I finagled my way into a press screening yesterday; I’ll keep this brief and spoiler-free.

I should preface this by saying that I’m a “Star Wars” fan of the “Loved the first two; sorta liked the third one; was really disappointed by the last two” variety. But whereas Episodes 1 & 2 got bogged down by clunky exposition, Episode 3 finally manages to break free from the narrative inertia that has dogged Lucas in his efforts to set the stage for Anakin’s turn to the Dark Side and the galactic holocaust that follows.

Considering the out-of-sync manner in which the saga was shot, connecting the dots between the two trilogies can not have been easy. Yet one of the big pleasures of Ep. 3 is the graceful and compelling way Lucas brings his saga full-circle. And while there are still moments where Lucas the Director undercuts the efforts of Lucas the Storyteller, “Revenge of the Sith” is easily the best “Star Wars” film since “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Given the overall indifference I felt toward the characters in the last two movies, it was great to once again be emotionally engaged by "Star Wars." The fact that we more or less know how Ep. 3 is going to end only increases the dramatic tension. There's something dreadful yet beautiful about watching characters you care about struggle to escape a destiny you know to be cast in stone; never before has a "Star Wars" film been fueled by such a sense of impending doom.

Are there things to nit-pick? You betcha! It wouldn’t be “Star Wars” without a smattering of stilted dialogue and awkward line readings. Nevertheless, taken as a whole, “Revenge” really delivers the goods -- visually, thematically and dramatically.

At least, that’s my two cents. I’ll be anxious to hear what you guys think.

A word of caution to parents; Lucas warned that "Revenge" would be darker than previous episodes, and he wasn’t kidding. This is NOT a film for young children (to elaborate further would require spoilers; just trust me on this).

Glad to hear it.

i heard it got the PG-13 rating instead of the usual PG . looking forward to seeing it .
hb

Whereas I am not the literal minded like some people are that simply CANNOT WILL NOT enjoy a new Star Wars movie...Those kind of people bore me. I hated Jar Jar and the boy...I've liked EVERYTHING about the last two Star Wars films with Attack of the Clones now my favorite SW film of the bunch. Yes, I was around in 1977 at 5 years old and had Chewbacca as my first Star Wars figure from Kenner WAY back then. Attack of the Clones has it all. Pathos, excitement, and very good storytelling. I love the little hints in the movie showing what will happen in the future. I can't wait to see the new film. I'll see a matinee later in the week and AVOID the internet till the day it comes out till I see it because some fools will put spoiler material in topic threads.

I can always hope this will be better.

I will walk out if Annakin paraphrases Fry: "I never thought I'd die like this, but I had always really hoped"

José

Thanks, Carson.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear!

I never understood the allergy to spoilers.

I have successfully wrecked every single new SW movie months before release, and enjoyed it far more because there was no reason to wonder WHAT happens, and instead HOW it happens. Written word and film are 2 different mediums, and whatever you imagine is unlikely to be what's actually up there.

Unnecessary waiting IMO is masochism. Your blood pressure is far lower when you spoil

Full spoilers available here, I've read the book, the script and beat the game :)

I never understood the allergy to spoilers...Full spoilers available here, I've read the book, the script and beat the game :)
First, I'd like to thank you for sharing your opinion. Second, considering your opinion, I'd really like to thank you for not including any spoilers in your comments!

I am one of those persons who doesn't want to hear another thing about Episode III until after I've seen it. In fact, aside from the basic plot, I generally don't want to know anything about any film before I've seen it. I've had many perfectly good films ruined for me because someone revealed an important detail that they considered insignificant. After I've seen it, yeah, I'll get the book, the soundtrack, the PS2 game (though the "Lego" kids version is probably more suited to my skills :p), the models, etc.. But until then, I don't wanna know nuthin!

So, again, thanks!!! :thumbsup:

First, I'd like to thank you for sharing your opinion. Second, considering your opinion, I'd really like to thank you for not including any spoilers in your comments!

I've had many perfectly good films ruined for me because someone revealed an important detail that they considered insignificant. After I've seen it, yeah, I'll get the book, the soundtrack, the PS2 game (though the "Lego" kids version is probably more suited to my skills :p), the models, etc.. But until then, I don't wanna know nuthin!

