#TBT Reel Review: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

I won’t lie to you and say I had high expectations for Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith when it was first released in 2005. The prequels began rolling out in 1999 with The Phantom Menace which disappointingly mediocre and things got even more dire with Attack of the Clones in 2002. The Phantom Menace at least had sporadic moments of entertainment but Attack of the Clones was primarily a bore-fest with atrocious writing and less than stellar performances from most of its cast. Revenge of the Sith became a necessary evil when it came time for me to see it and it was more of a matter of I guess I should finish this, rather than I really need to see this.

The one thing on its side was that it was going to be a darker entry. This would be the full realization of seeing how Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) would become Darth Vader, one of the best cinematic villains of all time. My small glimmer of hope was that lackluster direction and uninspired writing wouldn’t ruin this moment come to fruition on screen and thankfully that hope was realized. Watching the film again recently I felt like I did in 2005. The film isn’t great but it is good, especially when compared to the films that came before it. Some of the writing is still subpar and there are moments when the actors embarrass themselves a bit but there is more at stake here. The moments of pure drama are wonderfully executed and the transition of Anakin to Darth Vader is exquisitely tragic. For all of its faults, there are just too many many solid sequences that honestly make suffering through Episode I & II worth it.

Revenge of the Sith opens with the kind of action/adventure in indulgence that has characterized the previous five installments and the prequels in particular. After the introductory crawl, we accompany Anakin and Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) on a rescue mission – to save a kidnapped Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) from Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) and his ally, General Grievous, leader of the droid army. It’s all a ruse, but our heroes don’t know that at the time. We’re treated to a highly entertaining lightsaber fight and some stunning space battle sequences before politics enter the fray and Anakin begins to inch closer to where he is receptive to Palpatine’s hints that the dark side of the Force offers limitless power to those who learn how to use it.

There are also secondary stories that enter the forefront. Anakin’s wife, Padme (Natalie Portman), is pregnant. The marriage is secret because it is forbidden for Jedi to form permanent attachments. Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) does not trust Anakin. He believes the young man is too ambitious – an assessment with which Yoda (Frank Oz) agrees. And, as the Clone Wars approach their final battle, a pending betrayal lurks in the shadows. Revenge of the Sith is not about answering questions or providing surprises, but of fulfilling expectations. We may know how the Anakin/Obi-Wan duel ends, but the thrill here is seeing how it plays out to get to that ending. This sentiment is essentially why the film works on multiple levels.

As I said, Revenge of the Sith doesn’t really answer any questions, since we know the answers already. Anakin Skywalker is seduced to the dark side of the Force and becomes Darth Vader. Chancellor Palpatine is revealed to be Darth Sidious. The Jedi are annihilated. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda go into exile on different planets. The Republic is devoured by the Empire. Instead of answers, what we gain from watching Revenge of the Sith is details. These events come to life and we are presented with the opportunity to understand the particulars of each event. The jigsaw puzzle is complete. In the process, Vader has been humanized in a unique way. Return of the Jedi attempts this as well in its conclusion but I would say that Revenge of the Sith is far more successful in this feat.

The emergence of Darth Vader, during the film’s ultimate conclusion, is expertly heartbreaking and tragic. You would think witnessing the birth of one of cinema’s most well-known villains would be one of devilish triumph but the birth of Vader means the death of Anakin. The film does a superb job making this transition one of solace. Considering how tone death the prequels have been when it comes to genuine drama, it’s a very surprising moment that truly resonates.

Revenge of the Sith contains several masterfully edited sequences. Considering how some of the action in the prequels had been diluted with its over-reliance on special effects, it should be noted that the third entry finally gets the balance right. Maybe it’s because the drama is so genuine that the action sequences become a bit of an added bonus. Near the end of the film, the two big battles – Anakin against Obi-Wan and the Emperor against Yoda – are brilliantly intercut. Lucas repeats the feat shortly thereafter with another example of parallel action. That second instance is particularly effective because it offers one of the film’s most uncompromising emotional jolts. John Williams’ score is perfect as usual and contains more cues from the original trilogy than his work for either The Phantom Menace or Attack of the Clones.

I have said that George Lucas is not a great director of actors, yet Revenge of the Sith contains some fine performances. This is likely true because more is at stake this time around. it allows the actors to bite into their roles. First and foremost is Hayden Christensen, who was trashed in some circles for his petulant interpretation of Anakin in the previous film. Again, I blame the writing and direction for his turn in Attack of the Clones so I wasn’t as hard on him as most were. This time around, he essays his character as an introspective, tormented man torn between loyalty to his friends and his beliefs and an overwhelming desire to embrace power. Christensen is not daunted by the task of playing an increasingly twisted character, and he makes the transformation to Vader work. People may not want to admit this now, but the emotional conclusion for that character succeeds because of Christensen.

Also impressive is Ian McDiarmid, who oozes mistrust as the frighteningly evil Emperor. Even before he truly transitions to the Emperor we come to meet in Return of the Jedi, he’s effective. Ewan McGregor is truly one with Obi-Wan this time around and really blends the line between him and Alec Guinness. Natalie Portman is more solid than in previous films as she has grown into the role. Portman, who occasionally seemed uncomfortable as Padme in Episodes I and II, is now at home in the role, even though her screen time in this installment is limited and she is the victim of some atrocious lines (“Anakin you’re breaking my heart” still makes me cringe).

That brings me to my point as to why the film is good but not great. There are still script issues. George Lucas isn’t particularly good at writing dialogue and even as solid as the film is, it still has its share of moments when the shortcomings of the script become obvious. There is no denying that his imagination has created an expansive world that is truly compelling but it’s clear he needs a script doctor to avoid a few clunky moments. The direction is also an issue, particularly in the first half as the film spins its wheels a bit before really taking off. Once Anakin loses all sense of himself the film finds its footing and makes an argument for Lucas that he can direct compelling drama if he gets out of his own way. The first half is what prevents the film from achieving greatness but the ultimate conclusion is enough to maintain your interest.

This is a pretty grim affair at hand. Not since The Empire Strikes Back have the characters been in such emotional limbo. This is not a happy movie. Even the victories possess a hint of bitterness. There is an element of catharsis at the end, but it’s only a taste. Salvation is left for the next chapter. The film offers very little in the way of optimism but it certainly made me go home and pop in Episode IV when I saw it back in 2005.

Perhaps the biggest achievement of Episode III is that it can stand on its own. It’s not tainted by the mediocre films that preceded it. As its own entity, the film is in another league and makes a case that it was worth the wait and some sub-efforts to get here. By the end of Episode III, you know you won’t view the originals the same way again. You’ll look at different scenes and feel like they’re more powerful because the weight of them began here. If that was this film’s ultimate purpose, then mission accomplished.

Reel Talk gives Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith 3 Reels


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About Gaius Bolling 3795 Articles
At the age of five, I knew I wanted to write movies and about them. I've set out to make those dreams come true. As an alumni of the Los Angeles Film Academy, I participated in their Screenwriting program, while building up my expertise in film criticism. I write reviews that relate to the average moviegoer by educating my readers and keeping it fun. My job is to let you know the good, the bad, and the ugly in the world of cinema, so you can have your best moviegoing experience. You can find more of my writing on Instagram @g_reelz.