I wanted to love this but I was disappointed

Rating: 5/10 (25 May 2005)

Before seeing this I was really excited. I saw 2 of the originals in the cinema as a child, Return of the Jedi as a treat for my first communion. ALONG time ago. And I LOVED them!! So onto ROTS, Why didn't I like it?
I hadn't unrealistic expectations, I knew it would be more in the mold of the first and second episodes, than 4-6.
Firstly it was supposed to be dark, and sure it was darker than the others, but I think Lucas really failed to deliver on the whole metamorphosis of Anaken to Darth Vader. It was all too easy!! You never really got a sense of his personal turmoil. If he really was this great Jedi knight, I would have expected WAY more internal conflict. a lot of this I'm afraid falls on the shoulders of Hadyn Christain, he was very poorly miscast, and doesn't have the presence for those crux moments when he NEEDS to deliver so much, and just can't.
Some of the acting was throwaway, wooden lines and cringe inducing one liners. But I could even have gotten over all that. I suppose I never felt excited during the film, there was no big rush and I guess a lot of that has to do with the fact that we already know the outcome.
Positives, I have utmost respect for McGregor, he was 90% excellent. He seemed to show much more personal conflict with Anakens destiny that Anaken ever did. I even really enjoyed Yoda, though again, should his Jedi powers not be stronger? A lot of the CGI was awesome, but again during the key scenes the volcanic fire etc, it looked like a playstation game. After epics like LOTR this fells second rate.
There was some good drama too, you couldn't but feel for Anaken, his whole life was tragic, he was played and conned, and only when it was too late do we really sense any regret.
But I was so disappointed in the creation of Darth Vader. I was expecting more mystique, a better explanation, I don't know the whole thing sort of feels very hollow to me now! In a way the whole illusion has been destroyed somewhat. I don't mean to be this harsh I'm just bitterly disappointed. Everyone says this is the film the fans wanted, do people genuinely think that was a great movie? Or do they feel compelled to say so out of loyalty to Lucas? Mmmmmmmm Hand on Heart I wish I loved it more!!