Splitting the Difference: Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

By Jonathan Berohn

When Star Wars hit the big screen in 1977, it was so obviously something new, fresh, and different, that the buzz around has carried the franchise through 28 years to its conclusion with Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.  If writing that last sentence made me feel old (and it did), actually seeing the film didn’t help much.  Certainly, any Star Wars release is a must see for even the weakest fan, but Revenge of the Sith is certainly carried by the effects—it’s the perfect film for the teenage fans.

The Dark Side

I have long ago come to accept that enjoying Star Wars means accepting that plot, dialogue and acting get, shall we say, short shrift.  We might also say that they are horrible, but that would be going too far—a little.  We are, fortunately, spared a reprise from Anakin’s mother in Revenge of the Sith, but her absence only serves to draw attention to the fact that Anakin can’t act worth a lick either.

The Light Side

That said, you should see the film.  The special effects are simply incredible.  From the space battles and the droid armies to bizarre alien worlds and the numerous light saber duels, the visuals are simply epic in both their scope and their execution.  The climactic scene on a volcanic inferno of a world takes things even higher.  There is, it should also be said, a certain satisfaction is seeing the story come full circle and learning how Darth Vader donned his mask.  Once you realign your own force to accept that this is a Star Wars film, you can’t help but have a good time.

PG-13

One serious complaint I do have with Revenge of the Sith is the darkness and violence and the rating they earned.  I have no problem with George Lucas deciding to make a darker movie for an older audience.  What I do have a problem with is the advertising on Nickelodeon and selling a gazillion toys anyway.  His movie is too old for kids, but they should buy all his stuff anyway?  That’s fair to neither kids nor the parents who either have to play the ogre or give in and hope there are no nightmares.