...and the Bridge is complete...

Rating: 8/10 (22 June 2005)

STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH is, perhaps, the best film in the STAR WARS saga (the only possible exception is Episode V). This film does what I thought was impossible -- it ties up every lose end that was introduced in Episodes I, and II (as well as a few that took place in the outstanding Cartoon Network CLONE WARS tales) and ties them in well with where everything was starting in Episode IV... and it does it in a very entertaining way! I mean, let's face it: WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE! The acting in this film is the best of any STAR WARS film. The dialog is about on par with other STAR WARS films, but the delivery of that dialog is second to none. The Emperor feels terrifying and powerful, even as he sits in a chair in his office; the Jedi feel confident and unaware of the plots that are unfolding around them. The pain and betrayal in the characters comes through the film very well. The emotions are running high (something George Lucas is notoriously bad at) and it is very well handled.
In other words: THIS IS THE STAR WARS FILM YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR.
But one thing, really, keeps this from being a 9. This film is freaking dark. As I have said in other STAR WARS reviews, STAR WARS is a series designed to be enjoyed by kids ages 10-14. When this film received a PG-13 rating, I know things were not going to be like your typical STAR WARS film. And I was right.
This film includes such dark images as dead youngling Jedi (kids younger than those the film was designed to entertain); and Anakin Skywalker, legless and helpless, burning up in a pool of lava... very, very dark images. Be aware of this before you show this film to younger children.