Star Wars Episode III- Revenge of The Sith

Many critics felt the first two movies were not dark enough, that they did not match the original Star Wars Trilogy. But they were missing the point. The Original Series focused on the Dark Times the times when the galactic Empire had already taken over and disbanded the crumbling republic. A time when only a small band of rebels were all that defied the Sith Emperor. The galaxy wasn't always dark however, and the first movies show how Palpatine manipulated the senate into giving him his executive powers. How he quickly gained ultimate control of the largest and deadliest Army force the universe had ever seen, and how he molded Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. The first movies are about how the dark times came to be. The rise of the evil empire. Therefore they had to start out light and happy before being plunged into the dark and turmoltous times.

This series is more like a Shakespearian Tragedy. The first chapter introduces us to the Tragic Hero "Anakin Skywalker" and sees him struggle and triumph. The Second Chapter sees him struggle and overcome more trials but also sees the forshadowing of his impending doom and his eventual fall from grace. And finally the Third Chapter sees our hero fall from grace and become destroyed by his own actions and choices in what to him seems like an unavoidable series of events. The only thing that gives one hope is that we have prior knowledge of how this tale will ultimately end. But this third chapter will end as a tragedy with Evil triumphing over Good. And finally the critics can see the darkness they have been searching for.

Episode III starts off with a very exiting and elaborate Staship battle over the planet of Curosant as Obi Won and Anakin attempt to rescue the Chancelor from General Grievious. The battle escalates as the Jedi enter the ship and confront hoards of Droids and enemy sith generals and troops. I'll say no more (in case you haven't seen the movie) But as the movie continues one can see the events becoming darker and darker. The movie cumulates in a scene where all the Jedi are being betrayed and slaughtered. This scene is reminiscent of the scenesin "The Godfather" Where he's in the church while all his enemies are getting whacked. I did feel that the Jedi's should have sensed a little more the betrayal as it was happening and perhaps had a longer battle for each one, but then again they would have had to "keep their mind on the now" as Qigon would say and not in the future while at battle.

In any case the critics complained that the first movies weren't dark enough, and now listen to them... they now complain that this movie ends too dark... It's supposed to be dark and feel hopeless. It seems like they are looking for any excuse to shoot Lucas down. Are the critics trying to destroy the Jedi? Are they the real Sith Lords?

Perhaps if they focused on what these movies have done for the overall story they would feel better about the movies. For instance: Episode One Episode Two and Episode Three all made it much clearer the strengths and capabilities of Jedi Masters. We saw Jedi Using their lightsabers as more than just instruments of death. We saw the use of Jedi Speed, we see them use foce wave which knocks nearby enemies back forcefully. We also saw the abilities of master Yoda, his strong lightsaber skills and his strength with the force. His ability to absorb force powers like lightning and force push and redirect them.
These movies make it clear what had been suspected from watching the original series. That Luke a Jedi who was strong with the force, but who lacked training and skills that jedi of the past had. Did they not teach him everything in fear that he'd also fall? But we also see that Luke is a very strong willed Jedi who can shrug off the appeal and the temptations of the darkside. He truely has the convictions of a Jedi and is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of others.

Through Episodes 1-3 we also see how entire batallions are sometimes no match for even a few Jedi. We also see the shortcomings of droids used as an army and see the tactical abilities of the clone Troops. And finally we see how the Sith are able to manipulate and influence events molding them to their will. These all give us great insite to the entire series and make our understanding and appreciation of the force much deeper and more satisfying.

While overall this movie ends in Darkness As it has too...We do get a small glimpse of hope when watching the end scenes... and we already know it will be OK eventually, though the jedi may never be the same, and there will be at least 10-20 years of darkness and oppression. 10-20 years before the rebelion can really start offering enough resistance to become a real threat to the empire. There are a few akward moments but overall this movie is a real exciting and well done movie with answers to Vaders fall from grace and the emperors rise to power.

Whether the critics embrace the darkside or not, with this film the series "is now complete".