sadly unappreciated really made those first films work because we liked Luke and believed in him and in his struggle. After seeing lesser actors get ruined by the leaden, cheesy dialog in these films, I have a new appreciation for Mr. Hamill's skills and instincts.

I never really understood what was so great about the Star Wars movies when I was growing up. I was born after the originals were released, so I was never a part of that "culture" that Star Wars is. I saw them when I was around 13 or 14 and fell asleep before the end of all three. I never had the desire to really see them again until Phantom Menace came out. I didn't see it in theaters, but I watched it, liked it, and waited for the next one to come out. I liked Episode II a lot better (I have to admit that half of that appreciation is because I love Haydn), but I still didn't really "get" Star Wars. Well, I saw the triler for the third film, and I thought it looked really good. I also thought it was going to be sad, but I didn't realize that I was going to cry all the way home from the movie theater! After the experience of seeing Episode III, I now finally understand what Star Wars is all about, and I love it! This movie perfectly ties the two trilogies together. It is so emotionally powerful. I know a lot of people say that George Lucas can't write diologue and can't direct anything but action scenes, but I completely disagree. Though some lines are a bit corny, each scene is treated with a tremendous amount of care and sets up your emotions so that you react to certain sad cercumstances (I'm sure you know what I'm refering to)in a very personal way. I have watched all three of the first series since seeing Episode III, and I appreciate them so much, because now I understand!

I was seven when I saw the original "Star Wars," and like many people of my generation, it had a big effect on my life. The characters, the effects -- all of it, really -- influenced me and a new generation of screenplay and science fiction writers. I'm not nearly the fan of "Star Wars" I was in 1977, but I still enjoy watching its laser battles, fantastical landscapes, and character stories from time to time.

Unfortunately, I hated "Revenge of the Sith."

Hated it. Not because I feel any grudge toward George Lucas, or because I tend to overanalyze things, but because I thought the film was so poorly written. In all honesty, I don't think Lucas even hired a script editor to clean up the story or dialogue. This is unfortunate, in my opinion. The writing in this film is so weak and cliched, I couldn't escape the feeling I've read high school screenplays more qualified to be made into movies. Lucas ruined every potential moment of "Sith" drama with groanworthy dialogue, poorly crafted character arcs, and simplistic ideas.

Viewers have expressed that they enjoyed the "darker" plot elements in "Sith," as opposed to the lighter-hearted fare in the first two prequels. That's fine. But in my opinion, Lucas shied away from exploring the real "darker" elements of "Sith," instead cheapening its characters with forced dialogue and weak plot arcs, choosing to feed us milk-toast portrayals of what he considers "dark." Give me a break.

Also, I felt indifferent about the characters by the time the credits rolled. I didn't care whether any particular character lived or died, which is perhaps the most damning evidence of a terrible film.

My critique isn't so much that the ideas in "Sith" were weak, since I enjoy a Machiavellian "play both sides against the middle" takeover of an empire as much as the next guy. My problem lies in the fact that Lucas didn't take the time to refine his script and craft a more compelling movie than the product audiences watched in theaters. I know I'm in the minority here, but I felt utterly unmoved by the film. The hamfisted absurdity of it left me thinking, "My God, that's it? That's how Anakin became Darth Vader?" What should've been a moment of haunting defeat, of bitter sadness -- even with a PG-13 rating -- instead became a cringeworthy moment gone horribly wrong. In contrast to the memorable, tear-jerking moments from "Lord of the Rings," the result of quality writing and a true sense of drama on the part of its writers, I felt "Sith" imparted only a dull sense of marginal entertainment. And that's sad, really. Even with its emphasis on pleasing the Under 15 demographic, a decision I support, "Sith" felt paltry and insultingly simplistic.

I'm giving "Sith" a 2-star rating due to its impressive digital FX and set designs. If not for these, I would've given it a 1.

You could've been remembered as a great director, George. Now you'll only be remembered as pretty good.

I cannot remember my reaction when I saw `A New Hope', but I've been a colossal fan ever since. While watching the original trilogy countless times, I eagerly anticipated the release of the prequel movies. `Sith' is remarkable and spectacular.
The innocence Anakin once portrayed is now gone and replaced with a cold, merciless desire for power. Friends become enemies, democracy dies and hope is shattered. `Sith' delivers what we've been creating in our minds all these years: the subsequent annihilation of the Jedi Order, and the fall of Anakin Skywalker to yield the rise of Darth Vader.
Duel after thrilling duel transpires, including the climactic one between master and apprentice. Yoda's lightsaber skills are again used, but for a dire purpose. Yes, the Jedi do meet their end in this movie. There is a haunting and eye-opening scene about half way through the movie where we are taken from planet to planet watching all the Jedi we have come to know these past six years meet their untimely demise. The plot to destroy the Republic and the Jedi unfolds and all the questions asked years ago are answered.
The highlight of the film was once again hearing the mechanical and chilling breathing of Vader. Accompanied by the charismatic voice of James Earl Jones, we are once again enthralled by the familiar Darth Vader from the original trilogy.
`Sith' will leave you rushing home to immediately watch the rest of the saga; complete, perfect and magnificent.