Even if you're not a Star Wars fan, you should SEE THIS FILM

Rating: 10/10 (16 June 2005)

I'd never seen any of the films before I saw this movie except for the older ones long ago. I made it a mission to see this film simply because it is the pivotal film in the series. I didn't even like Star Wars. In fact, even when I said "I have to see this movie" there was reluctance in my voice. But I'm glad I saw it. VERY glad.
One of the things that have surrounded this new trilogy is the amazing transition from a powerful democracy to the slow evolution to an empire and dictatorship. Democracy has ultimate paradoxes. They cannot achieve one thing without doing another that contradicts the true essence of democracy. This is evident in the final film when the Republic becomes what Palpatine envisioned. The way that events contributed to the downfall of democracy also illustrated the fall of Anakin. It almost seems as though Anakin had no choice at the very end but to fall into darkness, as did the Republic.
Hayden Christensen will most probably never be seen as the man that became Darth Vader. His anger, restlessness and fear are present but not present enough to make the audience believe he could really become this Dark Lord. This might be attributed to the fact that Anakin's conscience was constantly eating at him and although he wanted to save Padme and those he loved from dieing, he knew what following this dark path would ultimately mean. Christensen captures the tragedy that is Darth Vader quite well in this sense. It is not until the final moment in the film that you feel his sadness and despair of his character, finally forced to follow something that he knows in his heart is not right. His transition to the Dark Side may seem "fast" for viewers. And they're right. It was fast. This speedy transition was most probably done on purpose. It was not until the very, VERY end of the film that Anakin sealed his fate as Darth Vader. It seemed as though throughout the film he was confident but also reluctant to become a Sith.
Ian McDiarmid's portrayal of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious is absolutely amazing. He is excellent as the cunning senator, who from the very beginning of this second trilogy has been the manipulative voice in powerful men and women's ears. He uses all political crises to his advantage, almost to the point where the title of Emperor simply falls into his lap. Sidious is so evil that it isn't the graphic novel like evil that is Darth Vader, but truly evil. His deep cackle is haunting, his gleaming eyes and hollow face are truly a work of art. The audience sees him as the true villain in this film and all of Star Wars. He is the puppeteer of all those around him and he is absolutely fantastic.
Ewan McGregor is absolutely fantastic as Obi-Wan. He is one of the few actors that made their character credible. McGregor has shown that he's worked hard to get the likeness to Guinness down and he has done well. Natalie Portman did not contribute much to this film, simply because Padme is pregnant and she could not leave her home often. She did what she could with the lines given to her, just like every other actor.
Portman and Christensen suffered from Lucas' dialogue out of any other actors. The actors did what they could with the lines they were given. After the first assault which is almost likened to a "no you hang up".. "no you first!" dialogue between the two actors, I practically dreaded any scene with Christensen and Portman together. It doesn't mean they are bad actors. It means someone should have argued with Lucas when they read the script.
Jar Jar Binks is reduced to a non speaking role in this film, possibly because this film should be without much comical relief. R2-D2 offers the comic relief that is needed in this film with his shrill little screams and his "violent" retaliation. It is only small, but not forgettable. His moments stick out in this film because they are the only parts that make you laugh or smile, and that is not very often.
If you do end up seeing this film, bare in mind that it is a Star Wars film so you're going to be subject to the same old screen transitions, the dramatic dialogue, the artistic deaths, the comical "NO!" and a lot of other stuff. It's a fantastic ride but sad when it ends. I recommend this film to anyone and everyone. And for those who get dragged along, there's always Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman to serve as eye candy. Enjoy!