Tedious

Rating: 5/10 (31 May 2005)

Compared to episodes 1 and 2, there is a higher level of action in this film, which could have been a good thing if only because it minimises the amount of dialogue. Alas, that would have been the case only if the action scenes were actually GOOD.
The movie features chaotic battle sequences through which the heroes travel through without even a hint of danger of damage (while flying their spaceships, riding their bikes/animals, or on foot). Another highlight of the film are the inane light-sabre fights. These are filmed in such a way that you are not going to witness any finesse or skill. Just blurred arcs of light and lots of bzzzt sounds. At some point limbs fly.
The new evil guys serve little purpose. They are introduced only to be summarily dispatched and serve other role in the story than an excuse to provide some action. Like in episodes 1 and 2, you are left feeling that you are watching a series of stunts rather than a coherent story.
The dialogue is as stilted and boring as in the previous two episodes, while lacking the 'cult' nature of the original trilogy. The acting is not convincing and the character motivations are confused (not confusing, but confused as if the people responsible didn't know how to do things properly and just threw things together).
Visually, however, the movie is stunning. And the sound effects are good. (BZZT)