The only prequel worthy of the name 'Star Wars'

Rating: 8/10 (25 May 2005)

Let's face it, whatever George Lucas did with the final instalment of his epic trilogy, there would be complainers. Of course, the man himself is to blame; The Phantom Menace is a horrible film, and while Attack of the Clones is a lot better than it's predecessor, it still leaves a lot to be desired when compared to the original classics. However, it's third time lucky for George as this time round he's done the fans - and himself - proud. Episode III is by far the best of the new Star Wars films, and the only one that even challenges for a place among the 'proper' movies. This is the film we've all been waiting for; the one that charts Anakin's fall from 'the chosen one' to an all powerful lord of the Sith. Before seeing the movie, like lots of fans I'm sure, I was dreading the possibility that Lucas might have messed this one up too. Of course, the story this time is much stronger and therefore harder to mess up, but the other films were giving me doubts. While I still regret the lower quality of the other two films; Lucas has redeemed himself here. THIS is Star Wars.
The story is the main focal point of the film, and while Lucas has fleshed it out with numerous battle scenes and lightsabre fights, it's always obvious that the man is here to tell us a story. While the first prequel got lost in the very unfunny antics of a certain amphibian, and the second one had too much camp humour and got lost in sideplots; here we get the full brunt of Star Wars' central story, and it makes for fascinating viewing. Star Wars is the closest thing modern society has come to a truly great original story, and Lucas has done the universe that he has invented proud with this movie. While sometimes the motivations of the characters can be a little off-centre, they're believable for the most part; and Anakin's transformation couldn't have been better handled. It would have been too easy for Lucas just to focus on the young man's anger to turn him to dark side, but instead he's added a new twist to it, and although the character becomes decidedly evil by the end of the movie; we can almost understand his descent. Of course, all is not so simple as Anakin making a choice, and in this movie Lucas' building in the other two films really bears fruits. Unexpectedly, this movie also increases the potency of the original trilogy, particularly the ending of Return of the Jedi.
However, the talents of the man who created this great saga are also this film's major downfall. The reality of the situation is; Lucas may have a great mind for making up a story, but his directorial and writing abilities are questionable to say the least. The majority of the cast don't put in good performances, and although certain members' acting talent can be considered as a reason why, the main reason is Lucas' terrible writing and his inability to direct his actors. Giving the lead role to Hayden Christensen may not be as bad an idea as it seems to be - he has the screen presence to play Anakin Skywalker, but the delivery of his lines is very awkward, and the scenes he shares with Natalie Portman - his 'love' - are very much lacking in emotion, and somebody with more talent might have been able to get round the writer/director's shortcomings. There are certain serious scenes in the movie where all you will be able to do, if you can get over cringing, is laugh - and that's not good at all. Certain cast members do shine, though, and the brightest star in the cast is Ian McDiarmid. Emperor Palpatine is the most interesting character in the film, and McDiarmid gives a wonderful performance, every scene with him in it is a delight. However, Star Wars has never really been about great performances, and although this film does need a little more acting talent than the other five did due to it's story - it's still all about the action.
The action in the movie is fast paced and there's lots of it, and that's probably the reason why this film feels much more like Star Wars than the previous two. The lightsabre battles are superb, and the final climatic one (some would say 'ultimate') between Anakin Skywalker and his mentor, Obi Wan Kenobi, is breathtaking to say the least. It does feel a little like Lucas is cashing in on the lightsabre's popularity with the number of fights that include the Jedi weapon, but I don't care - it makes for great entertainment. The special effects throughout the movie are nothing short of amazing, and each landscape in the film is brilliantly rendered. The space battles are excellent, and even though you know it's only CGI, and therefore lazy effects, the CGI is good; and when it's good I personally don't mind seeing it. Lucas has cashed in on a lot of things with this series - the droids, which are hardly relevant, the novelty of seeing Yoda with a lightsabre and the inclusion of Chewbacca in this movie to name but a few things - but hey; it's Star Wars! Some will leave this movie feeling cold, but I had a great time and the story and amount of action in the movie made it a great film experience for me. Just seeing those starting title credits come up before a Star Wars film I haven't seen is good enough, but when a good film follows; it's truly something to savour. Sadly, fans of the series are never going to see those credits come up before a new film again, so let's savour it. Lucas' trilogy has ended, and it's ended with a more than worthy film. THIS prequel is worthy of the name 'Star Wars'.