This was going to be the final Star Wars movie, again. By the release of Episode III the prequels had their haters. But love em or hate em, the premiere of the “final” Star Wars was and always will be a communal thing. A gathering of fans young and old, a celebration of everything Star Wars. Standing in line we didn't talk about our favorite moments from the prequels, we discussed what makes Star Wars special to us.
To this day the line for Episode III holds the record for most crowded line that I've waited for a movie in. 4 auditoriums all sold out.
If I had to choose a favorite prequel then I'd pick STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH. It has it's problems just like the other two films but I find it the most re-watchable of the three. Thanks in large part to the highly recommended television series STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. The most Star Wars-ish thing concerning the Prequels. Yeah it's a cartoon, but the spirit of Star Wars is in full swing.
Pretty much what I don't like about the Prequels remains to be true in this film. The overabundance of lightsabers, Sith using lightsabers, bad dialogue, and dumbing down the story for kids. Some new criticisms are the Wookie planet, and not just bad, but terrible dialogue.
In fear of just repeating popular criticisms about this film, I am just going to highlight some criticisms that myself and some friends have developed over the years.
With the help of Red Letter Media and long discussions about Star Wars with friends and fellow peers, I've come to the belief that Siths using lightsabers is dumb. You never see The Emperor use one at the end of RETURN OF THE JEDI. In fact he mocks the weapon of a Jedi. The only reason Darth Vader uses one is because he used to be a Jedi.
Wouldn't it have been more bad ass if Palpatine had just used The Force and Force Lightning when Mace Windu and some Jedi came to arrest his? And while we're on this topic. Wasn't the death of Mace Windu some of the most awkward acting and terrible dialogue in the history of a Star Wars film?
It took 22 years but George Lucas finally got to put Wookie planet in a Star Wars film. 22 years and a whole lot of nothing. Be sure to buy your Episode III Chewbacca action figure today! To be fair, I understand that after THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK it's always been about action figures. Just ask George. And every kids first favorite Star Wars character is a Chewbacca.
What was destined to be my favorite lightsaber duel, Anakin Skywalker vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi , turned out to be cool but a little too choreographed for my taste. Unless it was to signify that they are equal in skill? But I highly doubt it.
So what did I like in STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH?
George Lucas has always said he is a visual storyteller. One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Mace Windu tells Anakin to go back to his quarters and wait for further instructions while he goes to arrest Palpatine on charges of being a Sith Lord. Anakin can't stand this while he broods in his apartment. Across the way in another building is his wife Padme. The two have a connection. You see, Anakin has foreseen the death of Padme and Palpatine is the only one who can “save her”. It's a nice quite scene and you can see the emotion of Anakin betraying the Force and trusting his feelings instead! I loved the scene in the theater and still love it today!
But my favorite scene has to be the opera house scene. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has invited Anakin to the opera. While watch the performance Palpatine proceeds to tell Anakin a story about a Sith Lord who had the power to keep one from dying. Both actors do an excellent job. Anakin, already broken by the dark side is easily manipulated by the Supreme Chancellor's story.
So when it comes to revisiting the Prequels I'd rather just watch the cartoon series and this movie. The other two Prequels become dull to watch, especially Episode II.
Now that I've finished talking about Episodes I, II, and III it's time talk about the films that really matter. The original trilogy. And I cannot wait! Expect these not to come out so soon because I want to re-watch them and say all that I want to say about them.
Stay tuned and may the Force be with you!
No comments:
Post a Comment