Star Wars....Some early ROTS reviews
EDITOR'S NOTE: AVOIDING SPOILERS, AND TRYING NOT TO GET OUR HOPES UP, BUT EARLY ROTS REVIEWS ARE POPPING UP LEFT AND RIGHT.....
FIRST UP, DWEEBPAL DAVIDH. SENDS IN THIS REVIEW:
David's 2 cents: Okay, I just keep getting my hopes higher. Here's something you may not have seen yet, and he's quite careful about spoilers.
Perhaps all the criticism of the last two films made Lucas mean, kinda like kicking a dog. If all the stuff I keep hearing is true (I only skimmed Kevin Smith's, 'cause dorkus can't say two words without a major spoiler), then this will be the first time I've ever been happy that somebody kicked a dog.D- (Editor's note: thank you David H)
(from reviewer/blogger Matt Dentsler)
Just Saw 'Sith'
War!
I just returned from an advance screening of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith here in Austin.
And, my press pals around the nation seem to indicate that Fox scheduled screenings all around the U.S. at precisely the same time. And man, was it a security process to get in. You had to put your signature on the pass, bring a photo ID, etc. etc.
I knew as much about the film as most people did. I haven't read any early reviews, haven't browsed the novelization. I went in cold.
The film itself is easy to describe in a few quick points (and don't worry, no major spoilers):
- It's the most graphically violent and disturbing of all six of the Star Wars films. Just when you think Lucas won't take it too far, he does. It's amazing to think that the guy we all thought had gone soft on us, was really hiding these dark and violent scenes for later.
- This film makes the first two weak prequels well worth it, if we were building up to this. Episodes I and II do make a little more sense. This is the best of the trilogy in the same ways that Return of the King was the best of that trilogy. This one, though, this is the film we've wanted for 20 years.
- Very, very, very little Jar Jar Binks. EDITOR'S NOTE: I HAPPEN TO LIKE JAR JAR, BUT I'VE HAD PROBLEMS GETTING MY MEDS PROPERLY ADJUSTED.
- It's great to witness the actors growing up as performers. Both Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen have matured over the years. I mean, you sit there watching Portman, and you see the momentum of Garden State and Closer shine through.
- The Wookiee planet is awesome. Keep an ear open for a Weismuller-era Tarzan homage. It's classic.
- Everyone's a badass. Sure, you hope Anakin Skywalker becomes more of a badass (and he does). But, Yoda is a bigger badass. Even R2-D2 is a badass for once (just wait and see). Samuel L. Jackson was always a badass.
- The way in which Anakin is pulled over to the Dark Side is totally convincing. I mean, he's supposed to evolve into one of the greatest screen villains of all time, and the process works. You believe the way he was tricked, and how tragic it becomes.
- I wanna spend an entire movie inside the opera/circus/theater that Anakin and Palpatine discuss the legends of the Sith. This "watershow" and its music are intense and amazing. More of that, please.
- Check out the subtle Peter Cushing lookalike, one of the many examples of how Lucas really does tie everything together in a fanboy bow.
- The montage in the middle of the film (I'll call it the "Order 66" sequence and say nothing else) will bring any Star Wars fan to the edge of their seat and grip you more than any sequence in the entire series of the films. It's heartbreaking - and not unexpected - but still presented in a tragic and engrossing manner. It also teases the viewer with some of the other worlds and battles that we didn't spend much time upon... and for once, a Star Wars prequel leaves you wanting more. Wow. I guess that was the whole point. Good job, George Lucas, you clever boy.
EDITOR'S NOTE: I'M WITH YOU, DAVIDH....DON'T WANT TO GET MY HOPES UP, BUT I CAN'T HELP IT AFTER THIS REVIEW!
BUT WAIT....THERE'S MORE!
SITH Reviews Hit the Net
A few reviews for REVENGE OF THE SITH are already going up around the Internet and so far everyone seems to have enjoyed the film a great deal.
Variety reviewer summed it up by stating, "The Force returns with most of its original power regained in "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith." Concluding entry in George Lucas' second three-pack of space epics teems with action, drama and spectacle, and even supplies the odd surge of emotion, as young Anakin Skywalker goes over to the Dark Side and the stage is set for the generation of stories launched by the original "Star Wars" 28 years ago. Whatever one thought of the previous two installments, this dynamic picture irons out most of the problems, and emerges as the best in the overall series since 'The Empire Strikes Back.'"
