Rating of
4/4
Sith Happens
Chris Kavan - wrote on 05/19/09
Finally a prequel film worthy of the original trilogy and not a moment too soon. This is what I had been waiting for - I suffered through Jar-Jar, midi-chlorians, a wooden love story, whiny angst, enough new characters to open a toy store and stilted dialogue galore but, in the end, I think it was worth it.
I think Revenge of the Sith is the perfect way to end the trilogy. Even Hayden Christensen doesn't seem as bad this time around. He has actual emotion here - between him, Portman and McGregor there is a spark. Add in Ian McDiarmid, in full-blown Emperor mode, and you've got a great mix.
If there's any downside the this one, it's that it feels so rushed. You start off with an amazing space battle - in my opinion the best out of any of the films - into a daring rescue mission (with R2 pulling off some great humor). Before we can catch our breath - Anakin is on the Jedi Council (but not a master) at the behest of Palpatine - and is soon being asked by his master, the council and his girlfriend to spy on his beloved chancellor. Of course, good old Palps uses this to his advantage - along with the nightmares Anakin has been having - to sway the young man to the dark side.
It's lot to digest in a short amount of time, but in the end it comes down to one man being so devoted to saving the one he loves that he will do anything to stop her death. It might seem a stretch, but from the first film, we've known Anakin forms strong attachments (of which the Jedi knew, but because he was the so-called "Chosen One" decided to overlook) - so having him go on a murderous rampage in order to save her (remember the sand people) isn't so far out there.
I don't think Grievous has as good as impact as other villains this time around. The rasping droid/alien doesn't seem to be on the same level as the others. It's nice to see Dooku get his just desserts as well. The real villain is Palpatine. I love the final scene between Windu, him and Anakin. It just shows how devious the man can be.
You get two amazing lightsaber fights - Anakin and Obi-Wan dueling it out is the greatest battle in all the films - it's fast, exciting, thrilling even - it's all you could ask for. Once again we see Yoda in action against the Sith lord himself and that battle doesn't disappoint either. Too bad the bad guys have to win.
The end is near perfect. We get the birth of a monster and the birth of hope. The Frankenstein-like awakening of Vader (even with the groaning Nooooo!) shows that the machine-man will be under Palpatine's heel for a long time to come. On the other hand, you have our future-hero twins being born and sent to their respective adoptive homes showing that amidst the darkness, there will always be light.
I took awhile for Lucas to find the right stride. I'm not saying Revenge of the Sith is perfect, but as part of the saga and as a stand-alone film, it finally met my expectations.
