The space fantasy phenom be intimate asStar Warshas recapture the aid of fans , between the release of the epicJedi : diminish Ordervideo game from EA andThe Mandalorianfrom   Disney+ . Perhaps most significantly , though , is the anticipated conclusion to the sequel trilogy , Episode IX : The Rise of Skywalker , determine to reach theaters next week . The photographic film looks to be a thrilling - or at least an interesting - climax for our heroes Rey , Poe , and Finn .

Yet , 14 years ago , all of theStar Wars - associate plug was centered around the conclusion to the Lucas - madeprequeltrilogy , which promised a spellbind tale revolve about around   Anakin Skywalker ’s transformation and rise as the iconic baddie Darth Vader . Unlike the first 2 films of the prequel trilogy which are more universally panned , Episode III : Revenge of the Sithtends to produce sundry reaction . While many take care back fondly on this darker , more dramaticStar Warsstory , it run to get slagged just as much .

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George Lucas with A New Hope imagery v3

We ’ll undertake to make gumption of it all and make the case for why this film is underrated , in addition to why it might be given a bit too much credit .

Overrated: Some Boring, Static Scenes

For a film that covers the turbulent period of the Old Republic as it descends into darkness , as well as Anakin ’s shift to Vader , it can certainly drag out on with some boring second . Lucas and McCallum gratefully decided to dial back much of the tardily - paced , cheesy love story between Anakin and Padme this prison term around .

Yet , we ’re still given quite a few electrostatic scenes have some confutable lines ( and rail line deliveries ) , juxtaposed in - between some far more entertaining activity scene . We get some pointless , drawn - out , and some rather cringe - worthy exchange throughout . Although this film does contain more bouts of interest than , say , Attack of the Clones , that ’s not say much .

Underrated: A Darker, Edgier Star Wars

In stark contrast to the first two prequel films , particularly the lighthearted and even goofyEpisode I , Lucas   put the centering on action , drama , and the disconsolate undertones of both the force and social club at large with this conclusion .

This plastic film , which was the first of theStar Warssaga to incur a PG-13 rating , kept a larger consultation captivate with some higher wager and overall more acute , worked up moments throughout . Its heavier intension and dramatic moment contribute a sense of depth , allow for you to get more invest in these characters and this complex lodge .

This tended to compliment the story far better than , say , The Phantom Menace , which matte up like a film for untried kids with a far more intricate political assumption which jar with its tone .

Sidious, Tyranus, Maul, and Vader.

Overrated: An Excess Of Lightsaber Duels

It probably break without state that one ofStar Wars ' great appeals is its unique lightsaber weaponry . These almost inherently produce some visually fun fight scenes thanks to the mesmeric glow and buzzing of these sci - fi sword . Yet , Lucas perhaps put a bittoomuch religion in the draw and merit of these optical maser swords , fill the screentime with dozens of bombastic lightsaber duels feature over - the - top stage dancing .

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It ’s hard to make a casing for a lightsaber typeface - off lastingseveral minutesat the conclusion of this flick , evenwiththe worked up weight behind Anakin and Obi - Wan ’s major duel . You just begin to get dead to the unceasing clashing of lightsabers , especially after minutes of seemingly no advancement being made .

Din Djarin and Ahsoka-1

Underrated: Some Thrilling Action

Still , you ’ve get to appreciate the level of grandiloquence and action elsewhere inRevenge of the Sith , between the thrill General Grievous conflict , the warmness - breaking Order 66 execution , and the sprawling struggle between the Republic Clones and Separatists . And hey , even the lightsaber fights this film so often leans oncanbe telling inshortbursts .

The action is at an all - sentence high in terms of visual gaudiness and emotional system of weights here . substantial event arefinallyin motion and the Republic itself hangs in the residuum , as does that of the progressively powerful Anakin . Episode IIIdoes a grand job of showing these chaotic and important case wreak out overall .

Overrated: Feels Segmented

WhileEpisode IIItends to accentuate   a more in darkness - tint sense of drama more often than not , there exist a strange clash of styles . The moving picture seems to vibrate between Shakspearean drama , cheesy Saturday morning cartoon , and a darker , more wild action movie . Furthermore , the setting and overall fashion ofRevenge of the Sithtakes on a spirit of being all over the plaza .