The Hollywood Reporter gushes with "The final episode of George Lucas' cinematic epic 'Star Wars' ends the six-movie series on such a high note that one feels like yelling out, 'Rewind!' Yes, rewind through more than 13 hours of bravery, treachery, new worlds, odd creatures and human frailty."
And TheForce.net said, "To put it simply, it’s probably the best of the prequels. If you were to ask me to rank all of the films, I’d probably put them in the following order from best to worst: The Empire Strikes Back, A New Hope, Revenge of the Sith, Return of the Jedi, Attack of the Clones, The Phantom Menace
EDITOR'S NOTE: SNIPPETS FROM THE FOLKS AT THEFORCE.NET (CAN'T SHARE THE REVIEWS AS A WHOLE CAUSE THEY ALL SAY THEY'VE GOT BUNCHES OF SPOILERS) -
Joshua on May 6, 2005:I'm not sure if the tear I shed was because this is the last Star Wars movie, or if it was really that good.
Neely's Revenge of the Sith Review on May 6, 2005:All in all the movie was filled with enough action to keep one interested and enough emotion to keep one wanting to believe in it again.
Matt’s Review of Revenge of the Sithon May 6, 2005:The only unfulfilled desire I was left with was the near uncontrollable urge to watch A New Hope the minute I left the theater. EDITOR'S NOTE: AND THIS IS JUST THE EMOTION WE SHOULD HAVE, YES?
AND THANKS TO PLANOKEVIN FOR PASSING THIS ALONG:
Last 'Star Wars' Movie Said Not for Kids
By DAVID GERMAIN
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (AP) - The Force lands in theaters a bit more forcefully in the final installment of George Lucas "Star Wars" tale.
"Episode III - Revenge of the Sith" is the first "Star Wars" tale to receive a PG-13 rating. The movie was screened for reporters Tuesday night at Lucas' Skywalker Ranch, and the PG-13 rating - "for sci-fi violence and some intense images" - is well-deserved. EDITOR'S NOTE: COOL. STAR WARS MEETS "SIN CITY"?
The action is relentless and includes sequences more dark and disturbing than anything previously seen in the tragic Skywalker soap opera.
EDITOR'S NOTE: SOME DECRIPTIONS. SKIMMING AHEAD.....
Young Jedi knight Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) completes his transformation into blackhearted villain Darth Vader with a bloodbath against old allies, the body count including a corridor of "youngling" corpses - Jedi children cut down by his light saber.
Anakin is left gruesomely mutilated in a death duel with former mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). His surgical reclamation as the part-flesh, part-machine Vader is chillingly juxtaposed against the bleak childbirth scene of his wife, Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman), whose twins grow up to be heroes of the original "Star Wars" trilogy, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.
Even cute and cuddly Jedi master Yoda takes his lumps, torched by the electroshock treatment dished out by the saga's puppetmaster, the evil emperor (Ian McDiarmid).
EDITOR'S NOTE: END OF SKIMMING AHEAD SECTION.....
The previous five "Star Wars" flicks all were rated PG, which carry the mild warning "parental guidance suggested," and that some scenes might be unsuitable for children. The PG-13 rating carries the alert "parents strongly cautioned" that some material could be inappropriate for those younger than 13.
"We're getting a lot of flak from parents, a lot of people saying how can you do this? My children love these movies. Why can you not let them go see it?" Lucas told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "But I have to tell a story. I'm not making these, oddly enough, to be giant, successful blockbusters. I'm making them because I'm telling a story, and I have to tell the story I intended."
Of course, the PG-13 rating does not prohibit children under 13 from seeing the film without an adult tagging along. And while it's not likely to make much of a dent in the movie's certain blockbuster status, the rating could give some parents pause.
"These are pretty intense. Who should be allowed to see them should be left up to the parents, but at least they're warned that it's pretty intense," Lucas said. "And obviously, that's not a good business move."
