Friday, May 27, 2005

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith


Purposedly watching this movie at Premiere, complete with plush reclining chairs, blankets, crisp projection system and superd audio system (with a high price to match) with Jacky and Yadi, I felt that the movie has had to be worth it. Giving a taste of the high life at a supposedly overpriced movie theatre was experimental at best.
But damn, it was worth it. Really. Before watching, I had already picked up blabber from the Net and a couple of friends that in some ways it was unsatisfying, but I remained unchanged, I have to watch; Star Wars is so much a part of my childhood and who I am today, more or less, so watching it was more of an obligation. From the beginning sequences, I was already touched; the opening music, and the unique text scrolling telling the story so far.... and that amazing battle sequence! I had a headache trying to keep up with the details of the battle scenes...
Story-wise, the movie certainly completes the arc from Episode 1, the Phantom Menace to Episode 6, Return Of The Jedi, and the implications, connections and even inconsistencies will be talked about by fans for years on ahead, and probably inspire a new wave of fan fiction (if not official stories from the franchise). The most special thing about the science-fiction genre is always how the filmakers (or authors) could describe entire different worlds, how a certain technology works, or simply dazzle us with futuristic landscapes, and this movie certainly pays off in that aspect. The space battles, the lightsaber fights, and everything else, are certainly for viewing (and viewing again).
The only downside of the movie was actually the dramatic part; at some points it felt a bit long-winded, and the actors' so-called acting did not help much. Hayden Christensen may of wanted to come off as a cool, indifferent Anakin Skywalker easily swayed by emotions, but when you could see the life in Obi-wan Kenobi's eyes (played by superb actor Ewan MacGregor), you could not see the rage, the fears and so on in Anakin's eyes. It was always flat, just like a boy in a school play. I have not seen his acting anywhere else, but here, it just feels... wooden. Natalie Portman, who looked absolutely dazzling in Episode 2, looked, well, ugly. Perhaps for a purpose as well... but it took away part of what blew me away watching Episode 2. The dialogue in general needs some work if it wants to be ingrained into viewer's memories, but nevertheless, the story and the magnificent SFX would be more memorable.
At the end of the day.... I want to watch it again! George Lucas, thanks for the effort, we all loved it... let's see if you can manage to slip down screenplays for Episode 7,8 and 9 to future generations; but with its flaws, I think Episode 3 already tops it.

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