Life in the Franchise Again

Rating: 9/10 (3 June 2005)

I was very skeptical going into this film. Episodes 1 and 2 were so disappointing that I wasn't holding out much hope for Revenge of the Sith. I can honestly say now that I am so glad I went to the theatre to see this.
The opening scene is classic Star Wars: a big space battle with lots of ships and explosions. Fortunately, the rest of the movie follows the beginning. There is a lot more action in this film, more than the first two combined. It made me remember why I liked Star Wars as a kid. The adventure was back for the first time in the prequels. The special effects are, as always, spectacular. Visually, this is a film to be seen on the big screen.
The story is much better. There is actually *gasp* emotion in this film. Anakin's transformation is sad and actually quite psychologically creepy. While there is not much gore in this film, I can definitely see why it got a higher rating. Some of the notions are really disturbing. I said that the adventure was back, but the tone is definitely quite sad throughout. The mix of the adventure and the emotion is what makes this film succeed where Eps 1 and 2 failed.
The acting is also much better. Ewan McGregor does an excellent job portraying a young Obi-Wan. He actually sounds like Alec Guiness. Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen are also much better this time around. Anakin doesn't whine throughout this film. Ian McDiarmid is wonderful as Palpatine. The way he changes his body and voice as his character is revealed is amazing to watch. He probably gives the best performance of the film.
The script, however, is still pretty bad. It's unfortunate because, with a better script all of the prequels could have been improved drastically.
This film is worth seeing. It is full of action and adventure and is genuinely very emotional. It will redeem faith in George Lucas and the Star Wars franchise.