No movie will touch the first trilogy, so enjoy this great film

Rating: 7/10 (31 May 2005)

While reading through the countless reviews that gave "Sith" less than 5 stars I can across one that asked "Why do people give this movie 10/10?" The same can be said for the people who give the movie a 1-3/10. While it certainly isn't as "good" as the first three films, Episode III is easily a great movie and should be looked upon as such. The acting is the most obvious downfall: Hayden Christenson may have looked the part (brilliant portrayal, physically) but his love scenes with Natalie Portman were lacking. However, the acting of Ewen McGregor and Ian McDiarmid (who was stunning as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine) make up for this.
The special effects, despite the criticisms of some, are not overboard (like in Episode II). They blend nicely into the story, and are primarily background for more important facets of the movie. The opening space battle is breath-taking if you allow it to be. The lightsaber battles are spectacular and the final battle between Anakin and Obi-Wan is epic.
Lucas does a great job of tieing in humor and minor characters as well. C-3PO and R2-D2 provide some slight laughs, although the biggest laughs of the movie came from the sarcastic actions of Yoda. I wasn't too thrilled about making Yoda, Mr. Wisdom himself, part of the comic relief, but it doesn't take away from his character (remember, Ep. V? Very funny). Chewbacca is in the film, but plays a very minor role (which was for the better in my opinion).
The greatest part of this movie, however, is the transformation of Anakin. I'm someone who was very critical of Christenson's acting. So it came as a surprise when I was truly feeling the pain of Anakin. Lucas shows the true tragedy of Anakin turning to the dark side. I didn't think I would ever be feeling sorry for Anakin, but I was! In review, many people still expect too much from these movies. The first trilogy simply can't be touched. Therefore, enjoy this movie. It really is a great movie that is actually very dark and revealing. Even without the "Star Wars Mystique" I would have enjoyed it.
9/10.