Episode III: Revenge of the Dickson Review

Now that sunburn from the bachelor party in Florida is beginning to fade, it’s time for me to respond to Mr. Cullen’s latest review of Episode III. While I agree with many of assessments from my colleague on the west coast, overall I think the movie was one of Lucas’ best (definitely the best of the prequels). I’ll try to be as spoiler free as possible

THE GOOD

* The dark tone of the movie was very appropriate and well done. The attack on all the Jedis was pretty damn cool, especially the scenes (SPOILER) where all the Jedi kids are killed.

* Yoda. That scene where Yoda walks into Palpatine’s office/chambers was hilarious. The fight scene between the two of them may have been better than the overhyped final battle between Annakin and ObiWan. Speaking of Obi Wan….

* Ewan McGregor was fantastic as Obi Wan. He stole the show from beginning to end. Was great in the fight scenes and seemed to have all of the good dialogue in the movie.

* Palpatine – could anyone else have played the Emperor than the same guy who played him in Return of the Jedi?

THE BAD

* Natalie Portman – not that she did a bad job because I believe she’s one of the best actresses in Hollywood. But it was painful watching her trying to deliver Lucas’ lines (Lucas’ fault) and having to interact with Hayden Christiansen.

* The villains. Grievous and Dooku were killed way too quickly in this movie. I know Lucas had to make room for Darth Vader but Jesus, make them look a little bit tougher. And Grievous’ voice was awful (who the f thought that was a good idea?) only Jar Jar’s was worse.

* Vader’s intro. Couldn’t Vader have been introduced a little bit earlier? Wouldn’t have been cool to see him help hunt Jedi’s as Darth Vader? Lucas is such a tease.

THE UGLY

* Hayden Christiansen. Yikes. After watching him in 4 movies, I’m now convinced that Hayden can’t act. I thought Lucas held him back in Episode II but between Shattered Glass and Sith, his secret is out. And to think it was down to Hayden and the guy who played Harry Osborn in Spiderman for this role. To quote one of Lucas’ other films, “He chose poorly”.

* The first 30 minutes. Painful to watch. Two minutes here then a minute and a half there. I fell asleep for the Wookie battle and the start of the Grievous fight. Could have been the midnight showing that got to me.