One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!***
147. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) (Directed by George Lucas)
The Movie: Set three years after Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) are sent to save a kidnapped Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) from the clutches of General Grievous (Matthew Wood).
On Grievous’ ship, Anakin and Obi-Wan battle the Sith Lord Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). After he is defeated by Anakin, Anakin decapitates him, with a little encouragement from Palpatine.
Soon Anakin is reunited with Padme (Natalie Portman) who he secretly married. Padme informs Anakin she is pregnant. Anakin is excited, but is soon haunted by nightmares that Padme will die during childbirth.
Having saved Palpatine, Anakin is appointed by Palpatine to the Jedi Council as his personal representive, which they agree to, under one condition, Anakin will not be a Jedi Master, they want him to spy on Palpatine. Anakin slowly begins to not trust the Jedi Council.
Palpatine slowly preys on Anakin’s insecurities and teases him that with the Dark Side of the Force informing Anakin he could save someone he loves from death…
Meantime, Obi-Wan finds Grievous and kills him because he is Obi-Wan. Yoda (Frank Oz) is now at the Wookie planet of Kashyyyk to help defend it from the Separatists.
Anakin is soon not fooled by Palpatine, he figures out that he is a Sith Lord and reports his findings to Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson). Windu attacks Palpatine and has him defeated. Anakin, however severs Windu’s hand allowing Palpatine to kill him. Anakin pledges himself to Palpatine and the Sith. He is soon named, Darth Vader!
Palpatine issues Order 66, which sees the Jedi hunted down and assassinated. Vader infiltrates the Jedi Temple and helps kill all the Jedi there, including the children.
Vader travels to Mustafar to kill the remaining Separatist Leaders, and Palpatine declares himself Emperor at the Galactic Senate. Telling the Senate that the Jedi are traitors.
Yoda and Obi-Wan learn of Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader. Yoda tells Obi-Wan to find and destroy Vader, he will deal with Palpatine. Obi-Wan heads to Mustafar after he stowaways on Padme’s ship as she wants to confront Anakin after learning what he has done. Yoda stays behind and faces Palpatine, their battle ends, with no winner and Yoda realizes he cannot defeat Palpatine and flees Coruscant.
On Mustafar, Padme confronts Vader. She pleads with him to change his ways. When Obi-Wan reveals himself to Vader, he believes that Padme betrayed him. A lightsaber battle ensues with Vader suffering catastrophic injuries. Obi-Wan leaves him to die, but Vader is rescued by Palpatine.
Padme does indeed die during childbirth and her children are sent to separate plants, Leia to Alderaan and Luke to Tatooine.
Why I Love Revenge of the Sith: By 2005 I did not know what to expect from Star Wars. The Phantom Menace was one of the biggest disappointments for me personally seeing a film on opening day. It still is my least favorite Star Wars film. Three years later, Attack of the Clones I thought was better but I still wasn’t sold on the prequels.
Revenge of the Sith to me, brought Star Wars back to a place I love. Yes, some of the dialogue is corny and awful, my favorite being, “From my point of view, the Jedi are evil!” But the moment when Padme and Obi-Wan plead with Vader to not give into the Dark Side is brilliant with all the actors bringing their A-Game. My favorite exchange being,
Darth Vader: “If you’re not with me, then you’re my enemy.
Obi-Wan: “Only a Sith deals in absolutes…I will do what I must”
Darth Vader: “You will try.”
The final battle between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader is so heartbreaking and awesome. The scene is full of energy and the music by John Williams is some of his best. Also, George Lucas demonstrates his real knack for directing action and telling a story within the action.
Revenge of the Sith restored my faith in Star Wars, in fact it made me like The Phantom Menace a little more. With a powerful story of love lost and betrayal, plus the birth of the greatest villain in movie history, Revenge of the Sith is Star Wars at its most entertaining.