EPISODE III- Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Rating: Null/10 (25 May 2005)

What can I ad that has not already been said to the thousands of reviews on this film? People have mentioned the same things hand over fist. Acting is wooden, the story does not have heart, badly directed, character transitions are implausible and even at times down right ridiculous. Even the visuals have their claim to fame. Some say it is perfect.
So how, as a Star Wars fan or not (which I am), can one validate and review a film that is so vehemently at odds with itself AND it's audience? Better yet, if a fan, do we need the review before seeing it anyway? This is one of those movies you have to see regardless. Think of it as watching a train wreck for 2.5 hours-OR-and end of an era with fondness. I am torn between both.
I read nothing, talked to no one before I saw it. Didn't want to. But, now that I have seen it I have a huge nagging to "talk" about it. Get things off my chest. In part I agree with most of what I have read. Awed, disappointed, and jousted about in-between just like everyone else.
I DID find the acting to be somewhat wooden...due mainly in part to bad dialog and lack of proper directionat least this has been consistent throughout all 3 films. No surprises here. Lucas is a great filmmaker and his direction with CGI and the like is top notch, but he is not a good ACTORS director.
The CGI has always been the star in these films, despite the fact that I love visuals, it is sad when they over ride ANY story and development of character. HOWEVER, Ewan (I love Ewan) as Obi-Wan really shinned in this one, hands down! Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine was perfectly evil.
Christensen, it seems, is getting the most flack over all. (Even local papers are bashing his acting.) I don't think this is fair to Hayden. Considering what he had to deal with I think he deserves more credit. But, I also feel as an actor he has it in him to have been pushed more by Lucas to bring out the dark transition from Anakin's change over into Darth Vadar with considerable more depth. He's a talented kid that is capable of much deeper acting. I feel he was holding back for some reason This is my Number One complaint about the film: Anakin's Transition. I was disappointed with it. I would have gladly sat through another 30 minutes of screen time to see a beautiful, rich and heart breaking story unfold. As it is, it just pops into the mid/latter half of the second act, ho-hums about and fizzles out. It feels as if Anakin's decision is not nearly as difficult as it should be, there is NOT enough inner battle and turmoil in Anakin's character (no time for it to build) to back up the change which is especially true when he goes to the Jedi temple. It is NOT Believable.
Portman, gave a decent performance (with what she had to work with), but even now I am questioning WHY her character seemed to take a nose dive into domestic bliss, when she is such a fighter in general. It makes no sense, and it rather ticked me off.
Good stuff? YES there IS!! The visuals are orgasmic and a marvel to watch, despite getting in the way of the story.
It was better than the other 2. Even the acting.
Chewy, R2D2, C3PO and Yoda made it feel like "home".
Final battle between Anakin and Obi-wan was excellent! (nothing can beat the fight scene btwn. Luke and Vadar tho!!)
Even though I didn't buy into the whole transition, seeing Darth Vadar come to life gave me Goosebumps.
The music score was perfect.
Questions got answered in one way or another.
The good moments redeem the bad ones.
I'm sad to see it all endSo I am seeing it again!
On the record this is the BEST of all "3 Episodes".