Ouch, got CGI in my eye--- possible spoilers

Rating: 7/10 (19 May 2005)

The long anticipated Star Wars prequel, "Episode III: Revenge of The Sith", was pitched well as the film that binds the old and new films together. But it still lacked that depth that existed in the old Star Wars films.
I'm a fan of all Star Wars, and like many out there I was disappointed with the choppy dialogue and Stone-faced performances of "Episode I: The Phantom Menace" and "Episode II: Attack of the Clones", mostly in the part of the love story of Anakin and Padme. So, I was hoping Lucas would tighten up a bit on his young stars, and drive for a believable relationship. While separately the actors held their own and sometimes shined as their conveyed their characters, together, for the most part, it was uncomfortable to watch.
For what it lacked in some performance value, "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" made up for in action. The epic light-saber duels, and starship battles showcased beautiful CGI, that looked very real. But you could tell what was CGI and what was not, and I found myself longing for just a couple more "real" Wookies to fill out the crowd. Just as Anakin brings a balance to the force, the filmmakers could have followed the pattern of some modern epic movie makers by achieving a balance in their film. The right balance of action, drama, and adventure; the right balance of CGI to model-based graphics to support realism. Even just a little breathing room, for the viewer to take it all in.
Overall, however, depth and realism was better than "Episode I: The Phantom Menace" and "Episode II: Attack of the Clones" put together, and the film begs to be watched again and again and inspires a new, finished perspective on the originals making me want to run home and pop in "Episode IV: A New Hope".
Knowing the full story of Anakin Skywalker helps us identify with him, and makes us even more in awe, and even sympathetic to Vader. Yet, the film had so much potential, that I feel was not fully realized. That was the only disappointment.
A good film, and a great "tie-that-binds" to the Star Wars films.