ROTS was better than expected!--Not disappointed at all!

Rating: 9/10 (25 May 2005)

I feel sorry for the nay-sayers whining and crying about how the newest three Star Wars flicks don't measure up to the old ones . . . blaming it on Lucas's billions. Frankly, if I had a billion dollars I'd retire from film-making . . . but Lucas saw his films through until the end. I am personally grateful that he finished the first three (they're a lot of fun to watch), and wish he'd commit to do 7, 8, and 9 as well. I enjoy suspending reality a bit and journeying to a galaxy far, far, away . . .
I think there's a lot more scrutiny for the newest movies because cgi technology is old-hat now . . . seen in many current movies, TV shows, and gaming systems. The old star wars movies were cutting-edge at the time, which made them so spectacular. As far as the dialogue goes . . . well, its no Shakespearean Masterpiece, but I think it matches up with the other episodes--yes even the old ones--light banter, silly repeated catchphrases, attempts at childish humor. Dialogue has never been Lucas's strong point. I can be forgiving of all that as long as the actors step up and deliver some heart-felt performances, which I believe they did.
I think the lightsaber duels are a definite improvement on the old star wars shows. I prefer the martial arts style to the old fencing style. Although Episode One was not my favorite (though my kids LOVE it), the lightsaber duels were top notch-especially with Darth Maul. The storyline and some of the acting lacked a little, but the visual effects were impressive. Episode II was a great improvement in story and characters and execution and I particularly enjoyed the large-scale lightsaber battles. And now finally, in Episode III, I can tolerate and almost enjoy a few characters I had problems with in the earlier films and enjoy a better storyline, and better visual effects. The lightsaber battles are another step up. It makes you want your own lightsaber . . . and they sell some pretty realistic ones now--the FX lightsabers (currently sold-out in most places), which are well worth the high price tag.
I do think ROTS is darker and perhaps more disturbing for younger viewers, but nothing morbid or gory. It does teach great moral lessons that inspire some great family discussions--we all have choices and its the good or bad choices we make that define our character; also, succumbing to your desires and passions (pride, greed, lust for power, selfishness) may seem like they will make you happy in the moment, but the long-term they will bring you, and your loved ones and friends, pain, misery, and sadness; true happiness comes when you lose yourself (or are unselfish) in the service of others. I plan to see it again at the theaters with my family, and maybe cover my kids' eyes on a scene or two.
After the film, I felt like watching 4, 5, and 6 again . . . with the digital enhancements. And then we went back and watched 1 and 2 again.
There are very few movies . . . besides children's films . . . that I can watch over and over again and that I want to purchase for my home collection. ROTS is definitely one to buy . . .
ROTS is a fitting end to a great saga! Thanks for the ride, Lucas . . .