Adam Valen Levinson
Freelance Movie Critic
After exactly 28 years to the day, the Star Wars sextet has concluded – finished, or rather middled, by its prize sixth. As the Star Wars fan struggles to explain where in the storyline these 144 minutes fit, George Lucas chuckles with glee, resting in his mansion, presumably counting money. Simply put: this sixth-released installment is actually the third chronologically. The last in the first trilogy, released years after the second trilogy, III: Revenge of the Sith finally fills all the gaps in the epic saga’s story. According to Lucas, this will be the last Star Wars film ever made. Reportedly, Lucas will be building a spaceship with the double trilogy’s gargantuan gross, to spend his remaining years on the planet Naboo. He does deserve it, though, despite popular opinion. Lucasfilm, his self titled company, has created six movies spanning over fourteen hours that have brought excitement and joy to life forms across the galaxy.
Around 11:30, upon arrival at the theater, I found the parking lot surprisingly full. They were playing the movie in all ten theaters, each one packed with fans of all ages. While most seemed between the ages of twenty and thirty, there were exceptions, like the tiny, Yoda-sized little girl who refused to talk to me. Unfortunately, there were no appearances by Wookies or Darth Vaders. There was, however, one man in a Star Trek uniform, who was immediately pummeled by the audience.
The film was slow to start as our theater was sill dark even after others began buzzing with the sounds of coming attractions. In time, though, the preview reel began, and with the patience of a jedi master, I waited. Then, after almost losing hope, the unmistakable Star Wars music began, and the audience erupted into the nerdiest cheer imaginable. For the last first time, I watched as the yellow letters drifted towards the invisible horizon. Surely an emotional moment for all in attendance, these thirty seconds forced thousands of people, in a benevolent plea for literacy, to read.
Unlike the other five episodes, Revenge of the Sith did not waste any time drifting in black space after the introduction. Instead, we are immediately thrown into a fire laser-filled battle. Anakin, played by Hayden Christensen, and Obi Wan, played by Ewan McGreggor, lead the fight of the republic against the evil forces of the Sith. From the start, Anakin, dressed always in black, seems to be more powerful than his master. The opening minutes are heart-racing, moving quickly through the well-written plot. We see what becomes of some old powers from Episode II, and are introduced to new, and even weirder evils.
Later, we see how relationships in the original trilogy were formed. As Yoda says, “good relations with the Wookies, I have.” Here, he calls on Chewbacca and his planet for help, letting them demonstrate their incredible strength and supreme hairiness. Also, we see Chancellor Palpatine’s rapid transformation into the Emperor Palpatine we all know from Episodes IV-V, as he gains control over the newly christened Darth Vader. Anakin, overwhelmed with prophetic visions, pledges to be Palpatine’s apprentice, if the Chancellor will teach him the ways of the dark side of the force. His fear of losing loved ones is so strong, he becomes will to murder anyone and everyone with whom he bears no connection. As Vader embarks on his “crusade” of sorts, he walks over the cross-patterned tiling of the Congress Building. With newly evil Storm Troopers behind him, he sets out his missions to kill, foreshadowing his future life as a glamorized hit man.
With Anakin, who seemed so virtuous earlier in the film, as a shriveled old man’s private assassin, the movie takes a turn for the tragic. Because Episodes I and II are, for the most part, lighter and happier, and because the original trilogy begins with only one jedi, this missing piece has to connect all the dots. This is what makes this movie so much better than the preceding two. Lucas is not afraid to show tragedy, but still manages to give the trilogy’s end a positive feeling. Knowing what will become of each character, an element of suspense is lost. However the movie is good enough to make you nervous even with a known outcome. If you have not seen Episodes I and II, I wouldn’t recommend seeing this yet. However, seeing it without seeing the later episodes might make the whole thing a little more enthralling. In fact, it might add a layer of surprise and intrigue even the most diehard Star Wars crazy could never imagine.
The sextet climaxes with two simultaneous battles, one between two young jedi, and the other between two seasoned veterans. As Vader takes on Obi Wan in a river of molten lava, Yoda battles with Darth Sidious (Chancellor Palpatine) in the room of the Senate, ironically using the very building in which he claims to make peace for war. Meanwhile, Obi Wan and Anakin fight across shaky metal structures suspended over lava in a Lord of the Rings-esque battle. Episode Three has what the first two prequels lacked: the voice of James Earl Jones. Like the cherry atop the computer generated ice cream, Mr. Jones adds the finishing touch.
It seems, every American has an opinion about Star Wars. Either you reject them, saying you “don’t like that kind of stuff”, or you anticipate them, waiting patiently for the next release. Just like many practicing Christians’ desire to attend The Passion of the Christ, many Americans feel there is almost an unspoken rule that without a decent excuse, attending Star Wars is mandatory, if not only for its value as priceless Americana. Mike Dohrmann [classmate], who I stumbled into waiting for popcorn, told me he had always liked Star Wars because “jedi powers are exhilarating”, then adding “I’ve always identified with Emperor Palpatine”. Everyone has their favorite parts or favorite characters. I even asked the concessions manager what drew her to the theater at midnight. She replied simply, “your total is $4.25”. For those of you who dislike these films, I cannot imagine why you read this far; for those of you who do, there are a few key things you should look and listen for: First, watch R2D2 carefully–he has more up his sleeves than an Ewok in the forests of Endor. Second, listen attentively to Yoda, his speeches just might change your life. Third, wait for the quadrouple-light saber-wielding robot with a cold and heartburn. Fourth, enjoy; this episode is arguably the best of the six, as it combines the symbolism and plot devices of the old trilogy, with the mind-melting special effects of the new. Anyone who misses this movie is truly missing out on one of the greater film experiences in recent memory. Go now, and fulfill your destiny...
Star Wars Episode Three: Revenge of the Sith
140 Minutes
Release Date: May 19, 2005
Written May 21, 2005 for the Friends' Central Focus
