Revenge of the Sith
Posted by Doug McHone on 20 May 2005 at 06:00 am | Tagged as: Journal
I went the night before last to the midnight premier of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith with a friend from work, then came home and slept for far too long. I must tell you that I am emotionally much better for now, but I have a backache stemming from a yo-yo incident and an odd sleeping posture. No, I’m not making that up.
We showed up at about 9:30 and waited in sprinkling rain in a line that went around the local theater. One mathematical note: The closer someone was to the front of the line, the more likely the odds that they were in costume for the event. If only I had brought my camera! As we waited, people would drive their cars along the line, playing the soundtrack to the movies for us and there was a very social atmosphere around the gathering. It is the fellowship of the Jedi that shames many a church fellowship.
Eventually, we were allowed in in clusters to avoid a stampede to the best seats and the snack bar. We got situated and watched behind the scenes footage from the making of Episode IV: A New Hope. Did you know how close Kurt Russel was to landing the Han Solo part? From his readings, I think he could have pulled it off. There was a drawing for movie passes and Star Wars memorabilia. Then the movie started precisely at 12:01. Or rather, the previews began. The Fantastic Four looks promising and I can’t wait for The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe! Especially since Ben and I are reading that book right now.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
One thing about opening night shows, you are surrounded by others who are going nuts about the movie, so you are able to cheer out loud without having to worry about distracting others. That’s because we’re all zealous Jedi fans. If there is any blockbuster that you are looking forward to and want to get the full experience, it is fully worth it to go to opening night, as our joy is incomplete until it is expressed. Piper is dead-on in that, you know. When there is something of magnificence, it is only natural to praise it. This movie is one such event where you need to be able to applaud and laugh and, yes, cry to fully appreciate it.
Without giving any spoilers, let me tell you that this movie is one that can keep your attention for 2+ hours. There are some very disturbing incidents which earned it a PG-13 rating, by the way. I do believe I’ll wait for a few years before letting my son see it. He’d be sleeping in our bed until college if I let him see it now! The action scenes are many and are breathtaking! The angst within Anakin is right on his sleeve much of the time, and you can’t help but get a chill when he is named Darth Vader by his new master. Don’t cry, that’s not a spoiler!
Also, this movie ties up some loose ends that fans had given Lucas grief over before. It always seemed that the explanation that Obi-Wan gave young Luke about whether Vader was his father or if Vader killed his father. I am fully satisfied with that statement after Episode III. Jar-Jar is only seen in a cameo and there are no Ewoks. Very good! Had the movie been any shorter, I would like to have seen some more of the Wookie culture. If I had to voice any negative opinions, they would mirror those made by Tim Irvin. The battles had so much going on that it was hard to take it all in (which I can see as a plus) and “Absolute Truth” was made synonymous with the Dark Side. On that note, Obi-Wan could have embraced his padawan’s quest for power and been a bit more supportive. Whatever.
George Lucas has said that he will not be making a third trilogy for episodes VII-IX, but I hope he changes his mind. I have reason to believe that Boba Fett could have survived his Sarlacc incident, and if anyone would be able to find escape it is Boba. Mark Hamill could easily grow a beard and play the role of a Jedi Master rebuilding the council through new recruits. Surely there must have been some records to survive the Clone Wars that would help him support the Republic as the Jedi had for so long! And perhaps some of this material could lead a student to the ways of the Dark Side. I’d love to see episodes I-III remade in an under-budget way and IV-VI remade in the modern format. I really can’t get enough!
This movie is one that fully satisfies the Star Wars fan and yet leaves us chanting for three more movies!
Update: Also check out Rey’s post if you don’t mind a few spoilers. He discusses a few other theological matters that I didn’t go into here.
I loved it.
As I noted in a comment on Parableman, I find the dichotomy between Obiwan’s decision (when faced with Skywalker’s with me or against me demand) to be a prefigurement of Luke’s decision in Return of the Jedi. Luke chooses his father, and his redemptive act changes Vader back into Skywalker/Jedi. Where Obiwan failed, Luke succeeded.
Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I also was at the theatre for hours Wednesday night waiting to get my foot in the door. Unfortunately, I didn’t see many costumes at our theatre. I guess Texan Jedi-wannabes are a lil too conservative for that kind a thing.
Anyway, I loved the movie. There were a couple let-downs, though, but maybe that is because I kinda spoiled it for myself.
My favorite scene is the last fight with Obi Wan and Anakin’s injury. They really did that well and satisfied my curiousity.
If you want to see some funny costume-pics, you might want to check out my brother’s photoblog - I guess in Florida they aren’t afraid to show their dedication. Real funny!