So, again, thanks!!! :thumbsup:

Bruce Willis is really dead, he's a ghost. OOPS! Sorry!http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/images/icons/icon7.gif

Bruce Willis is really dead, he's a ghost. OOPS! Sorry!http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/images/icons/icon7.gif
So you're saying the film should have been called "Dead Hard"? :p

Seriously, let me tell you how clueless some people are. Remember "Signs" from 2002 with Mel Gibson? (If you haven't seen it and don't want to know, stop now *spoiler*) The Monday after it's first weekend in release, a co-worker was telling me about how he and his wife had seen it over the weekend. Then he proceeds to tell me, "Well, I'm not giving anything away here, but...it's about Earth being invaded." :freak:

I am one of those persons who doesn't want to hear another thing about Episode III until after I've seen it. In fact, aside from the basic plot, I generally don't want to know anything about any film before I've seen it. I've had many perfectly good films ruined for me because someone revealed an important detail that they considered insignificant. After I've seen it, yeah, I'll get the book, the soundtrack, the PS2 game (though the "Lego" kids version is probably more suited to my skills :p), the models, etc.. But until then, I don't wanna know nuthin!

Hear, hear! Of course, before going to a movie you more or less know what it's about, so it's the plot in a general sense. I'm one of those that I want my mind to be a total blank about the details of the movie. I don't need to know the wheres, the whys and definitely not the hows. ST: First Contact was somewhat ruined for me because someone gave me the scipt of the movie. Since then I've vowed that I will learn nothing about movies that I'm interested in.

José

Too bad you didn't get the Nemesis script, it was much better than the movie ;)

First, I'd like to thank you for sharing your opinion. Second, considering your opinion, I'd really like to thank you for not including any spoilers in your comments!


Anakin is Darth Vader

mwahahha :)

I'm happy to spoil anyone in a seperate thread, email or PM.

Anakin is Darth Vader mwahahha :)
Damn. Really? Well, no use going to see it now...anyone wanna buy my ticket?

I just got the soundtrack album, and it's gorgeous. Williams gave us a wonderful sendoff. The 13-minute end credits suite calls up pieces from throughout all the films in a little love letter to SW.

There's a bonus DVD with over an hour of musical "shorts" - a series of suites set to scenes from the films (sort of music videos, but prettier) that tell the whole story of all 6 films in chronological oder.

The "Art Of R.O.T.S." is also worth checking out. It's amazing how much artwork these films generate. Judging from the book, "Revenge" may very well set the record in terms of the number of vehicles, aliens and environments created for a single feature film (and that's not counting all the stuff created for the previous 5 films).

If the early reviews are any indication, it looks as if Lucas & Company may have cooked up a pretty good movie.

Here's hoping...

.... "Revenge" may very well set the record in terms of the number of vehicles, aliens and environments created for a single feature film...

You may be right. And while I'm not sure if Ep. III represents the series' best design work from a qualitative standpoint, it easily does so from a quantitative one. There is A LOT of eye-candy to devour in this film, so expect some sensory overload.

By the way, I agree with John P. re: the score. Combined with the visuals, Williams's themes really help bring the saga full cycle. And watching the bonus DVD was a great way to warm up for "Revenge."

ST: First Contact was somewhat ruined for me because someone gave me the scipt of the movie. Since then I've vowed that I will learn nothing about movies that I'm interested in.

José


I hear ya, AVP was kinda ruined for me because I read the Peter Briggs Script based on the comic 10 years prior... That script was incredible and it would have made AVP in the top 10 of EVERYONES favorite films of all time list... But instead of making that movie script a reality we got 4 Preds, 7 Xenos, 10 People and an Aztek Temple under Ice :confused:

Anyways,
Travis

^ Good point. I hadn't thought of ruining a movie "in reverse" (reading a better script than what was actually filmed).

