A Must see for Star Wars Fans

Rating: 9/10 (20 May 2005)

Episode III, written and directed by George Lucas, had the task of bridging the 28 year gap between Episodes I-II and Episodes IV-VI, so let me put that one to rest quickly for all you fans out there  it was done superbly as only the creator himself could have done. Episode III continues the torments of Anakin Skywalker, believed to be the Chosen One by some in the Jedi Order, but having lost his mother in Episode II, Anakin is now consumed by the thought that he will lose his wife, Padme, and that thought drives his conflicts about whether to support the Jedi, who offer wisdom, or Chancellor Palpatine who offers Anakin the secrets of life and death through the dark side. You know the choice Anakin makes, so the question is whether Lucas convinces us as to why Anakin goes over to the dark side. And that also is handled quit well. I actually found myself siding with Anakin a few times, asking myself how could they do that to him? As far as the world goes, it's rich and spectacular, if only we could have spent a little bit more time exploring it, but "the worlds" are only a background to Anakin's story  as it should be. So what can I add? The special effects are incredible, the battles stupendous, the light saber duels better than all before, and as a friend said, all to come. The scene of Darth Vader's rising before our eyes, an instant classic for film fandom, can only be compared to the creation of Frankenstein's monster. This isn't the greatest film ever made, but it is a great Star Wars film  a must-see for fans. Unfortunately, if you are not familiar with what's come before or after before you see III, there is no way you will be able to appreciate all the nuances. Tomorrow, I plan on watching my copy of Episode IV, because it will have more dimension than ever now. You may have also heard that this is the first Star Wars film to earn a PG-13, and while there are some terrible images planted into our heads, this plot is actually the most adult oriented, dealing with inner conflict and politics, so expect the little ones to stir in their seats between the battles.