EDITOR'S NOTE: AND HERE'S THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER REVIEW IN ITS ENTIREITY:
Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith
By Kirk Honeycutt
Bottom line: A rousing finale for the "Star Wars" saga that smoothly brings us back to where it all began. EDITOR'S NOTE: YES YES YES!
The final episode of George Lucas' cinematic epic "Star Wars" ends the six-movie series on such a high note that one feels like yelling out, "Rewind!" Yes, rewind through more than 13 hours of bravery, treachery, new worlds, odd creatures and human frailty.
The first two episodes of Lucas' second trilogy -- "The Phantom Menace" (1999) and "Attack of the Clones" (2002) -- caused more than a few fans of the original trilogy to wonder whether this prequel was worth it.
The answer is a qualified yes. It did take a lot of weighty exposition, stiffly played scenes and less-than-magical creatures to get to "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith."
But what a ride Lucas and Company have in store!
Needless to say, international boxoffice will register in the hundreds of millions.
The real question is how much money the entire series, now ready for packaging and repackaging for all sorts of formats and media, will eventually take in.
Let's just say a lot.
What seems like the biggest drawback to "Episode III" turns out to be its strongest element.
Even casual moviegoers know what is in store for the characters, who will wind up at the point where the original "Star Wars" -- now dubbed "Episode IV -- A New Hope" -- began the whole saga nearly 30 years ago.
We know how Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker will turn to the dark side of the Force, how his twin children will be separated at birth and how his former master Obi-Wan Kenobi and the tiny Jedi Master Yoda will turn into his mortal enemies.
Yet watching these fates unfold with such tragic inevitability, watching each piece fall into place, is genuinely thrilling.
In fact, knowing that these strong characters cannot and will not escape their fate is what moves us.
EDITOR'S NOTE: EXPOSITION....I'M SKIPPING AHEAD. PROBABLY NOT SPOILERS, BUT I DON'T WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING I DON'T HAVE TO.
The movie opens with a bang. Anakin (Hayden Christensen) and Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), swashbuckling Knights in jet planes, swoop into a Sith space armada, batting off various attack forces with seasoned aplomb. In the main battleship, Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) and his coyote-faced, metal-skeletoned droid ally General Grievous -- one of many computerized characters -- hold the Republic's Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) prisoner.
Action goes nonstop for more than 20 minutes as the two Jedi Knights supply the jaunty, gravity-defying heroics, while the robot R2D2 (Kenny Baker) delivers brilliant comic action.
This holds true throughout the new film as writer-director Lucas does a much better job of interweaving comedy with the dramatic and even tragic.
The seduction of the troubled Anakin to the dark side and the turn of the cool, cerebral Palpatine into the dictator of the Galactic Empire occur in an intelligent and persuasive way.
The movie opens with the now traditional receding title crawl, which informs us that in the galactic warfare that has broken out, there are "heroes on both sides" and "evil is everywhere."
Understandably, Anakin doesn't know whom to trust.
As it is, he leads a double life, having secretly married beauteous Sen. Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman). Her pregnancy will now force that secret into the open and cause him to lose his knighthood.
Even more pressing, the rescued Palpatine brings Anakin into his confidence and plants doubts in his mind about the Jedi council. Sure enough, Council head Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) signals that he has lost his trust in Anakin.Palpatine gets Anakin appointed to the council, but Anakin is not allowed to assume to title of master.
Even more troubling, each side -- Palpatine and Obi-Wan -- comes to Anakin to ask him to spy on the other side. Soon dreams suggest to Anakin that Padme will die in childbirth. Palpatine hints to the distraught husband that only by exploring the Force more fully can he save his wife.
EDITOR'S NOTE: END OF EXPOSITION SECTION.
Poor dialogue and wooden acting still inflict the second trilogy. The tragic dimension of Anakin's dilemma can only barely withstand lines like this from Padme: "You're a good person. Don't do this." Many dialogue scenes, brief as they are, feel awkward and unnatural. Such scenes start cold -- we can almost sense the clapboard moving out of camera frame -- and end with long, lingering shots of actors' blank faces. Yet in face of the epic grandeur of the film's design and action, these are mere quibbles.
