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Digital Trends
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
Revenge of the Sith is the most underrated Star Wars movie, even by those who have come to appreciate it
The past five years have been a firm reminder of the power of nostalgia. Following the disappointing reception of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, some individuals began to view the prequels with greater fondness. Suddenly, movies that were mostly about failed trade negotiations and how terrible the Jedi actually were at their jobs started looking better and better. That was especially true for Revenge of the Sith, the Star Wars movie that was received most warmly upon its release. In the 20 years since its release, though, Revenge of the Sith, and specifically that movie's politics, has only become more relevant. It's a movie about what it's like to watch an entire political order fall and how much easier it is to let that happen than it might seem. Here are three reasons Revenge of the Sith continues to resonate today. Recommended Videos It's the most overtly political Star Wars movie Star Wars has always been political, but those politics are often more suggestions than anything concrete. The Rebels are the Vietcong, and the Empire is America, but none of that is stated explicitly. That is not the case in Revenge of the Sith, a movie that, if anything, is too blunt about its worldview. This is a film where disinformation leads to the destruction of the Galactic Republic and its replacement with a Galactic Empire. It's one in which Natalie Portman's Padme Amidala explicitly points out that democracy has died, and the response is 'thunderous applause.' Anakin Skywalker says, 'If you're not with me, you're my enemy.' Revenge of the Sith is operatic and blunt, but it's a movie about democracy so decadent and self-absorbed that it becomes subject to the whims of a master manipulator. Hayden Christensen is better in it than you remember The backlash against Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker was swift and severe, but much of the stuff you remember comes from Attack of the Clones. In this installment, Christiansen seems to understand Anakin's desperation to save Padme and how torn he eventually becomes as he becomes disillusioned with the Jedi. It's a performance that definitely goes big in moments, but crucially, one that also lands many of the movie's biggest scenes. When Anakin is alone on a balcony in Coruscant, and you watch a single tear drift down his cheek, you come to understand just how much the events of the movie are tearing him apart. Christensen is playing a hero who becomes a villain, and he acquits himself better than you might remember. John Williams goes on an absolute tear Perhaps the most important reason for the success of Revenge of the Sith and of Star Wars generally is the continued greatness of John Williams. Although he's just adding to his most iconic themes in Revenge of the Sith, he manages to write one piece of new music that feels genuinely elegiac. Anakin vs. Obi-Wan, which plays over the final confrontation between these former friends, is sweeping, sad, and beautiful in a way that the best Star Wars songs always are. Just as importantly, Williams does some of his more unsettling work on this soundtrack, reminding us explicitly of Anakin's journey into darkness. Revenge of the Sith is a movie about succumbing to the darkness, and Williams knows exactly how to meet that musical moment. Stream Revenge of the Sith on Disney+.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Natalie Portman dreams of Star wars comeback as a Jedi
The Hollywood actor has an idea for how her character could make a comeback to the Star Wars universe. Natalie Portman has an idea for how she can make a Star Wars comeback. (Getty Images) What did you miss? Natalie Portman would like Padme Amidala to make a comeback in the Star Wars universe as a Jedi. The Oscar-winning actor rose to fame playing the teenage queen of the planet Naboo in the Phantom Menace when she was just 16. Appearing on The One Show on Tuesday, 6 May, Portman was asked if she ever imagined bringing her Star Wars character back to life, and how she envisaged her now. And Portman expressed a strong desire to return to the Star Wars universe wielding a lightsaber. What, how, and why? Natalie Portman as Padme in Star Wars The Phantom Menace. (Alamy) Portman was on the One Show sofa to talk to hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo about her role in new Guy Ritchie adventure film Fountain of Youth. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But Amfo asked her: "Natalie, we'd be remiss not to mention, Star Wars. It's the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith. It's back in cinemas now spoiler alert, sorry, everybody, Padme, you know, she died, but I'm so sorry. But if there was a way for her to come back, what way would you like her to come back, if possible, would you do?" Portman replied: "With a lightsaber. I think she'd have to be a Jedi. If somehow she were brought back from the dead. That would be exciting." The star claimed she'd had a 'boring' childhood. (Getty Images) Former child star Portman revealed she had loved starring in new adventure movie Fountain of Youth as her own childhood had been so boring. Portman said: "I have the opposite thing of like, I had no adventure growing up. We were going to the library. I never did all of these sports and vacations and things that people did, we were like, 'Let's go to the local museum. Let's stay home and read a book.' I had no fear-based growing up that I had to veer from. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "I'm the opposite. I want a lot of adventure because I grew up with a very calm household." Read more: Natalie Portman What else happened on The One Show? Natalie Portman looked a bit uncomfortable hearing live reviews of her films on The One Show. (BBC Screengrab) Jones and Amfo introduced their guests for the evening by asking them all to name their favourite Natalie Portman movie - leaving the Hollywood star looking somewhat embarrassed. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan gushed: "Well, listen, I loved your work in the Thor movies. I thought it was exceptional. I'm a big fan. This is the thing, is those films that, you know, on the face of it are comic book movies, but I thought you brought a depth to your character. I thought the work you did in it was like, it elevated, the film, so thank you very much." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Actor and comedian Tom Davis said: "I'm a bit more art house, I think Black Swan. It's a beautiful movie, an incredible piece of work." And Doctor Who star Millie Gibson added: "Okay, well, mine was Black Swan, but can I throw another one in there - I love Leon: The Professional, that's my favourite." Natalie Portman won an Oscar for her performance in Black Swan. (Searchlight Pictures) Portman said: "Thank you. This is very embarrassing. Live reviews!" But added: "I appreciate that, thank you." Ranganathan then joked: "Natalie, what's your favourite thing that I've done?" Portman struggled: "Ummm," before adding quickly: "The podcast, the podcast, it's great!" The One Show airs on BBC One at 7pm on weekdays. Fountain Of Youth is released on Apple TV Plus on Friday, 23 May.
