Star Wars - Back at its BEST!

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 2005)

The first Star Wars movie I saw in the cinema was Return of the Jedi (aged 9) and it was fantastic! Since then the Empire Strikes Back became my favourite - a dark foreboding movie, lending a real and palpable gravitas to the whole story line. I can't explain how excited I was when Episode I was released - and how confused and un-fulfilled I was having seen it. I wasn't totally disappointed. It wasn't dire, but it certainly wasn't "Star Wars". Then Episode II - I had really high hopes, and although it was better the Phantom Menace - it was still a bit disappointing (Anakin jumping out of the speeder? Oh come on!). So when Episode III was due for release, I was in two minds - should I set myself up for further disappointment (only worse, since this is the last of the six), or should I allow my childish enthusiasm to boil over into hyperdrive. I went for hyperdrive - and wasn't let down. This movie is great - and truly in the lineage of Star Wars - an absolute triumph! Exploritory, explanatory and dark - a masterpiece, Lucas and Star Wars, back at the top!