Now completely at home with digital filmmaking, Lucas can blaze a pioneering path as no one else. Shooting on soundstages in Australia and Britain with additional photography in China, Thailand, Switzerland, Italy and Tunisia, Lucas thrusts viewers into pitched battles in looming caverns and giant space ships or a lightsaber duel on a river of molten lava.
Combining choreographic action aesthetics that are American, Chinese and other worldly, Lucas has redefined fantasy filmmaking with "Star Wars," while teaching a generation of filmmakers to accept no limitations.
Cinematographer David Tattersall makes everything match beautifully, while editors Roger Barton and Ben Burtt (the latter also credited with the ingenious sound design) propel the story ever forward.
John Williams, Lucas' music collaborator through all six films, is content to rumble melodically in the background with only brief emotional swells at key moments.
Trisha Biggar's costumes and all the props and makeup are delicious fun, genuinely integral parts of the storytelling. And the CG creatures are more lifelike than ever. A particular standout is a giant lizard McGregor gets to ride.Yes, by all means, rewind! EDITOR'S NOTE: I AM NOW OFFICIALLY GOOSEBUMPY WITH ANTICIPATION!
EDITOR'S NOTE: ADDENDUM TO
REVIEWS/THIS JUST IN (330PM,
SATURDAY MAY 7TH) -
Spoiler Free Review of Episode III
Many of you want to know what Josh and Scott EDITOR'S NOTE: FROM THEFORCE.NET thought of 'Revenge of the Sith', but don't want to read any spoiler filled reviews.
Here are some questions we put to them about the film:
Q) Is it better than Episodes I & II?
Josh: WAY
Scott: Yes. It retains all the high points of the previous films and tones down the weak points.
Q) Is it better than 'The Empire Strikes Back'?
Josh: NO, but maybe better than 'Return of the Jedi'.
Scott: No, it's not better. 'Revenge of the Sith' isn't bad, but 'The Empire Strikes Back' had a better story, better acting, and a cool revelation.
Q) Is it as dark as they say it is?
Josh: YES, but it could have been taken further.
Scott: It's very dark, but I was expecting it to be gorier and more shocking than it was. But it's still dark.
Q) Is it suitable for children.
Josh: NO, it is PG-13. See if first than decide about your situation.
Scott: It depends entirely on the kid. If in doubt, go see it without them first.
Q) Does the length of the movie work.
Josh: YES, but there is alot to do in 2 hours (20 minutes).
Scott: Yes, the 2+ hours fly by.
Q) How does the movie flow?
Josh: 1st quarter is AWESOME, 2nd quarter is cheesy and drags a bit, 3rd and 4th rock super hard.
Scott: The first quarter is very lighthearted and fun. The second quarter is very slow because characters are being repositioned for the final half of the film. The second quarter also has some more weak romantic stuff. The last half of the film is almost non-stop action.
Q) Does the chemistry between Anakin & Padme get any better :)
Josh: Better ... still not perfect, but better.
Scott: It is better, but mainly when they are crying and fighting with each other. Portman and Christensen brood and cry well. The romance is still pur cheese.
Q) What grade would you give it?
Josh: B+ ... if I see it again I'd LOVE to make it an A-
Scott: After a first viewing I'll say a B to a B+. Ask me again after my second viewing.
Q) Do you need to see the movie twice to digest what's going on?
Josh: YES, absolutely!
Scott: Multiple viewings will be good for catcing everything. I tried to point out Easter Eggs to the guy next to me during the screening and even he missed them. Some of the plot may be confusing if you're spoiler free. I definitely recommend reading the novelization for more of the story that isn't explained in the film.
Q) How does the soundtrack work in the movie?
Josh: Pretty good ... a couple of eeire spots it is GREAT. The main theme is weaker than 'Across the Stars' and 'Duel of the Fates'.
Scott: I wasn't blown away by it, but there were a few scenes where it worked well. The battle scenes have great music and there's eerie stuff as the Sith are revealed.
Q) Did you leave the screening feeling satisfied?
Josh: Yes, pretty satisfied I think. If anything I wish it was a bit more over the top in parts ... but still ultimately satisfied that this is by far the best of the prequels.
