Star Wars (& HP)

[songbird3411]

I have something Harry Potter related in my mind after seeing the new 
Star Wars movie.  (Twice. Yes I am obsessed.)  Slight Star Wars 
spoilers ahead.

I think that if these Star Wars prequels were good for one thing, it 
might not be showing us Anakin's fall to the Dark Side.  No, I think 
the best thing about these Star Wars prequels has been the depiction 
of one of the best movie villains of all time.

Honestly, the only thing I find worthwhile about the first two 
prequels is seeing the complete and total control Palpatine has over 
events.  Palpatine has turned out to be one of the scariest villains 
I have ever encountered.

The depth and thoroughness of his manipulations is simply 
breathtaking.  He controls not only people, but entire Institutions.  
He controlled both sides of the same war.  He orchestrated the 
invasion of his home planet in order to secure more power.  He 
orchestrated a siege of the capital in order to gain even more 
power.  Not only does he plan every event, but he has contingency 
plans if the initial plans go awry.

This is a character whose sole motivation is power.  A character with 
the ability to manipulate people and events to his own advantage.  A 
character in utter control of almost every level of his society.  

I find myself wishing that Voldemort was even a hundredth as scary.  
Yes, yes, JK Rowling, I know we all watch too much Star Wars.  
Honestly though!  Palpatine is one of the best baddies I have ever 
seen.  After seeing Revenge of the Sith, Voldemort is going to seem 
even weaker by comparison unless Jo does something about it really 
soon.

Mindy