Released in 2005, Revenge of the Sith was the most highly anticipated film of the "prequel trilogy" (episodes I-III). The Clone Wars (which started at the end of Episode II) are raging across the galaxy, but the Jedi believe they can end the conflict by capturing the Separatist leader, General Grievous. Obi-Wan is sent to track him down, as the other Jedi lead clone armies against battle droids in skirmishes across the galaxy. Meanwhile, Anakin Skywalker is having premonitions about loss that terrify him, and the Jedi Council is increasingly uneasy about the Dark Side of the Force, sensing a plot to destroy them. They rely on- but don't fully trust- Anakin to report on Chancellor Palpatine's dealings, who continues to accumulate emergency powers to their dismay. As things come to a head, the Sith menace is revealed, promising to grant young Skywalker powers to prevent his premonitions, and Anakin is forced to make a choice- one that will dictate the future of the galaxy.
The only Star Wars film to be rated PG-13 (the others are PG), Episode III is the darkest film, and rightfully so. Here, we see Anakin's descent into Darth Vader, and the tragedy as he brings about the loss he seeks to avoid. We also witness the widespread destruction of the Jedi and the rise of the totalitarian Imperial regime. Only at the end- with the birth of twins Luke and Leia- are we given to believe that there may yet be hope for the future.
This is the best film of the prequels, though the acting and dialogue problems from the first two films persist here, as does the over-reliance on CG. It is an excellent story, executed poorly. In general, you can sum up the prequel trilogy as "a good story, poorly told." Its success is due almost entirely on the fanatic following the original trilogy enjoys to this day- it doesn't stand well on its own.
Rating: B+
No comments:
Post a Comment