A terrific achievement

Rating: 10/10 (19 May 2005)

First off, allow me to say that i refuse to be one who unconditionally feels that a movie is brilliant because of it's subject matter and not the film itself. Yes it is true that i love star wars, it is also true that i loved episodes 1 and 2, but no matter how much i enjoyed episodes 1 and 2 i was able to see their flaws and understand why most would not like them.
Episode 3 improves upon all of which episode 2 tried so desperately to accomplish. First thing i notice was the script. It wasn't an outstanding script that deserves the Oscar, but it wasn't noticeable, where as in episode 2 the first thing i noticed was the script. Second is Mr. Christensen's acting. I felt the passion, the hate, the anger, the pain that Anikan felt. His performance, i feel was on par with that of the amazing Ian McDiarmid. The third thing i noticed right away is the tone of the film. This is something we all feel but never bother to truly notice. The tone of episode 1 is a feeling of happiness, and playfulness, while episode 2 and a slow, annoying, bland tone. Episode 3 on the other hand is one of emotion which fits the subject matter. It is dark, haunting, and moves from the initial playfulness of the script, to Anakin's bone chilling last 3 words to obi wan.
This movie i feel has captured the essence of the new trilogy. Episode 1 is apparent in the first 4 to 5 minutes of the film with some light hearted comedy that is genuinely funny and entertaining. Episode 2's romance is capture between some truly heartfelt scenes between Ani and Padme (these sometimes tend to drag). However one scene in particular is one of the saddest and most romantic, i will not tell you what but there are no words, and no direct contact, but it is the most romantic and heartfelt scene i think Anikan and Padme have ever shared. The special effects are astounding (duh) but for once the do not detract from the flow and feel of the film. I.E. i never thought to myself, "damn those are some pretty tight special effects." It was always "damn, what's going to happen next to anikan?" The climax is as i stated earlier bone chilling, and will shake you to your very core. Hard core star wars fans: Love it for it's seamless connection to the first trilogy, and the manner in which they tell and conclude this fall of a hero. Non star wars fans: Love it for it's ability to grip for 2 hours and 40 minutes better than Lord of the Rings Return of the King, and for the well done fight scenes and character development. I will not tell you that you must see this, or that this is a MUST SEE MOVIE. No movie is a must see movie. But for those who love movies, and or star wars, i highly recommend this film. You will not regret your 9.75 or whatever they charge wherever you are. This movie is fantastic, better than all the star wars and on par with Empire Strikes Back.