at least Jar Jar Binks didn't speak

Rating: 3/10 (13 June 2005)

Well, it's finally over - the 3rd, and hopefully last, episode of Star Wars is out. This very dark installment lacks the very essence of what made Star Wars great - great characters, humor in the right places and a brilliant plot line. Episode 3 is much better than episodes 1 or 2 (which isn't saying much). It's main value is to answer all the how questions - how did Darth Vader get horribly burned? How did Luke and Leah get to where they are in episode 4? How did the transformation take place? Etc.
One of the problems with this film is the acting, which is horrible once again. Lucas is once again trying to rely on the special effects to carry the film forgetting that he is still telling a story. Hayden Christensen, while doing much better in this episode, was still stilted and bland. The only good thing he has going for him is his evil stare. Other than that, he is pitiful. Ewan McGregor is okay, Samuel L. Jackson is wasted in this film and Natalie Portman whines a bit too much - maybe it's because she is pregnant. The only really good performance comes from Ian McDiarmid who is successful at being very evil and Yoda - who is a puppet. There sword fight did provide a bit of humor although I don't think that was the intent.
Speaking of - one thing that is missing in this film is any humor. I realize that this is suppose to be a dark film, but come on - it's star wars. C3PO and R2D2 could have been utilized for this.
All in all, it was another disappointment, but I wasn't really expecting much after Episodes I and II. I think I will stick to the originals!