3rd best of six

Rating: 8/10 (22 May 2005)

This film brings back the fun and joy in the star wars films after the last two (Episodes I and II). Lots of good moments that actually made me look forward to seeing episode IV again. It's a feast for the eyes and ears if not much for the mind.
Once again the plot details are so complicated that it seems heavy handed, but unlike episode VI which wrapped up things too neatly and very annoyingly this one handles a more difficult problem of jamming in between II and IV; a harder task in my opinion, with aplomb and grace.
I wonder if Lucas will want future new viewers to start from Episode IV as we all did or Episode I, which seems logical. Let's hope Lucas can use all the success and fortune for worthy film causes in the future beyond making millions of dollars.
As for Ebert's discussion of doing episodes VII-IX, I think it is a good idea for Lucas to hand over the reins.