The Force is Strong in This One

Rating: 8/10 (17 May 2005)

I have one ****SPOILER**** near the end, so you have been warned.
I had very high expectations. This is not only the possible last movie in the Star Wars universe, but it's also what sets the stage for what we already know is supposed to happen. Now, having seen the movie, I am pleased to say that my expectations were met. Not exceeded, but it certainly satisfied me.
The flow of the film, while not important to some, was important to me. I found that it flowed nicely, it wasn't rushed nor did it linger too long on a scene. The special effects, no shock, were amazing!
What really impressed me, was that Hayden does a better acting job this time, than he did in Episode 2. Gone is the whiny little brat behavior, thankfully. He really did well in showing the proper darkness we would expect from the man who becomes Vader.
And I liked how Ewan has now fully embraced the Obi Wan delivery made endearing by Sir Alec Guiness. He truly looks and behaves like the Obi Wan we will meet again as an elderly man in Episode 4.
It's no secret that the Jedi get slaughtered. And while I won't reveal how any of them die, I will say that there is one who goes out in spectacular fashion. It was, in my personal opinion, a scene that rivaled Obi-Wan and Anakin's spectacular final battle (final battle for THIS movie anyway)
If you liked Yoda's action scenes in Episode 2, I'm confident that you'll like his action scenes in this one even MORE. Sorry, no details. I want you to enjoy it fresh.
All in all, this was the best of ALL the Star Wars films, in my personal opinion. But that doesn't mean I don't have some gripes.
Without revealing anything key, let me just say that I wish they would have done better with Padme. Natalie did fine, I don't blame her performance. I guess I just wanted something...different...than what we get in this movie.
I also was left with a couple of unanswered questions. Having obviously seen the films that follow this one already, I know these questions don't get answered. The questions are nothing MAJOR, but they're still questions that don't get answered.
I also wish they would have given more exposition on a couple of the characters. Nothing major, just wish we could have learned more about them.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS: This is by far the most graphic Star Wars film of the bunch. So be mindful of the fact that there WILL BE scenes that could really scare the crap out of kids. I would strongly suggest parents view it first (or find someone who's seen it who can give you specific details on the graphic violence) and then decide if your child would be able to handle the level of violence. Just a suggestion, and by NO means a suggestion to not let kids see it.
My last gripe, I'll word carefully so as not to make it a spoiler....actually, I don't think it's possible to do, and still get my point across. So....
*******SPOILER WARNING**********SPOILER WARNING************************* *******SPOILER WARNING**********SPOILER WARNING*************************
DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU WANT TO KNOW A KEY MOMENT IN THE MOVIE
Anakin is pretty much dead after a very graphically disturbing fight in a volcano. Yet all they had to do was put him in this "bath" and have him fitted with the famous armor, and now Anakin is the mighty Lord Vader. If this thing is so powerful, why is it only used for Anakin, instead of being used to create armies and armies of powerful Sith??? Or better yet, how about tossing some Jedi in there?
*******END OF SPOILER**********END OF SPOILER*************************** *******END OF SPOILER**********END OF SPOILER***************************
So, while I had my gripes, I still highly, Highly, HIGHLY recommend this movie. It's definitely going to please fans. I personally feel that it beats the first two chapters COMBINED. Some may have issue with the level of violence, and some may have issue with what happens to Anakin physically. But I doubt ANYONE is going to leave the theater displeased.
That's My Opinion But You're Welcome To It
Michael "Bishop" Emery
www.new-alpha.com