great

Rating: 9/10 (17 June 2005)

Given everything that had to go into this film: a confluence of music, effects, and acting, I have to tip my proverbial hat.
I grew up mesmerized by the 1977 Star Wars ("may the force be with you" was a cultural touchstone), and the Empire Strikes Back (1980) was a worthy successor. Return of the Jedi was a slip into insipid sentimentalism and puppetry, a case of style over substance.
When Lucas began this second trilogy of prequels, like many I could not sit through the first installment, and skipped the second. The word of mouth on this third was so good, I had to check it out and I'm glad I did.
There are enough images here, with a story rich enough to make me feel fully engaged. The horrific images of the burnt Anakin clawing from the flowing lava with a delighted Senator Palpatine nearby is worthy of Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff.
The music goes a long way towards advancing the film. At times the effects seem little more than a blur, but they can also impress.
I strongly recommend this film for all movie goers, of all ages.