bobafred

This is going to be a long post, methinks.

I attended a 05/19/2005 7:45 pm showing of SW:EP3:ROTS with Cyanbane, Edgemoor, Lindsey, and Tish and I have to say that I am more than happy with the results. Was it the best movie ever? No. Was it the best SW movie ever? No, there will always be Empire. Was it the best SW movie of the new trilogy? Yes, easily. Am I sad that it is the last SW movie? Yes.

<spoilers>

Ok. Everyone knows the ultimate conclusion to this story: Anakin becomes Vader, lots of Jedi die, and Luke and Leia are born. The way the story unfolds is where the fun lies. Three years have passed since the events of AOTC and The Clones Wars continue. Obi-Wan and Anakin have spent the time in battle in a seemingly endless quest to capture/destroy General Grievous, the leader of the droid army. Mr. Grievous has also kidnapped Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.

The opening scene affords much action and the space battle is unlike anything ever seen in previous SW movies. The way the camera follows the action, twisting and turning as the ships carve a path through the battle, is amazing. Early on a confrontation between the Jedi heroes and Count Dooku occurs, and it helps to illustrate just how powerful Anakin has become. Along with power, Anakin continues to struggle with controlling his anger, boldness, and defiance. Its really interesting to see how much pressure he puts on himself to do what is right by the Jedi Order, his plotting mentor Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, and his pregnant wife. Ultimately, its his fear of loosing Padme and the promises of unlimited power that turn Anakin to the dark side.

Enough of this, let us get to the meat that everyone has waited for. This movie is dark as hell and definitely deserving of its PG-13 rating. The last half of the movie is a downward spiral for Anakin into the depths of evil that culminates in the most important light saber battle ever. The ending battle is exactly what I was hoping for: action packed, fast paced, and most importantly, emotional. Over the course of the prequel trilogy Obi-Wan and Anakin have gone from a teacher/student to a father-figure/son to a brother relationship. The emotions come across loud and clear. Anakin is seemingly destroyed and left for dead, but we know better. You will be overwhelmingly satisfied with these scenes. And, these aren’t the droids you’re looking for.

I would be lying if I said that I was totally happy with the movie, and so is anyone else that tells you they were. For the most part, I would say that the Jedi went out like bitches. I was especially sad to see Kit Fisto, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Plo Koon disposed of so easily. I realize that the odds where heavily against them and the story needed to progress at a fair enough pace, but they were Jedi Masters. There was also a good (which is bad) amount of cheesy love dialog. I have no problem with this being in the movie, it is a major contributor to Anakin’s turn, but it was just acted poorly. I would also have liked to see a little explanation of why Yoda picks Dagobah as his new home. From reading some of the extended universe, I learned that the reason is that there is a dark presence on Dagobah that masks him. Remember Luke’s failure at the cave? Yeah, there is something dark about that place. Yoda even mentions how the cave is strong with the dark side of the force in Empire, but still would have been nice.

Where we should concentrate our thoughts is what was done well. Palpatine’s revealing of his true identity to Anakin was great. Ian McDiarmid is a fantastic actor, and pulled off the transition wonderfully. His retelling of a former Sith Master who could manipulate the midi-chlorians to create life perfectly explains Anakin not having a father. Of course, there is the fight between Yoda and Palpatine, two masters of their respective sides. One thing that was going to go on my list of things that I was disappointed with was how when some Jedi die, they fade away (Obi-Wan, Yoda) and others do not (Qui-Gon, everyone else). But, after a discussion with me co-worker Zane, we sort of figured that had to do with the new skill that Qui-Gon had learned in death to separate yourself from the physical and have your consciousness exist forever. Yoda reveals that Qui-Gon will be training him and Obi-Wan in this skill. This is even further substantiated by what I read here over at The Bits. Please let this exist on the DVD release. Please please. And, of course, there is the construction of Vader. The mask comes down, the face piece gets put on, you hear the pressurization of the seals, and then the first menacing breath. Wow, good stuff. Also, nice to see James Earl Jones back as the voice of Vader.

I truly feel that Lucas and co. have tied things up wonderfully. The ending really leads into ANH well, even though there are 18 years to go before these events take place.

In conclusion, I say that Anakin remains the chosen one and has fulfilled the prophecy. He has in fact brought balance to the Force. There are now two Jedi and two Sith. That seems like balance to me, but thats just my interpretation.

</spoilers>

It is being reported that ROTS has gone on to make $50 million in its opening *day*, Force choking the previous record of $44 million for Shrek 2 and completely destroying the biggest opening *weekend* total so far this year of $43.1 million for Hitch. I have a good feeling about this.

If you haven’t seen it, you should. I’m sure to see it at least a few more times in the theater. Also, my sources suggest a late November 2005 DVD release. Just in time for the Christmas season.