excellent when viewed as part of a larger story

Rating: 7/10 (30 May 2005)

******This comment contains spoilers**********
I saw this film about a week ago and it took this long to finally organize my thoughts. I have to say that I felt sad after watching episode three and only knowing that IV, V, and especially VI end on a much happier note was I able to justify the bleak ending. Taken as a whole, I am awed by Lucas' storytelling ability. There are elements in the earlier movies that are explained in the more recent episodes that only someone with at least an idea of the whole story right from the start could have managed. Yes, there are a few glitches in past movies that become obvious or irreconcilable with the newest installment like when Leia, in episode VI tells Luke that she remembers her mother being sad, and that she was beautiful. How could she? We now know that the mother died right after childbirth? But if that's all I could manage to find fault with after 6 movies, it's really pretty insignificant.
I think the actor that plays Annakin/Vader (Hayden Christiansen) has grown professionally in the newest installment. For me at least, episode II and even I were almost unwatchable but here there is real drama and Ewan McGregor also stands out as an exceptional actor. You can almost see the old Obi Wan taking shape under this actor's deft command of his craft. The scene where he's replaying the events that befell the younglings was particularly tender. His eyes tell the whole story and it's very powerful.
All in all, if you've seen any of the other Star Wars movies, you won't want to miss this one. It ties all of the previous films together and is a modern day classic of storytelling art. I loved it. However, if you've never seen any of the films, I'd suggest watching episodes IV, V, and VI first, then going on to III and if you can handle it, I and II for the story of Annikan's upbringing and the backstory of the politics and intrigue of Senator Palpatine.