a non-Star Wars Fan review

Rating: 9/10 (11 June 2005)

OK , I admit it. I haven't see all the Star Wars movies. I did see the first one when it came out in the 1970's. I was a kid and it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. There was really nothing like it back then. Now, there are hundreds of movies out each year with wonderful (albiet computer generated) special effects. This movie definitely surpasses anything I have seen. I never expected to like this movie. I really thought, given my limited experience with Star Wars, that I would be lost. But that wasn't the case. I did understand what was going on and why.
More than just another space movie, this film is a story about good and evil; love and loyalty; brotherhood and betrayal. It is beautifully acted - Hayden Christianson is fantastic as are Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman (although her role is a bit more limited than expected). The fight scenes look as "real" as anything I know nothing about can look. It is not difficult to lose ones self in the fantasy of this movie. It is a heartbreaking story about the loss of innocence and the ultimate loss of hope. I felt it gave fantastic commentary about how the dark and light sides are present in each person. Given the proper circumstance, anyone could go either way.
I'm sorry this is the last installment. I do plan to watch Ep I, then II then III again then Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi as soon as they are all out on DVD.
Get out the popcorn and enjoy this great film. Oh, and by the way, that IS Jimmy Smits. LOL