Credit: Lucasfilm; poster for Star Wars: Episode III â Revenge of the Sith (2005)
7. Star Wars: Episode III â Revenge of the Sith (2005)
George Lucasâ last film isnât just the best of the Prequel Trilogy, itâs the only one thatâs essential viewing for a Star Wars marathon, at least according to some fans. Itâs also, appropriately enough, one of the darker films of the saga, and the first one rated PG-13.
Revenge of the Sith is also the Prequel film which comes close to matching the Original Trilogy in terms of scope and grandeur. The long take which starts the film after the opening crawl, and the space battle which it shows, reminds you that, despite the flaws of the prequels, Lucas was still a master of technical filmmaking. Ewan McGregor, as Obi-Wan Kenobi, also proves the adage âthird timeâs the charmâ as you can see the shades of Alec Guinness emerge in his portrayal.
But itâs Ian McDiarmid as Chancellor Palpatine who really shines, as his scenes with Hayden Christensenâs Anakin Skywalker actually elevate the later actorâs performance. The moment when Palpatine tempts Anakin to the dark side at the opera is so well delivered, even the audience, like Anakin, will start questioning the Jediâs true motives.
Unfortunately, like Menace and Clones, Lucas still overdoes it one too many times. General Grievous is a cool-looking, but underwhelming villain. The fall of the Jedi and rise of the Empire happens way too fast. The otherwise spectacular, heart-wrenching duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin on the lava planet, Mustafar, is in serious need of trimming. Even the intercuts between the birth of Luke and Leia and the âbirthâ of Darth Vader is ruined from James Earl Jonesâ unintentionally hilarious, âNo!â
Still, as over-the-top as Revenge of the Sith gets, it feels appropriate given the story it tells. If you think of it as an elaborate stage productionâand the playwright, Tom Stoppard, did co-write the scriptâyou may overlook the overwrought line delivery. If it really bothers you, just watch it with the sound off.