Scott: Yes. It wasn't a train wreck, but it wasn't the best Star Wars film either. That being said, it was pretty satisfying to see the classic trilogy and prequel trilogy connected together
FIRST UP, DWEEBPAL DAVIDH. SENDS IN THIS REVIEW:
David's 2 cents: Okay, I just keep getting my hopes higher. Here's something you may not have seen yet, and he's quite careful about spoilers.
Perhaps all the criticism of the last two films made Lucas mean, kinda like kicking a dog. If all the stuff I keep hearing is true (I only skimmed Kevin Smith's, 'cause dorkus can't say two words without a major spoiler), then this will be the first time I've ever been happy that somebody kicked a dog.D- (Editor's note: thank you David H)
(from reviewer/blogger Matt Dentsler)
Just Saw 'Sith'
War!
I just returned from an advance screening of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith here in Austin.
And, my press pals around the nation seem to indicate that Fox scheduled screenings all around the U.S. at precisely the same time. And man, was it a security process to get in. You had to put your signature on the pass, bring a photo ID, etc. etc.
I knew as much about the film as most people did. I haven't read any early reviews, haven't browsed the novelization. I went in cold.
The film itself is easy to describe in a few quick points (and don't worry, no major spoilers):
- It's the most graphically violent and disturbing of all six of the Star Wars films. Just when you think Lucas won't take it too far, he does. It's amazing to think that the guy we all thought had gone soft on us, was really hiding these dark and violent scenes for later.
- This film makes the first two weak prequels well worth it, if we were building up to this. Episodes I and II do make a little more sense. This is the best of the trilogy in the same ways that Return of the King was the best of that trilogy. This one, though, this is the film we've wanted for 20 years.
- Very, very, very little Jar Jar Binks. EDITOR'S NOTE: I HAPPEN TO LIKE JAR JAR, BUT I'VE HAD PROBLEMS GETTING MY MEDS PROPERLY ADJUSTED.
- It's great to witness the actors growing up as performers. Both Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen have matured over the years. I mean, you sit there watching Portman, and you see the momentum of Garden State and Closer shine through.
- The Wookiee planet is awesome. Keep an ear open for a Weismuller-era Tarzan homage. It's classic.
- Everyone's a badass. Sure, you hope Anakin Skywalker becomes more of a badass (and he does). But, Yoda is a bigger badass. Even R2-D2 is a badass for once (just wait and see). Samuel L. Jackson was always a badass.
- The way in which Anakin is pulled over to the Dark Side is totally convincing. I mean, he's supposed to evolve into one of the greatest screen villains of all time, and the process works. You believe the way he was tricked, and how tragic it becomes.
- I wanna spend an entire movie inside the opera/circus/theater that Anakin and Palpatine discuss the legends of the Sith. This "watershow" and its music are intense and amazing. More of that, please.
- Check out the subtle Peter Cushing lookalike, one of the many examples of how Lucas really does tie everything together in a fanboy bow.
- The montage in the middle of the film (I'll call it the "Order 66" sequence and say nothing else) will bring any Star Wars fan to the edge of their seat and grip you more than any sequence in the entire series of the films. It's heartbreaking - and not unexpected - but still presented in a tragic and engrossing manner. It also teases the viewer with some of the other worlds and battles that we didn't spend much time upon... and for once, a Star Wars prequel leaves you wanting more. Wow. I guess that was the whole point. Good job, George Lucas, you clever boy.
EDITOR'S NOTE: I'M WITH YOU, DAVIDH....DON'T WANT TO GET MY HOPES UP, BUT I CAN'T HELP IT AFTER THIS REVIEW!
BUT WAIT....THERE'S MORE!
SITH Reviews Hit the Net
A few reviews for REVENGE OF THE SITH are already going up around the Internet and so far everyone seems to have enjoyed the film a great deal.
Variety reviewer summed it up by stating, "The Force returns with most of its original power regained in "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith." Concluding entry in George Lucas' second three-pack of space epics teems with action, drama and spectacle, and even supplies the odd surge of emotion, as young Anakin Skywalker goes over to the Dark Side and the stage is set for the generation of stories launched by the original "Star Wars" 28 years ago. Whatever one thought of the previous two installments, this dynamic picture irons out most of the problems, and emerges as the best in the overall series since 'The Empire Strikes Back.'"