José

Well I personally don't give a Frog's Fat one About Spoilers...BUT I REALLY would NOT have wanted to know the Twist Ending of a Little 1994 (iirc) Film "Primal Fear" with Richard Gere and an Unkown (at that time) Ed Norton. Like Psycho at it's Time This Gere Film Had one of the Very Freshest Endings the Wife and I had seen Before or since!! We had rented this one one Afternoon (Before the Kids! lol) and I swear to ya' Primal Fear Would be just Destoryed IF you knew the Outcome! but as Always this is just One Guys Opinion.
JOHN/LONFAN
PS Don't we all sorta Know whats gonna happen in Ep.III ? I mean Come on.. Oh in in Trek 2 SPOCK DIES! oops LOL

^LON, Primal Fear is one of my favs... I remember I worked at the Movie Theater when it came out and on Thursdays we would watch all the movies that would be coming out that Friday... It was a routine, Close at 11pm and watch all the new movies, well 3:30am rolled around and we had to watch this Richard Gere movie. I was not happy but as projectionists we had to watch everything to make sure it is put together correctly. Can I just tell you that when Primal Fear was over we re-ran it at 6am b/c we loved it so much. Edward Norton, Laura Linny and yes even Richard Gere were amazing. There are alot of movies that wouldn't have that impact if you read spoilers.

We knew the ending to Titanic but I tell ya what, it was so good I was almost surprised that the ship sunk. Yes we know Anakin's fate but it's all the little things that I don't want spoiled... Who fights who, does Padme live or die, how wrecked does Obi-Wan truely get at the hands of his student... All of these things would be spoilers, unfortunately I already know who kills Mace Windu and I just can't wait to see that and of coarse the legendary duel between Anakin and Kenobi(directed by Speilberg)

Travis

Wow So Speilberg Directs In this one!?! in Johnny Carson Voice: "I Did Not Know This"
Hey I thought Mace/Frozone lol Got killed by Darth Maul or by Chris Lee? Guess I wasn't payin' attn. lol and Does anybody know anything about a "Ceramic Man/Machine" in This Movie? I've read about a guy who was rebuilt (Like Vader) into some kind of Ceramic Robot...Sounds interesting.
JOHN/LONFAN

Wow So Speilberg Directs In this one!?! in Johnny Carson Voice: "I Did Not Know This"Well, that's stretching things a little. If Travis is referring to what I read, Speilberg worked on animatics for some Episode III scenes, including the duel, I think -- so he may have had great influence on the way those scenes eventually were set up and shot.

Qapla'

SSB

All of these things would be spoilers, unfortunately I already know who kills Mace Windu

Umm, thanks. One figures Windu died at some point and along with the other Jedis. I didn't know it was actually going to be shown in the movie. Maybe I'll just stay away from this thread.

José

So Can ANYBODY fill me in about this Jedi Killing Terminator Guy? lol I herd it was a Creamic Robot/Man (I'm thinkin' Borg lol) and I hear he's supposed to be "One Bad Muther..Hush My Mouth...I'm Just Talkin' Bout Jedi's/And we Can Dig It!" Uh Sorry had an Issac Hayes Moment But seriously,Anybody Know about a Jedi Hunting Robo Creature?
JOHN/LONFAN

He's called General Grievous, and he's part alien, part droid. At some point in the film, he weilds four (yes, FOUR) lightsabers!

He's called General Grievous, and he's part alien, part droid. At some point in the film, he weilds four (yes, FOUR) lightsabers!

Ahhh - Sounds like Sinbad's "Cali" Don't know if I spelled that Correctly But Grievous Must have been an FX nightmare! lol thanks Ziz.

John/Lon

Umm, thanks. One figures Windu died at some point and along with the other Jedis. I didn't know it was actually going to be shown in the movie. Maybe I'll just stay away from this thread.

José

Hey Gato, I was not aware I was letting the Gato out if the bag... S. L. Jackson has been talking about his death since Clones came out...He even said that he talked to Lucas about "not going out like a bitch" Plus news flash: Only Jedis to survive have been laid out since 1977. By the way Vader is Luke's father, and Leia is his sister...

Travis

Hey Gato, I was not aware I was letting the Gato out if the bag... S. L. Jackson has been talking about his death since Clones came out...He even said that he talked to Lucas about "not going out like a bitch" Plus news flash: Only Jedis to survive have been laid out since 1977. By the way Vader is Luke's father, and Leia is his sister...

Travis,

No hard feelings, but again there's a difference between knowing a fact and confirming it. We knew the Jedis die out. That's very different than seeing it and confirming it that it'll occur on this very movie. Lucas could've ended the movie by portraying Jedis on the run, or leaving it with a very negative environment where you knew it didn't look good for those who remained.

Actually, in 77 we only knew of two former Jedis: Obi-Wan and Vader. By 80 we knew of a third, Yoda.

