Lucas reclaims his cinematic legacy in fine fashion

Rating: 9/10 (31 May 2005)

This has got to be one of the most difficult reviews I have ever written, but let me explain. I wrestled with myself as to the rating of this movie and cheated somewhat in determining the final rating. While I always assess a movie on its own merit, I had to compare this with " Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" which will forever remain one of the best films I have ever seen and a solid 10/10 . While I'm not a Star Wars fanatic, I do appreciate great movie making and the original trilogy (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi) stands as a testament of what one man's imagination and vision can accomplish. That being said, I remember cringing and questioning as to why would George Lucas' do another trilogy, to serve as a prequel of sorts? The answer was remarkably simple. The first trilogy is synonymous with popular culture; is one of the most commercially successful franchises in history and admittedly or not, is a reminder of our youth and changed the landscape of modern cinema as we know it.
My initial foreboding was confirmed though, after witnessing the mind-numbing chaos that was "The Phantom Menace" and the overbearing, force-fed, unintelligible plot devices used in "The Attack of the Clones". Yet, even amidst these huge creative blunders and disappointment, my excitement for "The Revenge of the Sith" was still largely resonant. I needed for "Revenge of the Sith" to be great and restore my faith in Lucas and the series, which was so tarnished by Episodes I and II. The biggest challenge I thought facing Lucas was an audience knowing the direction/path of the movie (we all know what happens at the end!). After leaving numerous loose ends upon concluding Episode II, a story with such great weight would have been required to anchor this installment. This he finds in the transformation of Anakin Skywalker to Lord Vader; a universal-political commentary (which echoes a very important message for our times); and Anakin's deteriorating relationships with his mentor Obi Wan and beloved Padmé Amidala.
The movie is unashamedly an action-piece, containing some of the most spectacular sequences and light saber clashes. While there are times when it seems excessive, you can't help cheer because you're back in 19-whenever, when you first saw this kind of action, and then without the use of wires and digitization! The pace of narrative propels the film along, set against exquisite digital imagery which is meticulously woven, without fault, into the fabric of each scene. The opening sequence and our first look at Kashyyyk (the Wookies' Planet) is all at once beautiful, breathtaking and groundbreaking, even in the face of being threatened with wooden and sullen lead performances. George Lucas is the consummate Director, carefully trying to craft a film, in which he knows, he'll be tested by ardent fans, in terms of continuity between Episodes III and IV and the rest of the series for that matter . He is at the forefront of this year's Oscar race, in that category and on technical merit. While it can be argued that his script work is weak, like it or not, he has once again redefined motion picture history. Even if you are not an avid fan, you are constantly rewarded with linkages throughout the series , if you look and listen closely enough, the first, second, heck even fifth time. I must also admit, hearing the theme music utilized in such grandiose fashion as it was in Episodes IV-XI, along with seeing Chewy lift Obi onto his back, and Lord Vader's first Imperial March on entering the Jedi Temple gave me chills .
Even amidst the bad acting, there is an absolutely spell- binding turn by Ian McDiarmid as Chancellor Palpatine. The transformation of Anakin is largely dependent on this un-nerving, sneaky, tour-de-force performance. There is a particular word, which I want to use to describe his character, but it would be a plot revelation for some, so I will not. He is magnificent. While Christensen does have a few great acting moments, the psychological dilemma through which his character must evolve, is not fully conveyed and could have easily been rendered the movie an absolute wash-out, if not for McDiarmid's supporting performance. An honorable mention must also be given to Yoda and R2-D2, who outshine, Jackson, McGregor, Smits and even Portman when on screen.
There are some extremely haunting scenes which reinstate the emotional and philosophical core of the first three Episodes and which was as good as dead in Episodes I and II. One in particular is the birth of Lord Vader. The care taken to edit this scene with an equally pivotal one, is astounding and expertly done and is one of the most poignant and poetic pieces of film making EVER. It is made even more meaningful, given the audience's knowledge of the revelation made at the end of " The Empire Strikes Back" Two other scenes provide a scathing indictment on politics, power, democracy and the use of military force . The first is summarized by a line expertly delivered by Portman, "This is how liberty dies.to thunderous applause" and the other occurs at the onslaught of the climatic battle between Anakin and Obi Wan.
I am thrilled that Lucas has not disappointed in delivering this film Yes, there are inane one-liners, Lucas' ability to write for screen is questionable at times, the actors seem out of place in their delivery and there are more than a few ridiculous moments, but the movie is a remarkable accomplishment in terms of everything we have come to know, expect and love about the series. To that, I'd say the Force is with us.