Star Wars strikes back with a vengeance.....

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Title:
Star Wars Episode 3: The Revenge of the Sith (B+)
Release Date:
May 19, 2005
Actors:
Ewan Mcgregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid, Jimmy Smits
Writer and Director:
George Lucas
Music:
John Williams
Cinematographer:
David Tattersall
Producer:
Rick McCallum
Studio:
20th Century Fox


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“may the force be with you”

The third and the final installment of the prequel to the earlier concluded six-part saga has finally come to an end. I was NEVER a Star Wars fan and prior to this movie, I’ve only seen one part of the series. Gaining good reviews and breaking box office records, does this film really live up to all the hype it’s been getting? or is it that all there is --- pure hype and a contrived response to show Lucas that his moneymaking ideas are worthy of praise?


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I never saw Episode 2, after the disappointing turnout on my first attempt to be enlightened about the series courtesy of Episode 1, it convinced me that it will be much better to put the two and a half hours of my unequally exhilarating life to much better use. In complete defense of myself, I did attempt to rent a copy of it a week before the release of Sith but I can’t find one, so spare me from the charge of being judgmental cuz to be honest, it’s one thing I am widely known for. Wahehe...


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In this chapter, Anakin Skywalker (Christensen), now on his verge of being a man, tagged along Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) to rescue the pedophile-looking supreme chancellor of the republic in the hands of the Separatists. But first, they must pass the hand-cutting Count Dooku (Lee) , and the army leader General Grievous (Wood). The two succeeded in their primary mission but failed to capture Grievous.

When they arrived home, Padme (Portman) surprised the curly-haired chosen one of the soon arrival of their first baby. The happy moment turns catastrophic as Anakin started to have dreams of Amidala dying of childbirth, due to his previous clairvoyance record, he started to be bothered and completely distraught for what he considered will be the worst time of his life. Phedopile comes in, make his evil moves to draw the young man into his pants, I mean arms, I mean side. And unless your completely unacquainted with this cult-friendly series then you probably know what will happen and how things all came about.


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I’m not as ecstatic with this movie as some critics are, however, I do believe that it is a good film. Miles better than the Phantom Menace. Why? First, this movie despite occurring in a galaxy far far away, was very believable. The humanity of the characters finally came about unlike with the menace where its characters were as emotionally uncharged as R2-D2. Second, there were not much irritating battle scenes that will turn-off even the maker of Matrix Reloaded. And third, the story is more juicy than cheesy.

George Lucas, have so much faith in this project as a whole and extremely proud with this movie. He finally realized that he is actually supposed to show the slow amalgamation of Anakin to the dark side and his complete submission. That in order to achieve that believable effect, and make this movie as deserving of all the hype it enjoys, he must shy away from making another children’s book adaptation and make an emotionally charged sci-fi adventure. He succeeded and he’s enjoying all the perks this simple concept has given him.


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Lucas, despite having both written and directed the earlier five movies, did manage to direct the action scenes well, but when it comes for him to turn it down and concentrate on the story itself, he slowly sinks, but smartly, before the movie does completely, he’ll save it with another action sequence. This caused me, and may cause you some really awkward feeling as you watch the movie and you start to think there’s something really wrong but you can’t pinpoint on it. You don’t know if it’s the phasing, the editing or simply the script and direction.


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But I do applaud him for making such a brilliant conclusion as to how Anakin became Darth Vader. I didn’t like the screaming at the near end of the movie, thought ‘twas such a terrible cliché. I do wonder though, how come Yoda uses a stick when he walks and does it as if he can no longer do so without them but can fight like a young gremlin on the loose? It’s completely weird and kinda crazy at the same time.

Aside from the grand visual effects, viewers will also feast their eyes on some incredibly beautiful production design. The music is quite impressive as well. The cinematography offers nothing new, but well done enough to have its compelling moments. The only problem I have is with the editing, which I don’t solely blame for some of the discomfited scenes of the movie.


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Ewan Mcgregor outshined everyone in this movie, even Natalie Portman. Speaking of which, she’s as pretty as ever but has lesser exposure than expected. Hayden Christensen did have great moments, but the number of his incredibly out of his depth look and actions clouded them. He is very inconsistent. I was surprise though to see how big he has grown, from being that skinny white boy in Life as a House and Higher Ground, he’s now the hunky, and I mean hunky, jedi non-master.

Revenge of the Sith, is not a perfect movie, but it is considerably one of the strongest part of the series and the finest amongst the prequels. It is very different from the earlier two Star Wars for the simple reason that it’s more mature. This leads me to the point that this may not be the best movie to bring your children with. Not only does it possess violent scenes such as cutting a head off with a glowing blue fluorescent lamp, but story wise it becomes dull and terribly serious.


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Now, don’t get me wrong, this Star Wars has a lot of values to share but the only way yur children can understand them is if you take the time to explain it to them. I’m not convince that it’s a great family movie, because the possibility of it becoming a great family disaster is pretty high. Watching it with a barkada can also not be the best idea especially if they don’t appreciate CGI movies. But there’s one thing I am sure of, that whoever said that Lucas will not be able to end this series with a bang, in the words, of master Yoda, wrong you are so.. Lucas just had his revenge and it's coming in millions...

Grading Sheet:
Story – 18%
Screenplay – 15%
Direction / Execution – 16%
Acting – 15%
Technical Aspect – 18%
Total: 59% = B+

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