Director George Lucas looks to sendhis ‘Star Wars’ saga out with a bang
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That’s right, May 19 marks the release date of “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,” the sixth and final film in the Star Wars saga. To celebrate, movie houses nationwide, including our own Three Star Cinema, will be holding midnight showings tonight.
Despite less than stellar reviews from critics and fans alike for the first two episodes of the prequel trilogy, excitement has been building for the latest edition due in large part to the fact that Episode III will at long last reveal the true origins of Darth Vader, one of the most popular screen villains of all time. Episode III has been generating a media buzz and has been receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews from members of the media privy to advance screenings, something that certainly didn’t happen prior to the latest two releases.
This response has not been a surprise to the filmakers, however. In fact, they claim to have anticipated such a response but promise that this film will be the payoff fans have been looking for.
Producer Rick McCallum was quoted in the June issue of Sci-Fi Magazine as saying “Part of the problem with Episodes I and II, in relation to older audiences, is that this is the film that they actually wanted to see.” He also addresses the hard-core fans who were let down by the more kid-friendly tone of Episode I by stating, “This is definitively the picture that I know everyone in their late 20s, 30s or 40s, who yearned for Episode I to be the greatest film of all time… this is the film they wished for.”
It certainly seems destined to more closely resemble the Star Wars movies that many fans grew up with. Featuring the birth of the Empire, construction of the Death Star, a glimpse of the Millenium Falcon, C-3PO in his familiar gold plating and appearances by original trilogy favorites Chewbacca, Mon Mothma, Governor Tarkin and, of course, the emergence of Darth Vader’s iconic black suit, Episode III is set to provide a bridge between old and new trilogies. Sharp-eyed viewers will be able to pick out George Lucas playing a blue-skinned alien in an opera scene. There is even an appearance of an infant Luke and Leia.
Long-time fans should be appeased by having long lingering questions finally answered and seeing loose ends neatly tied up. Audiences will begin to understand why R2-D2 always seems to know something C3-PO does not and even why Anakin/Darth Vader seems to grow about a foot taller after his condition necessitates the costume change.
Fans will also enjoy the fast-paced action the original trilogy was famous for with at least 5 lightsaber battles including the climactic confrontation between Obi-Wan and Anakin/Darth Vader which brings about the need for the black suit. Clocking in at over 10 minutes, this final duel is reportedly the longest on-screen fight in film history.
Will this movie live up to the lofty expectations of the fans and the confident statements of its producer? Theater goers can decide for themselves starting tonight at midnight.
Where to feel the Force
Three Star Cinema is scheduled to have a special screening of “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” tonight at midnight.