It’s astonishing to reflect on how the landscape of Star Wars content has shifted over the years. Once, the announcement of new Star Wars material was a moment of sheer excitement and anticipation for fans. Today, with a plethora of programs available on Disney+, it’s a mixed bag; while there is plenty to enjoy, the mouse house has unfortunately delivered more missteps than triumphant hits in that iconic galaxy far, far away. The sequel trilogy, despite showcasing impressive production design and a sincere homage to the beloved original trilogy, faltered due to a lack of narrative consistency across the three films and a director who wielded excessive creative control over the second installment. Interestingly, this controversial handling of the franchise has sparked a newfound appreciation for the prequels among fans who have grown up with them. Moreover, audiences now have the chance to revisit what many consider the pinnacle of the prequels, Revenge of the Sith, which is screening in theaters for a limited week to celebrate its 20th anniversary. But the crucial question remains: does the film still resonate with viewers after all these years? I was fortunate enough to experience it on a massive Dolby Atmos screen this past weekend…

When George Lucas made the groundbreaking announcement in the late 1990s that he would be creating the prequel trilogy, focusing on Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader, alongside the fall of the Republic to the Empire, excitement reverberated throughout the fandom. However, despite some genuinely memorable scenes and significant contributions to the Star Wars lore, both The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones disappointed many fans due to poorly developed characters, awkward dialogue, and an unconvincing romance. As production began for the concluding chapter, Revenge of the Sith, in June 2003, it faced the immense challenge of finally illustrating the journey of ‘little Ani’ into the galaxy’s most feared Sith Lord, while also addressing the criticisms that plagued the first two films.

For a considerable time, a significant portion of the Star Wars fanbase regarded the prequels as the weakest link in the franchise. Yet, if we rewind to 1999, the initial reviews for The Phantom Menace were not as harsh as they may seem in hindsight. Sure, Empire Magazine is still remembered for their infamous five-star review of Attack of the Clones in May 2002, but even if it is considered the trilogy’s weakest installment, it still offers some spectacular moments. In contrast, Sith manages to encapsulate everything that fans adore about the prequels while also failing to resolve the issues that hindered parts one and two. Watching it again on the big screen only reinforced the realization that Lucas and his team poured every visual element they could muster, including a captivating opening space battle, making it one of the most visually stunning entries in the entire franchise.

At this point, most fans are likely familiar with the overarching plot of the movie. However, for those who may have been hiding in the Great Pit of Carkoon for the past two decades, here’s a refresher. The narrative unfolds three years after the onset of the Clone Wars, as previously established in Attack of the Clones. It centers around the rise of the cunning Chancellor Palpatine—who is secretly Darth Sidious—and the emergence of the Galactic Empire, alongside the tragic downfall of Anakin Skywalker and the demise of the noble Jedi Order. This film has a considerable amount of plot elements to incorporate into its 140-minute runtime, and for the most part, it succeeds in doing so effectively.

From the outset, we are thrust into the exhilarating opening space battle, which remains just as frenetic and breathtaking as I remember it from my initial theater experience back in 2005. This sequence is one of the franchise’s most memorable moments, as the focus remains on Anakin and Obi-Wan as they deftly navigate the chaos while attempting to rescue the captured Chancellor Palpatine from the menacing General Grievous. It’s a heart-pounding beginning that establishes Anakin’s confidence and bravado; he effortlessly dispatches buzz-droids, beheads Count Dooku, and saves both the fallen Obi-Wan and Palpatine in the process. Unfortunately, it isn’t long before we return to solid ground, where the film’s most significant flaw reveals itself: the clunky and poorly executed scenes between Anakin and Padmé. Their romance, crucial to the storyline, nearly derailed Clones and remains the weakest element in Revenge of the Sith. Anakin’s tragic fall to darkness hinges on his fear of losing Padmé, similar to the loss of his mother in Episode 2. Regrettably, their chemistry is virtually nonexistent, compounded by some of the most cringe-worthy dialogue in the franchise. The only redeeming aspect of their storyline is John Williams’ hauntingly beautiful theme, ‘Across the Stars’, which accompanies their doomed romance.

Nevertheless, dialogue has never been George Lucas’s strong suit, and what we truly crave, even 20 years after its initial release, are the stunning space battles, riveting lightsaber duels, and unforgettable moments like Yoda riding on Chewbacca after dispatching a few clones. Everything that fans cherish about Sith still delivers an exhilarating experience on the big screen, enhanced in my case by a powerful and immersive Dolby Atmos sound experience. The aforementioned space battle is explosive, and the lightsaber duels hit all the right action beats, particularly the moment Anakin kills Dooku, spurred on by Palpatine’s manipulative urging. The climactic battle between Anakin and Obi-Wan looks absolutely stunning on the big screen, with the fiery backdrop of Mustafar serving as the perfect setting for their fateful confrontation. General Grievous stands out as an impressive addition to the roster of Star Wars villains, providing Obi-Wan with an engaging mission while Anakin and Padmé grapple with his increasingly troubling behavior. It’s also a treat to witness the Wookiee battle on the big screen, along with Palpatine fully embracing his role as a pantomime villain, manipulating Anakin into killing Mace Windu while cackling like a twisted witch.

Regarding the cast, Hayden Christensen does his utmost to deliver a compelling performance despite some atrocious lines of dialogue. However, it’s fair to say he may not have been the most suitable choice for portraying such a conflicted and layered character as Anakin Skywalker. In contrast, Ewan McGregor fully embodies his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi, relishing every moment. It’s unfortunate that his series on the small screen was marred by poor writing and absurd moments because he truly owned the character across all three films and deserved a more fitting project to showcase his skills. Natalie Portman also attempts to salvage her role with the lackluster script but often finds herself relegated to the sidelines, only appearing prominently when her character gives up on life after the birth of Luke and Leia. One of the standout performances in the prequels, however, comes from the talented Scottish actor Ian McDiarmid. While he may indulge in over-the-top theatrics in Revenge of the Sith, his gravitas and the spectacular duel with Yoda at the film’s conclusion are undoubtedly highlights.

Ultimately, if you are a Star Wars enthusiast who holds a special fondness for the prequels, as I do, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing Revenge of the Sith in celebration of its 20th anniversary. Seek out the largest screen available, accompanied by the most immersive sound system you can find. Admittedly, the CGI may falter at times, and the script sometimes feels like it was penned by an unfortunate youngling, but the film remains an electrifying, thrilling, and vibrant addition to the Star Wars franchise, easily standing out as the best among the prequel series. As always, my young apprentices, may the Force be with you…Always!