180 degrees Turnabout...or as much as one can make considering

Rating: 8/10 (4 June 2005)

Hmm well, what can i say that has already not been said ? With the vast amount of hi-tech gear out there today, there is always the ever present danger of making movies, especially those of the science fiction/fantasy genre, where the characters/scenery, basically the whole film do not mesh well together. Directors become lazy, there is no real emotion between those participating in the movie and the audience is left with a hollow empty feeling *rather those with sense enough to garner what is happening* of incompletion. I'm not particularly enamored of the fact that George Lucas created far superior looking equipment/environments/visuals for this second trilogy when the first trilogy is eons behind in the fancy technical gear. I do understand that IV, V and VI were made a while back but he should not have made such obvious enhancements, which niggle me to no end considering i know how Luke Skywalker's visuals appear to the eye. Would have been better to keep things somewhat simple, but instead the film seemed cluttered, with far too many CGI happening all over the place.
Star Wars I and II were poorly done, saving graces were Ewan McGregor, Yoda and at a few moments of fleeting darkness - Hayden Christensen *didn't think he would be able to shake off the "Higher Ground" aura that surrounded him for a while, but have revised my opinion considerably* Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker was a very interesting choice, and while Hayden looked as if he were somewhat blindly walking in the dark in episode II, there were glimpses of his potential to grow into the role of Darth Vader. One frequently saw glimpses of a very troubled young man *wonder what's troubling him in reality ?* who is constantly fighting against something that never seems to break its grip on him. In episode III I would say that he has matured and grown into his role, he again played perfectly the part of someone who is genuinely tormented by what seems to be an ongoing struggle in his head and conscience. He did good.
Natalie Portman on the other hand is one of the most wooden actors I've ever seen, she has no charisma, no screen presence and maybe what can be termed "robot emotions" the woman looks as if it would kill her to show some real emotion, why Lucas cast her as Padme is a mystery to me. I cannot think of another actress who would have fit the part but it would have been better to hire an unknown actor than cast Ms Portman who portrays her character in an unappealing manner. Hayden Christensen, in his scenes with her actually made me feel like shedding a few tears at a few scenes but take a look at Natalie Portman and one even forgets what emotions one is supposed to be feeling, she's completely lifeless. *George Lucas - Why again did you hire her ??* Ewan McGregor did well as Obi-Wan *loved the last exchanges between him and Skywalker in what looked to be a volcano* he could have been Alec Guinness himself, as well as the Sith Lord/Palpatine - excellent acting done by him which gives you a strange chill. Yoda as always is a fascinating fellow, who doesn't love him ? I've somehow grown strangely fond of R2-D2 and his never ending tweeting and chirping. Mace Windu, an expendable part. Samuel L Jackson, while a good actor, would not be missed if his part were not there.
When one is so engrossed in the exchange between the characters on screen, and forgets which actor is playing what character, that to me is a sign of great acting.
Inspite of all my "harsh" comments, I really enjoyed the movie, I'm in love with Star Wars, always have, always will be and this was a great movie, especially considering how the first 2 turned out. Fits in nicely with the old trilogy. I think I cried when Darth Vader, towards the end of the film, asks if his wife is OK. Damn, there were some fantastic scenes in this movie *Ewan McGregor/Anakin Skywalker final exchange on that ashy slope*. George Lucas had incredible vision back in those days, he lost it *and what seemed to be the heart of his films* for a while but have almost redeemed himself. If only he didn't do this whole film in front of a blue screen....spoils the magic that he almost got back. Watching this movie is bittersweet considering we know how it ends. Now I definitely feel like crying...this was a very memorable and important part of my childhood and I will never forget it