Star Wars Month #6: The Saga Goes Out in Excellent Fashion

Rating: 9/10 (3 February 2014)

This was the big one. We were finally going to see how it went down. The pressure Lucas was under when creating Revenge of the Sith was unimaginable, especially considering the fans had savaged his last two films. But come Memorial Day weekend in 2005, the expectations were SURPASSED. Revenge of the Sith was considered to be the best of the Prequel Trilogy, but for me it is the best film in the series since Empire Strikes Back.
The Clone Wars are coming to an end, and it seems the Republic will stand tall once more, but an inevitable danger lurks beneath. Anakin Skywalker is at odds with the Jedi Council, and somewhat his mentor Obi-Wan. The headmasters don't trust him and feel he may not be the Chosen one after all. His wife Padme announces her pregnancy, which he is overjoyed over, but becomes fearful when he sees vivid premonitions of her dying in childbirth. Chancellor Palpatine, the Sith Lord, seduces Anakin to the Dark Side, as he promises it is the only way to save Padme from dying. Thus, the extermination of the Jedi is set into motion as well as the rise of the First Galactic Empire, and Anakin must confront Obi Wan in a duel to the death.
The true genius of George Lucas' writing is that he doesn't try to surprise us with anything, but he gives a Shakespearean tragedy sense to it. His transformation is not because he wants to be evil, but because he wishes to save Padme's life, as he has had recurring visions of her death. Palpatine, who is the equivalent of the devil in this universe, promises him that the only way to save her is to use Sith powers. The key to this idea's success is Hayden Christensen. I blasted him in the last film, but here, he does a really solid job. He sells the fact that he doesn't want to lose the person he loves the most.
Lucas' character connections were admittedly not as strong in the last ones, especially when you look at the acting in this installment. The acting here is top notch, and the sparks between characters hearkens back to Empire Strikes Back. The biggest improvement in this film is Hayden Christensen. Unlike the last film where he was sleepwalking through, here there is a character and a more likable approach to Anakin. When you see him go down the wrong path, it is heartbreaking, and when he loses the very thing he wanted to protect, the last goodness of him is practically gone forever. Every other character is great to begin with, and each actor's story is given equal amount of weight and gravitas.
The is easily the darkest of all the Star Wars films. It starts out in a light and adventurous mood, but then descends into darkness and disturbing images. The scenes when Anakin turns to the Dark Side and goes on the massacre is truly depressing, as you have come to care for the good man that he was, yet you also understand really why he does such things. But the third act is really taking place in Hell, the lava planet Mustafar, and the images are some of the most striking in any film in the last ten years. The climax between Obi Wan and Anakin is truly electrifying, but is then balanced out by the gravitas of the last goodness of Anakin being burned off. Warning, that scene will not leave you for quite some time after viewing.
Every technical area of this film works on such a high level that I had taken it for granted for a long time. The music is great, obviously it will be because its John Williams doing the score. The effects are so eye popping and busy, that you notice more and more of them with every viewing, which is really not a bad thing.
This film is a complete return to form for not only George Lucas, but for the franchise in general. Revenge of the Sith proved that with hard work and lot of thought put into the material, it can stand the test of time and provide entertainment for people of all ages. The themes and ideas presented are really strong, and the execution of the story is flawless. This is the best film in the series since Empire Strikes Back, and will always be one I look to forward to watch.