Quote Originally Posted by econ21
I did not give Grievious much thought. I think Lucas tends to put in some characters for the kids. Some of these work even for adults (Yoda), others don't (Jar-Jar, Ewoks, etc). It's like taking your kid to a Disney or Pixar movie - some of it is not for you. Maybe Grievious did not sell well with the kids in your cinema but my son thought he was the most interesting character. I doubt kids could root for the other "baddies" in III - a sulky child killer and an ugly-wuggly arch manipulator.
Grievious is total mismatch. Like Jar-Jar, Ewoks and similar "kidy" characters. Even Epizode VI showed small degradation, but it was suppotably. Much of my friends are core SW fans and they are disappointed with Lord Grievious and EIII. I only watch the old ones.



Quote Originally Posted by econ21
Inspired by the myth, I guess, but maybe that's why it worked, for me at least. There's a "garden of Eden" type quality about a republic (democracy) falling into tyranny that gives it a certain poignancy. It's more interesting to me than the "freedom fighters" win kind of story of IV and VI.
I agree. Transformation from republic into empire (like Roman dominate - maybe I wrong spelled) is well done.