The Hollywood Reporter gushes with "The final episode of George Lucas' cinematic epic 'Star Wars' ends the six-movie series on such a high note that one feels like yelling out, 'Rewind!' Yes, rewind through more than 13 hours of bravery, treachery, new worlds, odd creatures and human frailty."
And TheForce.net said, "To put it simply, it’s probably the best of the prequels. If you were to ask me to rank all of the films, I’d probably put them in the following order from best to worst: The Empire Strikes Back, A New Hope, Revenge of the Sith, Return of the Jedi, Attack of the Clones, The Phantom Menace
EDITOR'S NOTE: SNIPPETS FROM THE FOLKS AT THEFORCE.NET (CAN'T SHARE THE REVIEWS AS A WHOLE CAUSE THEY ALL SAY THEY'VE GOT BUNCHES OF SPOILERS) -
Joshua on May 6, 2005:I'm not sure if the tear I shed was because this is the last Star Wars movie, or if it was really that good.
Neely's Revenge of the Sith Review on May 6, 2005:All in all the movie was filled with enough action to keep one interested and enough emotion to keep one wanting to believe in it again.
Matt’s Review of Revenge of the Sithon May 6, 2005:The only unfulfilled desire I was left with was the near uncontrollable urge to watch A New Hope the minute I left the theater. EDITOR'S NOTE: AND THIS IS JUST THE EMOTION WE SHOULD HAVE, YES?
AND THANKS TO PLANOKEVIN FOR PASSING THIS ALONG:
Last 'Star Wars' Movie Said Not for Kids
By DAVID GERMAIN
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (AP) - The Force lands in theaters a bit more forcefully in the final installment of George Lucas "Star Wars" tale.
"Episode III - Revenge of the Sith" is the first "Star Wars" tale to receive a PG-13 rating. The movie was screened for reporters Tuesday night at Lucas' Skywalker Ranch, and the PG-13 rating - "for sci-fi violence and some intense images" - is well-deserved. EDITOR'S NOTE: COOL. STAR WARS MEETS "SIN CITY"?
The action is relentless and includes sequences more dark and disturbing than anything previously seen in the tragic Skywalker soap opera.
EDITOR'S NOTE: SOME DECRIPTIONS. SKIMMING AHEAD.....
Young Jedi knight Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) completes his transformation into blackhearted villain Darth Vader with a bloodbath against old allies, the body count including a corridor of "youngling" corpses - Jedi children cut down by his light saber.
Anakin is left gruesomely mutilated in a death duel with former mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). His surgical reclamation as the part-flesh, part-machine Vader is chillingly juxtaposed against the bleak childbirth scene of his wife, Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman), whose twins grow up to be heroes of the original "Star Wars" trilogy, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.
Even cute and cuddly Jedi master Yoda takes his lumps, torched by the electroshock treatment dished out by the saga's puppetmaster, the evil emperor (Ian McDiarmid).
EDITOR'S NOTE: END OF SKIMMING AHEAD SECTION.....
The previous five "Star Wars" flicks all were rated PG, which carry the mild warning "parental guidance suggested," and that some scenes might be unsuitable for children. The PG-13 rating carries the alert "parents strongly cautioned" that some material could be inappropriate for those younger than 13.
"We're getting a lot of flak from parents, a lot of people saying how can you do this? My children love these movies. Why can you not let them go see it?" Lucas told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "But I have to tell a story. I'm not making these, oddly enough, to be giant, successful blockbusters. I'm making them because I'm telling a story, and I have to tell the story I intended."
Of course, the PG-13 rating does not prohibit children under 13 from seeing the film without an adult tagging along. And while it's not likely to make much of a dent in the movie's certain blockbuster status, the rating could give some parents pause.
"These are pretty intense. Who should be allowed to see them should be left up to the parents, but at least they're warned that it's pretty intense," Lucas said. "And obviously, that's not a good business move."
EDITOR'S NOTE: AND HERE'S THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER REVIEW IN ITS ENTIREITY:
Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith
By Kirk Honeycutt
Bottom line: A rousing finale for the "Star Wars" saga that smoothly brings us back to where it all began. EDITOR'S NOTE: YES YES YES!