José

That's all good brotha but like I said b4... Jackson has said numerous times in numerous interviews since "Clones" that he "goes out with honor" not like a punk. These are his words... He said he talked to George after Menace was done... He approached Lucas and said, George I know all of the Jedi are wiped out and I know I will die... can we make sure that I die cool... I just assumed everyone has seen him talk about this.
My bad if it has changed your viewing of this film... Ironically, I guess this falls into exactly what this thread was about...

And yes, my bad! It wasn't until 1980 that we knew of the whereabouts of the remaining Jedi. And you never know Mace could survive the slaughter and be CGIed into Empire as a Resident of Cloud City...

Travis

Having seen "Revenge" I've since re-watched the original trilogy on DVD. Not surprisingly, I found the climax of "Jedi" to be far more satisfying than ever before. Vader's dispatching of the Emperor in particular is considerably more powerful after having witnessed Anakin's fall in Ep.III.

General Grievous (sp?) is quite a presence in Clone Wars. I look forward to his CGI character on the big screen.

I really got into the mood for the next movie by cranking up the sound system on Clone Wars. Close your eyes and the cartoon stuff becomes movie quality animation. :p

Went to the 12:01 am showing for ROTS, and it is truly awesome. A must see, and the effects are top notch, out of this world.

3:30 this afternoon. Really amped about this. Amazing to think this is the end of a story I've been following for 28 years.

I could never have imagined hearing the beginning of a story at age nine and still being riveted to hear the ending at 37.

Qapla'

SSB

I was also there at 12:01 a.m. to see the final :confused: Star Wars film. Absolutely amazing! I saw it with a group of friends who are hardcore Star Wars fans and, except for a few minor quibbles, we all enjoyed this film very much.

I was there on May 25th, 1977 when "A New Hope" opened in theaters, and I've been a fan ever since. From that perspective, you could say I've been waiting for this film for 28 years. I wasn't disappointed!

By the way, "The Fantastic Four" is gonna suck big time!

Even though the supposed 12:01am movie didn't start until nearly 1am, I still enjoyed it a great deal. Much better than episodes 1 & 2. I was ready for Episode 3.5 after seeing this.

Even though the supposed 12:01am movie didn't start until nearly 1am...Another one of those universal moments we moviegoers share. I think our theater started it at about 12:45...but they let us in just after 9:00 so we wouldn't have to sit on the sidewalk.

I still enjoyed it a great deal. Much better than episodes 1 & 2.I was very disappointed after seeing Episodes I and II for the first time. But, after seeing Episode II, it occurred to me that George Lucas sees himself as a storyteller, and that Episodes I and II were being taken out of context until Episode III was added to complete that part of the story. So, taken as a whole, he was using I and II to ease his way into the story he was trying to tell.

I was ready for Episode 3.5 after seeing this.Yeah, I can't wait until the Episode III DVD is released so I can sit and watch all six films back-to-back! Hey, there are worse ways to spend a weekend! ;)

It's a tough sell the way he did it.We know yoda or obiwan won't be hurt, who vader is, that the bad guys win, etc. Hard to get excited.

It's a tough sell the way he did it.We know yoda or obiwan won't be hurt, who vader is, that the bad guys win, etc. Hard to get excited.Yes and no; it's all in the storytelling. And knowing what's to come actually improves some scenes. Minor example, in "Attack of the Clones", when Obi-wan says to Anakin, "Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?" But yes, it was a gamble to do it the way Lucas did. Fortunately for him, one that paid off.

Besides, everyone knew how "Titanic" was going to end when they were walking into the theater, and that film was extremely popular.

For me, it doesn't matter whether or not I know the ending of a story. What really matters to me is if the story is told well. Titanic was a great example, Zombie!

This story was told very well. Lots of good character moments, background stories, and, yes, even a few surprises thrown in - regardless that I knew what the major plot points were and the fate of the characters.

Was it perfect? No.

Was I entertained and satisfied with the result? Yes.

It wasn't Titanic, but, to me, it was a good Star Wars movie to end the saga with.

That's all I really wanted.

I liked it OK. The space battle was a bit overwhelming as were most of the battles. Loved the lightsaber duels.

For a filmmaker, there's no greater challenge than surprising the audience with the expected. The fact that ROTS is as entertaining as it is is a testament to Lucas' skill as a storyteller (even if his dialogue occasionally leaves something to be desired).

