middle of the road

Rating: 6/10 (4 June 2005)

I'll be the first to say that I'm relieved that the epic Star Wars is complete. Visually, the film looked fantastic. One can always count on LucasArts to deliver when it comes to the sound and visual aspects of a film. The duels were more imaginative and impressive than any of the previous films. Ewan McGregor turned in a fabulous performance as usual. However, there is quite a large list of flaws. Of course, the script stands out as a major blemish. If there was as much care given to the visual and sound departments as to the actual script and acting, the film would have no problem being on the top ten list of greatest films. The dialogue is forced and corny at times. Plus, the plot holes can be rationalized only for so long. Facts established in other films don't compliment facts established in the newest chapter.
Quick example: Yoda is supposedly the most powerful jedi next to Anakin. I'm supposed to believe that he's around Palpatine for numerous years and has not once sensed the dark side? In Empire Strikes Back, it was stated that the dark side is not stronger, so how could it be strong enough to cloud the entire jedi council? Plus, how could Leia remember what her mother looked like at all in Return of the Jedi as an infant in Episode III? The list goes on. As far as the acting goes, I really feel for the actors having to deal with the script they had. Also, for having to act with CGI effects for most of the picture; its a true challenge. But, at a certain point, as an actor, one has to step up to the challenge and I don't believe Hayden effectively accomplished this. His acting lacked energy and creativity. Those two flaws right there are enough to bring an entire scene crashing to a halt. At no point in the film did he convince me that he was driven to a point where he had nowhere to turn but to the dark side...where he actually had to betray the teachings he's been immersed in for his entire life. On Mustafar, before turning on his best friend, wife, child(ren), and light side of the force, there was no breaking point. Yes, he got mad as hell, but it seemed like subdued anger; like someone ran him off the road or stole the last cookie from the cookie jar. When the entire story builds to this monumental point of turning, there is a (possibly unfair) pressure for something magnificent to happen. It didn't. Also, there's no way to make Darth Vader screaming 'no' sound good. Best not to do it. And when he found out that his wife had been killed and he's to blame, I would think that the most powerful jedi in the universe would do more than break a few droids. The higher stakes of the scene would involve him actually hurting the Emperor to a certain extent, indirectly, to establish that he is dangerous and could overthrow the Emperor if he chose. Despite these flaws, the film had to be done and it could have been worse. It was an average film backed by 30 years of following and mythology that elevated it to a higher status.