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May 4, 2005 In case you have been living under a rock lately, you know that the new Star Wars Episode III, which is the final film (so far) of the Star Wars saga. This is the movie to finally show us how and why Jedi hero, Anakin Skywalker finally becomes the famous iconic Darth Vader. I wasn’t even born when the original Star Wars (Episode IV) was released; however, when I did get the chance to watch it it was an amazing mythological tale of good and evil. Luckily my family wasn’t really into the Star Wars movies; therefore, no spoilers were said to me. In other words, when in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, I was just as shocked when the connection between Luke and Vader was made. After I seen Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, I was praising of the climax, because it resolved everything. Sure, it was three movies, but to me it was three acts. Star Wars introduced the characters, Empire introduced what the story was really about, and Jedi brought the story to a resolve in which the heros and even the once thought dead hero came to be victorious. If you’re a screenwriter or a novelist you understand this three act structure, because it is how any good story goes. However, most fans, especially hardcore fans, were disappointed in the first two movies (Episode I and II). Some fans didn’t like Episode I because it didn’t show enough of young Anakin’s anger, and instead the fans get introduced to Jar Jar Binks, THE most hated character in Star Wars history. I didn’t like him at first, but he grows on you. Not to mention that a lot of fans were upset at the idea that Anakin is introduced as...brace yourself....a kid. However, what Episode I introduced was great characters that a lot of fans either displaced or ignored after the movie was over. Darth Maul was a great villain, despite he was just a pawn, he was still one of the best in Star Wars history (better than Dooku or Janga Fett in my opinion). Of course my favorite character in Episode I was Qui Gon Jinn. Liam Neeson played an excellent Jedi master, of course Ewan McGregor did a fabulous job, as always, in playing a young Obi Wan Kenobi. I think the problem it had with fans was that despite the great fight scenes at the end of the movie and fantastic special effects especially in the podraces, I think Lucas spent way too much time building up to the final fight, and in the middle we are regurgitated with talk of Trade Federations, Republic, Jedi Council, etc. In Episode IV, the movie is all action, it seems that Luke only gets a break when the movie is finally over. But if there is one thing about Episode I I have noticed and a lot of fans seem to overlook or ignore all together is what any great storyteller, including myself, love to call the "emotional power play." The emotional power play is when the main character is in a conflict with something that that character either loves or hates. For example, did anyone cheer when Carrie killed the teenagers during the prom? If you did, you played into the emotional power play. For Episode I, Lucas introduces three emotional power plays. Anakin’s mother, the future love between Anakin and Padme, and of course the death of Qui Gon Jinn. This leads to Episode II. Episode II continues with the emotional power plays of Episode I, and gives a little bit more taste of Anakin’s turn to the dark side, but not give enough to call it the "main course." Of course if you haven’t seen Episode II, have no fear, no spoilers will be present. If you have, you already know the power plays between Anakin’s mother, Padme, and of course the new power play of how Anakin wants to be respected, but he is still looked at as just a naive kid. Haven’t we all been there before? Finally, Episode III, this is the granddaddy of all the Star Wars movies. This is climax to the story of Anakin and the evolution to Darth Vader. From what I have heard and read, this movie is darker than any other Star Wars movie ever made. Episode III is the ONLY Star Wars movie rated PG-13, that should tell you how dark this movie is. I’ve read the review from Kevin Smith, yes Silent Bob, and he said that it is so dark that only a couple of scenes really show you any comical relief. Hell yeah! While it is still 15 days until Episode III finally comes out; however, the buzz around this movie is amazing. I heard fans saying "Lucas finally got it right," or "This is the movie we’ve been wanting since Phantom Menace." I also read George Lucas say, "I’m afraid that this movie will flop at the box office." That statement makes me laugh, because with all the money going into advertising the movie, the hardcore fans, including myself, will have our tickets ready to watch this film. To George Lucas, you have nothing to fear about Episode III flopping at the box office. In the words of Darth Vader, "Search your feelings." You know that Episode III ISN’T going to flop. ------------ About the author Eric Schomburg: Useless-Knowledge Columnist of the year 2004. An Apocalyptic Dream is now out for purchase. Check out both books at http://www.geocities.com/schomburg2002. Email: schomburg2002@yahoo.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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