Star Wars has captivated the hearts and minds of many since 1977. The original trilogy crafted a story many believe to be one of the best works of modern fiction. Although the first three movies built an interesting world with its own stories and lore, many events and characters were not expanded upon. Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace began the prequel trilogy in 1999. The then-controversial but now beloved prequel movies gave context to events and characters that appear in the original movies. This set of movies ended with 2005’s Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith.
The finale of the prequel trilogy is held in high esteem by many Star Wars fans. The plot sees Jedi Knights, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, navigating the end of the Clone Wars. The ending of the movie serves as a bridge between the prequels and the original trilogy, with the birth of Luke and Leia Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the movie, and Lucasfilm is partnering with select cinemas in order to return the movie to theaters. Tickets are on sale now, and the movie will be shown starting on April 25 and ending on April 30. Cinemas offering the movie are AMC, Alamo Drafthouse, B&B, Cinemark, Fandango, Galaxy, Harkins, Marcus, Megaplex, and Regal Showcase. The movie will also be shown in the 4DX format, which includes seats that move and have effects that complement the film. Certain cinemas will also offer a unique popcorn bucket and cup for the occasion. The bucket featuring a poster designed by Matt Ferguson, specifically made for the re-release of the movie, will be on sale. The cup is designed after the iconic helmet of Darth Vader. Disney ensures the 20th anniversary of the film will not go unappreciated.
The Star Wars franchise remains very much in the public eye, and more recently, under public scrutiny. The last few Star Wars projects have opened to a mediocre reception compared to previous movies and shows. The Acolyte was a Disney+ original set in the far past of the High Republic era, which many fans were excited to see. However, fans believed the project fell flat, and the show currently has a 4.2/10 rating on IMDb. Although other endeavors like Andor and Ahsoka have generally received positive reviews, fans view the franchise with more skepticism and less excitement than years past.
Although it may seem like the Star Wars franchise may be failing, it may be useful to remember how fans during the early 2000s felt. Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace and Star Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones received 6.5/10 and 6.6/10 reviews, respectively. Reviews at release were mixed, with some fans believing that it could not measure up to the original movies, and others believing that it faithfully and effectively carried the torch of the movies that came before. Star Wars fans were cautious going into the release of Episode III, as many felt disappointed by the previous two prequel movies. However, most were surprised by the film, with many stating it was a “return to form” for the series. It has an IMDb rating of 7.6/10, the highest of the prequel trilogy.
To many diehard fans, Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith flipped public perception of the prequel trilogy and brought the series back to the high standards of quality it set before. The re-release of this influential movie will bring it to a new and younger audience and allow veteran fans to experience it in theatres again. As Anakin returns to the big screen, fans are reminded of what the movie has done for the franchise. Episode III marked a turning point for both the characters in the series and the movies as a whole. It reassured fans that Star Wars was still special, and it had more stories to offer from the galaxy far, far away.
