Extremely disappointing, but what should be expected from Lord Lucas

Rating: 3/10 (26 May 2005)

I could start out by comparing this, and the other 2 previous films, for that matter, to Episodes 4 and 5 (I don't count Episode 6, because Lucas lost me there when he had little teddy bears beating stormtroopers!!), but what is the point. Lucas got lucky with 4 and other people directed and wrote the script for 5 (Hmmmmm... why is that one considered the best?!!!) As for "Revenge of the Sith", Lucas has, for me, destroyed one of the greatest and most intriguing characters I have ever seen in cinema. I am referring to, of course, Darth Vader. Or, as he should be known, "Bi**h Vader". In case you are wondering, yes, that is the slang word for a female dog!! As I recall, Obi Won said in Episode 4, Vader "was seduced by the Dark Side". But when you see this film... But more than this, it is the over the top, bombastic, overly contrived story and directing that Lucas displayed in 1 and 2 that continues here. Yes, the effects are dazzling, but at times it's too much. It almost seems that throughout this trilogy Lucas is more interested with showing off than telling a good story. Effects help a good story and script. Effects do not make a movie! And as for the script, again, Lucas caught lightning in a bottle with 4, because at times I had to keep from laughing out loud! I mean too loud! Once again, with the exception of Ian McDiarmid, Lucas manages to direct the actors to boredom!! Hayden Christensen is an absolute joke, whining and pouting, his head turned down trying to evoke some kind of transformation, or something. And, yes, I could do better!! But, I am not really angry about what George has done, but rather resigned to the fact that this movie represents what Hollywood has become. All show and NO substance. I keep hearing people say, if you don't compare it to 4, 5 or 6, it's a good movie. Have our standards dropped so low? This movie being the best of the first 3 is not saying much! But, it is Sir Lucas' toy. It just makes me sad. I remember the joy and astonishment when I first saw the universe he created in 1977. Once again, the pure products of America go crazy!! By the way, if you want to see an example of REAL cinema, check out the Japanese science-fiction epic "Casshern". Story (thought provoking), script, acting, music, directing (extremely imaginative), action, and more effects than anyone can ask for, are all there. No wonder Hollywood is remaking so many Asian films. Sad...........