Somewhat redeemed at the end

Rating: 5/10 (26 May 2005)

The beginning of this film feels like a video game, and in this case that is not a compliment. Seemingly interesting characters are introduced with no characterization only to be killed. Why did General Grievous have a cough, what are his motivations and why does he take up so much screen time while being such a minor character? Certainly there were other ways for the Emperor to test Anakin's growth by having him defeat Dooku. Lucas has created a world too vast and in doing so he could only stumble to a finish. It was difficult to care about any of the Jedi that died in this film because none of them were fleshed out characters. It seems that their only purpose was to show how tragic and unexpected the demise of the Jedi was. Again, couldn't this have been presented more effectively? This film is nothing but elaborate special effects with no substance until the final 40 minutes or so. The acting was an improvement, however slightly. The acting still seemed wooden but it felt like it was likely due solely to George's writing this time. The story of Vader's transformation is a tragic one. However, it is flawed. The Jedi are supposed to be protectors of the peace, why would one of them leave a severely dismembered person they supposedly loved to squirm around helplessly? Kenobi's action seemed cruel and out of character. Overall, this film had great potential, but the story feels rushed to completion. The last 40 or so minutes contained flashes of the elements that made the original series great. Yet, overall, this was a huge disappointment that will be revealed as such, just like the other prequels, once the initial buzz fades.