The final episode of George Lucas' cinematic epic "Star Wars" ends the six-movie series on such a high note that one feels like yelling out, "Rewind!" Yes, rewind through more than 13 hours of bravery, treachery, new worlds, odd creatures and human frailty.
The first two episodes of Lucas' second trilogy -- "The Phantom Menace" (1999) and "Attack of the Clones" (2002) -- caused more than a few fans of the original trilogy to wonder whether this prequel was worth it.
The answer is a qualified yes. It did take a lot of weighty exposition, stiffly played scenes and less-than-magical creatures to get to "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith."
But what a ride Lucas and Company have in store!
Needless to say, international boxoffice will register in the hundreds of millions.
The real question is how much money the entire series, now ready for packaging and repackaging for all sorts of formats and media, will eventually take in.
Let's just say a lot.
What seems like the biggest drawback to "Episode III" turns out to be its strongest element.
Even casual moviegoers know what is in store for the characters, who will wind up at the point where the original "Star Wars" -- now dubbed "Episode IV -- A New Hope" -- began the whole saga nearly 30 years ago.
We know how Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker will turn to the dark side of the Force, how his twin children will be separated at birth and how his former master Obi-Wan Kenobi and the tiny Jedi Master Yoda will turn into his mortal enemies.
Yet watching these fates unfold with such tragic inevitability, watching each piece fall into place, is genuinely thrilling.
In fact, knowing that these strong characters cannot and will not escape their fate is what moves us.
EDITOR'S NOTE: EXPOSITION....I'M SKIPPING AHEAD. PROBABLY NOT SPOILERS, BUT I DON'T WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING I DON'T HAVE TO.
The movie opens with a bang. Anakin (Hayden Christensen) and Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), swashbuckling Knights in jet planes, swoop into a Sith space armada, batting off various attack forces with seasoned aplomb. In the main battleship, Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) and his coyote-faced, metal-skeletoned droid ally General Grievous -- one of many computerized characters -- hold the Republic's Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) prisoner.
Action goes nonstop for more than 20 minutes as the two Jedi Knights supply the jaunty, gravity-defying heroics, while the robot R2D2 (Kenny Baker) delivers brilliant comic action.
This holds true throughout the new film as writer-director Lucas does a much better job of interweaving comedy with the dramatic and even tragic.
The seduction of the troubled Anakin to the dark side and the turn of the cool, cerebral Palpatine into the dictator of the Galactic Empire occur in an intelligent and persuasive way.
The movie opens with the now traditional receding title crawl, which informs us that in the galactic warfare that has broken out, there are "heroes on both sides" and "evil is everywhere."
Understandably, Anakin doesn't know whom to trust.
As it is, he leads a double life, having secretly married beauteous Sen. Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman). Her pregnancy will now force that secret into the open and cause him to lose his knighthood.
Even more pressing, the rescued Palpatine brings Anakin into his confidence and plants doubts in his mind about the Jedi council. Sure enough, Council head Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) signals that he has lost his trust in Anakin.Palpatine gets Anakin appointed to the council, but Anakin is not allowed to assume to title of master.
Even more troubling, each side -- Palpatine and Obi-Wan -- comes to Anakin to ask him to spy on the other side. Soon dreams suggest to Anakin that Padme will die in childbirth. Palpatine hints to the distraught husband that only by exploring the Force more fully can he save his wife.
EDITOR'S NOTE: END OF EXPOSITION SECTION.
Poor dialogue and wooden acting still inflict the second trilogy. The tragic dimension of Anakin's dilemma can only barely withstand lines like this from Padme: "You're a good person. Don't do this." Many dialogue scenes, brief as they are, feel awkward and unnatural. Such scenes start cold -- we can almost sense the clapboard moving out of camera frame -- and end with long, lingering shots of actors' blank faces. Yet in face of the epic grandeur of the film's design and action, these are mere quibbles.
Now completely at home with digital filmmaking, Lucas can blaze a pioneering path as no one else. Shooting on soundstages in Australia and Britain with additional photography in China, Thailand, Switzerland, Italy and Tunisia, Lucas thrusts viewers into pitched battles in looming caverns and giant space ships or a lightsaber duel on a river of molten lava.
