'...Like a hit song that sounds better when played again...'

Rating: 8/10 (2 July 2005)

Blinding special effects that do just that. Blind us in places to some of the drama of the dialogue to follow. BUT...that can't be helped, can it? A second viewing of this film will reap rewards you that would surprise you. Like a hit song that sounds better when played again. The intensity and drama in this film are shadowed by the epic and breathtaking action sequences, but it is the drama that ultimately makes this film a true classic. After the second viewing, it is possible to understand the tragedy and pain that Anakin is truly suffering, that your senses struggle to take in on first view as they struggle to adapt from turbo boosted action scenes into deep dialogue. George Lucas does attempt, and in my opinion succeeds, in finally getting some semblance of this across in an extended finale of tying up of loose ends after the end fight sequences. And just when u think it may be beginning to drag, he adds a nice twist that adds to the tragedy and despair of the situation. In my eyes, this managed to match the ending of empire strikes back, not in spite of the fact that in this you already know what was to follow, but because of it. U can feel Anakins pain (even if u don't like him), Yoda's despair, Obi-wan's loss, even the malevolence of the truly excellent (could I risk brilliant?) Ian Macdiarmid as Darth/Lord Sidious. Intense. But granted, it did take a second viewing for me to appreciate the majority of this.
While CGI special effects can add to a movie, they can also take something away. But as long as directors and writers are prepared to stay true to the intensity of drama, Hollywood may not be so one-dimensional after all.