Movie Review # 726: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith (2005)

And now, let’s discuss the final chapter of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith!

Plot: In the final chapter of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Anakin (Hayden Christensen) slowly begins his descent to the dark side of the Force in an attempt to save his wife, Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) from certain death.

Now, it has been said that of the three prequels for Star Wars, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith has been said to be the best of those. So, is that the case, or would this Star Wars Episode III be overrated in that regard? Well, let me put it to you all this way! There is plenty to love about this film. For one, there is probably a great deal of symbolism in this Star Wars film, most notably with the whole deal of Anakin being told like such as that joining the Dark Side would prove to be for his own good, or that the Jedi were evil instead of Palpatine, and things like that. Palpatine/Darth Sidious was also a great representation of an evil person masquerading as an angel of light. And yeah, the Jedi were also excellent representations of all that was, and is good, and right. This Star Wars prequel also does really well with showing how things like fear, anger, and hate, when taken to the extreme, can lead one down really dark roads, while continuing to do what’s right, and managing negative emotions can do just the opposite. Truthfully, if there was a Star Wars prequel, or even film of the franchise, period, that you can see potential Christian parallels with, it would probably be this one, and Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi (although I have yet to rewatch that one as well fairly soon to confirm that). As for the acting, it was much better than in Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones. Sure, with Natalie Portman, and Hayden Christensen, there were times where their acting in their respective roles was just okay. However, especially with Christensen, though his acting sometimes was just alright, he did an overall better job in his role for Anakin Skywalker this time around. I’m not sure if that was because of the filmmakers hearing from the general audience hearing plenty of negative reactions for his acting, and/or some other factors. One way, or another, people will more than likely have better things to say about his acting for this Star Wars installment. There is also amazing action in this film. Whether it’s Obi-Wan, and Anakin’s fight with Count Dooku in the beginning, Obi-Wan’s fight with General Grievous, Yoda’a duel with Darth Sidious, and especially Obi-Wan, and Anakin’s battle with each other (wow, what a passionate fight that was!), it will help the audience enjoy this film even more. The script also was great as well.

If there was anything negative to say about Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith, it would be a couple things. One would be that there are certain messages that may not have been the best ones to convey for this film. The other was that the ending might have potentially dragged a little too long. Thankfully, not by much, but still.

And that’s my review for Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith. Truth be told, though this installment may be the most sad, and depressing of the franchise (and for obvious reasons), it still did well with serving as a satisfying conclusion to the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The story is mostly well developed, as well as the characters, the acting improves, John Williams’ score is phenomenal, there’s great symbolism, and the action sequences are really, really great to watch. If you haven’t seen this Star Wats film yet, please do! You’ll really enjoy it, despite the tragic tone, I’m sure.

Final Rating: 9/10