Combining choreographic action aesthetics that are American, Chinese and other worldly, Lucas has redefined fantasy filmmaking with "Star Wars," while teaching a generation of filmmakers to accept no limitations.
Cinematographer David Tattersall makes everything match beautifully, while editors Roger Barton and Ben Burtt (the latter also credited with the ingenious sound design) propel the story ever forward.
John Williams, Lucas' music collaborator through all six films, is content to rumble melodically in the background with only brief emotional swells at key moments.
Trisha Biggar's costumes and all the props and makeup are delicious fun, genuinely integral parts of the storytelling. And the CG creatures are more lifelike than ever. A particular standout is a giant lizard McGregor gets to ride.Yes, by all means, rewind! EDITOR'S NOTE: I AM NOW OFFICIALLY GOOSEBUMPY WITH ANTICIPATION!
EDITOR'S NOTE: ADDENDUM TO
REVIEWS/THIS JUST IN (330PM,
SATURDAY MAY 7TH) -
Spoiler Free Review of Episode III
Many of you want to know what Josh and Scott EDITOR'S NOTE: FROM THEFORCE.NET thought of 'Revenge of the Sith', but don't want to read any spoiler filled reviews.
Here are some questions we put to them about the film:
Q) Is it better than Episodes I & II?
Josh: WAY
Scott: Yes. It retains all the high points of the previous films and tones down the weak points.
Q) Is it better than 'The Empire Strikes Back'?
Josh: NO, but maybe better than 'Return of the Jedi'.
Scott: No, it's not better. 'Revenge of the Sith' isn't bad, but 'The Empire Strikes Back' had a better story, better acting, and a cool revelation.
Q) Is it as dark as they say it is?
Josh: YES, but it could have been taken further.
Scott: It's very dark, but I was expecting it to be gorier and more shocking than it was. But it's still dark.
Q) Is it suitable for children.
Josh: NO, it is PG-13. See if first than decide about your situation.
Scott: It depends entirely on the kid. If in doubt, go see it without them first.
Q) Does the length of the movie work.
Josh: YES, but there is alot to do in 2 hours (20 minutes).
Scott: Yes, the 2+ hours fly by.
Q) How does the movie flow?
Josh: 1st quarter is AWESOME, 2nd quarter is cheesy and drags a bit, 3rd and 4th rock super hard.
Scott: The first quarter is very lighthearted and fun. The second quarter is very slow because characters are being repositioned for the final half of the film. The second quarter also has some more weak romantic stuff. The last half of the film is almost non-stop action.
Q) Does the chemistry between Anakin & Padme get any better :)
Josh: Better ... still not perfect, but better.
Scott: It is better, but mainly when they are crying and fighting with each other. Portman and Christensen brood and cry well. The romance is still pur cheese.
Q) What grade would you give it?
Josh: B+ ... if I see it again I'd LOVE to make it an A-
Scott: After a first viewing I'll say a B to a B+. Ask me again after my second viewing.
Q) Do you need to see the movie twice to digest what's going on?
Josh: YES, absolutely!
Scott: Multiple viewings will be good for catcing everything. I tried to point out Easter Eggs to the guy next to me during the screening and even he missed them. Some of the plot may be confusing if you're spoiler free. I definitely recommend reading the novelization for more of the story that isn't explained in the film.
Q) How does the soundtrack work in the movie?
Josh: Pretty good ... a couple of eeire spots it is GREAT. The main theme is weaker than 'Across the Stars' and 'Duel of the Fates'.
Scott: I wasn't blown away by it, but there were a few scenes where it worked well. The battle scenes have great music and there's eerie stuff as the Sith are revealed.
Q) Did you leave the screening feeling satisfied?
Josh: Yes, pretty satisfied I think. If anything I wish it was a bit more over the top in parts ... but still ultimately satisfied that this is by far the best of the prequels.
Scott: Yes. It wasn't a train wreck, but it wasn't the best Star Wars film either. That being said, it was pretty satisfying to see the classic trilogy and prequel trilogy connected together
posted by QOTD (the Queen of the Dweebs) at 7:18 PM
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