The Obligatory Episode 3 Post

I suppose that, as a self-proclaimed nerd of sorts, it is my duty to dole out the obligatory Star Wars Ep. 3 post. I finally had the opportunity to see Ep. 3 two weekends ago at the IMAX theater in Edmonton. It was a rather spur of the moment type occassion, we were wandering around West Edmonton Mall and Dianne suggested (!!) we go check it out. What ensued was an experience to be sure, but something of a bittersweet one.

I grew up with Star Wars. I owned the action figures, I had the box sets of the VHS tapes, I love the series. I knew what the end result of Ep. 3 would entail, it had to happen after all in order for the Star Wars continuity to exist. That being said, watching Anakin degrade into Darth Vader (if that was a spoiler for you, go read something else) was not something I really think I was prepared to witness. The whole plot behind it strikes me as being so sad, and I walked out of the theater somewhat cursing Lucas for forcing me through that.

The movie itself had its high points as well as its lows. Even I found the opening hour or so to be rather mind numbing, or if not mind numbing, then painfully slow anyway. I have my suspicions that Dianne may have been border line passing out.

The script was rather stunted as well. Particularly the dramatic scenes between Anakin and Padme made my toes curl. You know the feeling when you see someone doing something embarassing and can't help but feel embarassed for them? Sort of like that, but not so much embarassment as painfully stupid dialogue.

Past those two major gripes, I pretty much enjoyed the rest of the film. The exciting action scenes (hence the "wars" moniker) were done up superbly with amazing graphics, sound and pacing. The light saber duals (something I live for) were nicely done and there were some epic battles in there that won my heart (you rock Mace Windu!!!).

All in all I found Ep. 3 to be a rather well done movie with very little room for plot holes, all things considering (yes, I know some exist). Ep. 3 re-ignited my passion for all things Star Wars and I have begun delving into the recently released DVD versions of the originals. All in all a fantastic series that has left me with but one wish. An alternate reality story where Anakin and Padme end up happy in the end with their children (and with no Lucas!). Ok, so maybe its a bad idea, but I can dream can't I?

Lee Babin | 6.1.2005 [return]

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