The story was nice in that it tied everything together but I wasn't suprised by any aspect of the film. I thought Portman was terrible until the scene on the lava planet where she delivered the goods. Sh wvery good then. Hayden C. was bearable this time. Samuel L. Jackson had a look that has to be seen to be believed. You'll know it when you see it. I thought McGregor was understated as usual, but good. Just seeing the old characters again, for me, was the payoff.

I'll try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, but everyone has their own definition of "spoiler", so don't say I didn't warn you.


This is one INTENSE film! I was doubting if Lucas had it in him. Good thing I don't have little kids to be concerned about, because they couldn't handle it.

The opening sequence ALONE blows away either of the Death Star battles! Quite a bit of humor with R2 and battle droids, but otherwise amazing!

Right from the opening scenes, you can see that Palpatine is already going to work on Anakin, pushing him towards the Dark Side. Obi-Wan takes out Grievous very creatively. And Mace Windu DOES NOT go out like a wimp!

Padme didn't have much to do, but as she's pregnant thru the whole film, it wouldn't have really been natural for her to be involved in heavy action sequences. Jar Jar has a grand total of maybe a minute of screen time, split between the beginning and end of the film, and he never even talks!

One thing I DIDN'T see - "James Earl Jones as the voice of Darth Vader" in the end credits. Then again, considering certain story issues, a credit like that might have been confusing, taken in context.

I'm definitely going to be picking up more showings over the next few weeks, but right now, I'd put it neck and neck with "Empire" as the best SW film ever.

The story was nice in that it tied everything together but I wasn't suprised by any aspect of the film.


I don't mean “surprise” in the "Sixth Sense" sense of the word; my point is that the "how" and "why" of Anakin's fall are compelling enough to hold our attention despite the preordained outcome. The reasons which prompt him to make the choices he does are fairly (one might even say surprisingly) complex, and it is to Lucas’ credit that we care as much as we do.

Quite a bit of humor with R2 and battle droids...


That's something I've been dreading - Lucas' miserable imposed humor. SW and Empire got it so right - rising naturally from the charcters - and Eps. I & II got it so badly wrong, imposing slapstick and painful one-liners. Jar-Jar the first time through the whole movie, Threepio in Clones...was hoping this time it would at least be omitted from the big battle, but I knew that wasn't likely.

Oh well, I'll go see it after the weekend to try to avoid the worst of the crowding.

Carson, I wrote my comments without reading your post. I wasn't questioning your take or interpretation. I really respect your opinion as you do seem to have a lot of insight into filmaking overall.

I don't mean “surprise” in the "Sixth Sense" sense of the word; my point is that the "how" and "why" of Anakin's fall are compelling enough to hold our attention despite the preordained outcome. The reasons which prompt him to make the choices he does are fairly (one might even say surprisingly) complex, and it is to Lucas’ credit that we care as much as we do.

Saw the 1015 PM show on the biggest screen in Naples, all I can say is WOW! I thought Ewan McGregor really delivered the goods this time as Obi Wan, almost like he was channeling Alec Guiness. The special effects were spectacular, Yoda seemed like a real character this time out. And you gotta give George Lucas credit for completing the circle. Only complaint, the ships and vehicles were butt-ugly with nothing like the X-Wing or Millenium Falcon designs.

Only one small quibble with the six movie arc, after the battle in this one, the light saber duel between Obi Wan and Darth on the death Star should have been more intense with a lot more animosity.

I'm disappointed...I thought more answers were forthcoming. Who ordered the clones? Who erased the Jedi archives? Why did Dooku tell Kenobi that there was a Sith Lord in the Senate? Why did Grevious have human parts? I REALLY thought he was Darth Maul robotized...

I'm disappointed...I thought more answers were forthcoming. Who ordered the clones? Who erased the Jedi archives? Why did Dooku tell Kenobi that there was a Sith Lord in the Senate? Why did Grevious have human parts? I REALLY thought he was Darth Maul robotized...

My take on answers, in order:

1. Dooku. 2. Dooku. 3. To manipulate him. 4. To make him more interesting (is this answered in the Clone Wars cartoons?) and explain his ability to battle Jedi.

Ok, what was all the hacking and coughing with General Grievous?