Embracing the Dark Side never felt so good!

Rating: 4/10 (26 May 2005)

After the somewhat disappointing first two entries of Lucas's new "Star Wars" trilogy, I was worried that "Star Wars: Episode III  Revenge of the Sith" would follow the same path and prove to be a letdown. I tried to remain optimistic since this was the final entry in the saga and the very nature of the events which would inevitably transpire on screen might allow for an exceptional film. On the evening of May 18th, as I impatiently waited for the eminent midnight screening, my enthusiasm and excitement matched that of a small child on Christmas Eve. A few hours later, I had finally seen "Revenge of the Sith". I can thankfully say that it was, in fact, very much like revisiting my childhood. There were moments during the screening where I could not help but stare in wide-eyed amazement at the screen, raise up my hands and clap, or murmur excitedly to my friend seated next to me.
Like most of the "Star Wars" films, "Sith" suffers from some clunky lines of dialogue, which include, "From my point of view, the Jedi are evil" and "You're so beautifulIt's because I love you". However, such poorly written lines of dialogue are few and far between when compared to a film like "Attack of the Clones". Lucas's strength as a writer has always been crafting a good story, and he has set himself up for quite a story to tell! "Episode III" inescapably culminates with such drama and tragedy and is presented with such captivating visuals and riveting action that I didn't particularly mind a few moments of poor dialogue.
Another integral factor in lessening the blandness of the dialogue is its markedly improved performances. Ewan McGregor does a splendid job at channeling Alec Guinness, the British actor who originated the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original "Star Wars". McGregor seems comfortable in the "Star Wars" universe. Finally breaking free of the woodenness that plagued his performances in the previous two films, McGregor's emotional output at the conclusion of his duel with Darth Vader is truly moving. Ian McDiarmid, portraying Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, is also worthy of special mention as he seduces Anakin to the Dark Side with subtlety and menace. Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman, while still occasionally stiff and uncomfortable with some of their ham-fisted dialogue, have developed a nice bit of chemistry. The two share a moment, a wordless exchange prior to Anakin's descent into darkness that is beautifully acted, scored, and edited and not only enhances their relationship but offers a great sense of foreboding. Frank Oz rounds out the cast with his as-always incomparable vocal interpretation of Jedi Master Yoda.
All the production departments have substantially raised the bar for "Episode III". Stylistically, the film is very different from most other "Star Wars" films. Resembling "The Empire Strikes Back", Lucas's cinematographer bathes the characters in shadow, illuminating their eminent fates and the tragedy of the story. John Williams has composed yet another unforgettable musical score that ranges from operatic to ominously atmospheric. The meandering and tasteless political dialogue of the previous two films have been excised, allowing "Revenge of the Sith" to move at a break-neck pace which imparts a sense of urgency and events spiraling out of control. With many plot threads going on simultaneously, the film left me feeling breathless without coming across as rushed or disorganized. Finally, you can't talk about "Star Wars" without mentioning its visual effects. "Revenge of Sith" boasts an unprecedented volume of computer generated imagery. The highlight of the special effects work is perhaps the opening space battle which is both visually and sonically arresting. Entire shots are composed completely within the computer. While Lucas occasionally goes overboard and loses focus in the midst of such CGI-mayhem, the effects work on this film has greatly improved upon the work done in "Episode I" and "Episode II". Computer generated Yoda is particularly strong as the character has understated yet clear emotional responses to the events going on around him.
The joy in watching "Revenge of the Sith" comes from over 20 years of waiting and anticipating how the saga will draw to a close. There are so many hallmark moments in this film that fans know must happen. Audiences know that all the Jedi must die and that Anakin will fall from grace and become Darth Vader. One might argue that such knowledge would sap the film of any potential tension. On the contrary, the realization of these scenes elevates the film to something of a modern Greek tragedy. When watching "Revenge of the Sith", one can see fate at work.
After having seen "Revenge of the Sith", I don't think I can ever look at the original trilogy the same way again. Vader's already substantial character has been given far more depth and the trilogy, as whole, now contains far more emotional resonance. Small, seemingly unimportant lines such as Yoda's line in "Return of the Jedi", "Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor," have been given far more weight and significance. "Revenge of the Sith" advances the entire saga, not just Lucas's original trilogy. The admittedly grating depiction of juvenile Anakin in "Episode I" will now come off as a stark and poignant contrast after having seen what becomes of the small boy from Tatooine.
As the credits began to roll at the conclusion of "Episode III", I had never felt so simultaneously exhilarated and depressed at the end of a film. The best thing I can say about "Sith" is that, despite the great deal of enjoyment I have taken from the original trilogy, I did not want the inevitable events of this chapter to transpire. I wanted so much for Anakin to make the right decisions. Arousing such emotions and turmoil within an audience takes a great deal of care and balance. Bravo, George! A job well done!