Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro didn’t hold back after fellow Daily Wire host Matt Walsh eviscerated Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith in a viral review. Shapiro blasted Hollywood’s obsession with pushing “woke messaging” over basic storytelling, arguing that modern filmmakers could learn from the movie’s failures. “When even a sci-fi epic about space wizards can’t escape cringey dialogue and wooden acting,” Shapiro said, “it’s proof the entertainment industry cares more about political agendas than entertaining families.”
Walsh’s takedown of the Star Wars prequel resonated with fans tired of lazy writing in big-budget films. He mocked the stilted performances and baffling plot holes, like Jedi warriors who move “like grandparents at a Sunday buffet.” Shapiro agreed, adding that today’s filmmakers have turned iconic franchises into “soulless lecture halls” instead of delivering the fun, inspiring stories Americans crave.
The backlash highlights growing frustration with Hollywood’s disconnect from everyday values. While elites praise “subversive” storytelling, Shapiro noted, most audiences just want heroes who embody courage and honor—not preachy dialogue about “balancing the Force” or other vague metaphors. “This is why conservative creators are rising,” he said. “We’re done letting coastal elites dictate what counts as ‘good art.’”
Critics of Revenge of the Sith say its flaws mirror modern blockbusters’ obsession with spectacle over substance. Endless CGI battles and acrobatic lightsaber duels can’t hide weak characters or nonsensical plots. Walsh joked that the film’s dialogue “sounds like it was written by aliens who’ve never met a human,” a dig at out-of-touch writers who prioritize ideology over relatable storytelling.
Shapiro doubled down, accusing Hollywood of disrespecting audiences by treating them like “moral toddlers” needing constant instruction. He praised Walsh for calling out the film’s “cartoonish politics,” comparing its heavy-handed messaging to modern shows that scold viewers instead of entertaining them. “Conservatives are building alternatives,” Shapiro said, “where stories uplift instead of lecture.”
The debate underscores a cultural divide. While left-leaning critics defend Revenge of the Sith as “ambitious,” Shapiro and Walsh argue it’s a cautionary tale of talentless pretension. They say the film’s 20th anniversary re-release isn’t a celebration—it’s a reminder of how far Hollywood has fallen. “Great art requires truth, beauty, and courage,” Shapiro said. “Not just flashing lights and empty slogans.”
Fans flooded social media, thanking both hosts for voicing what “normal Americans” have felt for years. Many shared clips of the film’s most laughable moments, like Natalie Portman’s deadpan delivery or Senator Palpatine’s “retiree-speed” lightsaber skills. “This isn’t about Star Wars,” one user wrote. “It’s about taking back our culture from people who hate everything we love.”
As the backlash grows, Shapiro urged conservatives to support entertainment that reflects their values. “Stop funding Hollywood’s garbage,” he said. “Real change starts when we invest in artists who respect the audience—and the timeless ideals that make stories worth telling.”