The more cartoonish sensibilities that open up this moving picture on Grievous ' ship seemworldsapart from the ending of the movie , which seems to desperately endeavor to recapture the mere , more somber circumstance of the start of 1977’sA New Hope .

Underrated: The Emperor At His Best

Sometimes a character can produce such a strong , stand up - out performance that he or she can practically carry the pic on their own meritoriousness . This is partially the case with Ian McDiarmid , whose personation of Palpatine / Lord Sidious is in top form throughoutRevenge of the Sith . His speech and overall demeanor are just dripping with evil , and his dynamical playing injects some life into a film that definitely needs it at clip .

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His cunning and ability to mastermind an derangement of the largest government in the galaxy makes the viewer more than a little uneasy about this villain . You get a sentiency of mania and emotion with this sinister , sadistic Sith throughout .

Natalie Portman as Padme in Star Wars Revenge of the Sith

Overrated: Weak Villains Elsewhere

It ’s problematical to believe someone like Sidious can occupy the same flick as the over - the - top , neckcloth , and cartoonish antagonist that is General Grievous , or the increasingly naive and unpointed fissiparous leadership like Nute Gunray .

And while actor Hayden Christensendoescertainly bring some passion to his characterization of a young Vader , eventhisiconic villain ’s impact and depth is   passably diminished here with his   frequent complaining and whining . This Jedi - work - Sith   is more reminiscent of a downtrodden stripling with a grudge rather than the icy , menacing wraithlike form that Darth Vader is present to be in the original trilogy .

Underrated: A Nice Bridge Between The Prequels And Original Trilogy

Though the changeover in preferences and tone can run to sense sharp follow the showdowns between the Jedi and Sith , Lucasdoesmanage to reestablishEpisode IIIas the fitting prequel it ’s mean to be . This is achieved by the elaborated and entertaining showcasing of the series of events that lead up to the weather condition that kick offA New Hope . It ’s one of the few times this trilogy , which almost take on the intuitive feeling of being in anotheruniverse , truly feels connected to the authoritative trilogy , and serves as a squeamish institution to the old film for younger fans .

Overrated: A Weak Plot

Given the sky - high-pitched stakes and important consequence that bring us from Anakin to Vader ; from Republic to oppressive Empire , Episode IIItends to fall flat more often than not in terms of its tale . confutable actions , flaws in logical system , and some erratic tempo comprise much of this film , to the dot where it can be difficult to bide invested .

How could Anakin so easily yield to the dark side when even Palpatine warned of the astronomic chances of saving Padme with these powers ? What was with Palpatine / Sidious apparently allowing himself to be captured by Grievous ? How could so many force play - channeling Jedi be so oblivious to the conspiracy of the Sith ? These and other questions diffuse this otherwise entertain photographic film .

Underrated: Some Neat Special Effects And Cinematography

While the original trilogy - and to a lesser degree , thesequel films- cohere to a panache more grounded in reality , this film goes full - throttle valve with special core and cinematic glitz . While it ’s been criticized for its bombast and its less organic style , it ’s these effects that help set the stage for a grandiose narrative and put forward the imagination . The variety of the fat configurations , from the overgenerous Wookie planet to the ominous Mustafar system , celebrate affair feel unfermented and interesting .

And unlikeEpisode IandII , the level of contingent here , coupled with some large depth and a darker vibration , makeRevengefeel more like an epic cinematic experience and less like a video game .

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Anakin Skywalker attacks the Jedi Temple in Revenge of the Sith

Anakin Skywalker vs Obi Wan Kenobi lightsaber battle in Star Wars Revenge of the Sith

Stormtroopers shooting their guns during the Battle of Utapau in Star Wars Revenge of the Sith

Keisha Castle-Hughes as Queen Apailana in Star Wars Revenge of the Sith

Emperor Palpatine from Revenge of the Sith

Darth Vader cries out ‘Noooooooooo’ in Revenge Of The Sith

Obi-Wan Revenge of the Sith Tatooine exile

Palpatine and Anakin talk about Darth Plagueis in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

Opening Space Battle from Revenge of the Sith

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